indwe magazine – Oct 2005

Durban Point Waterfront Development

If it’s true that pink is the new black, then Durban Point must be the new Sandton. Talk about flashy cars and expensive wine… the Durban Point Development is one of the fastest growing and most prestigious developments in South Africa.

Text: Marissa Hartzenberg
Images: © Copyright South African Tourism
The Durban Point Water-front, launched in 2003 on one of Durban’s most neglected and desolate, yet prime real estate sites, is rapidly taking shape and promises to become one of the most sought after property addresses.
In the past two years, as much as R1 billion has been committed to the development of infrastructure and building complexes. This excludes the R735 million for uShaka Marine World, which opened in May 2004. Upon completion the total investment at the Durban Point Waterfront will be in the region of R6 billion.
Most of the sites have mixed-use zoning and developers are being encouraged to use the ground floor for retailing, entertainment and restaurants that open out onto sidewalks and the canals.
In phase one, 25 sites (106,000 square metres of bulk), amounting to R100 million, have been sold, resulting in 14 mixed use developments of residential, office, hotel, and retail outlets which are at various stages of planning and construction.
A proposed 45,000 square metre shopping centre and a five-star hotel are under negotiation, as is uShaka Marine World Parkade, a mixed use development that in addition to 1,400 parking bays will include retail outlets, apartments and offices.
The Durban Point Development Company is planning to release a further 80,000 square metres of bulk valued at R90 million by year-end.
About 75% of the currently marketed 760 residential apartments are already sold, with the residential component selling at an average price of between R12,000 and R18,000 per square metre.
With Harbour View Heights being the first of the new high-rise developments to be completed, this October promises to be an exciting month for the Durban Point Waterfront. A portion of the Victorian row houses of Dock Point has also been completed, with residents expected to take occupation soon. The 65-apartment Quays development is due for completion in December.
Construction of the deep-water canal is underway and is expected to be complete by early 2006. To date the Durban Point Development Company has spent R68 million on infrastructure and a further R396 million is projected to the end of 2012. These costs relate to the upgrade of Point Road, the creation of the canal system, security that includes CCTV, the small craft harbour, and provision of bulk services.
The legal approvals process for the development of the small craft harbour at Vetch’s Pier is progressing well, with the final scoping report with comments from the public to be submitted to the Department of Agriculture and Environmental Affairs later this month.
As part of the guiding principles for the small craft harbour, a safe swimming and learner surfing area are proposed, as is safe snorkelling around the pier, launching for ski boat clubs and 250 moorings. A lock system connects the deep and shallow water canal system to the small craft harbour, which will allow the boats access to the canal system. Public access to the beach will be permitted along the entire sea edge.
The impetus for development of the Durban Point Waterfront came from the need to reticulate purified water from uShaka Marine World back to the sea via a canal. This led to the idea of creating a unique waterfront city in which the canals form the spine of urban redevelopment where the economic benefits of water frontage are extended throughout the area.
The overall theme of this quality urban environment is ‘African Urbanism’, with textures, colours and materials that speak of Africa, and enough variation in the design of the different apartment blocks as some retain their historical essence while others bring a new modern feel.
The Durban Point Waterfront Management Association has been set up in conjunction with private development facilitation companies to manage all public areas, including parks, the beach and coastal dunes. They will also maintain infrastructure such as roads, storm water, sewerage and lighting throughout the Point Waterfront precinct.
A key aspect is security, which is critical to rejuvenating one of Durban’s most historic urban areas and entrenching the Durban Point Waterfront as a safe and well-managed environment. To this extent a private facilities management company has been employed to ensure the environment is completely managed – from traffic flow to building security. A powerful CCTV camera system, manned from a central control room, along with on-the-ground security staff and radio contact with the South African Police Services aim to pre-empt crime.
The Durban Point Waterfront initiative is not an attempt to extend the city fabric, nor is it intended to transform the area into an extended theme park or tourist resort. Rather, it will develop as an important well defined addition to the city and become a sought after place in which to live, work and play.
The four letter word “LAPS” sums up the Durban Point Waterfront: Location, Apartments, Price and Safety.
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