Article written by the Global Africa Network.
Durban Bay Waterfront development is a project being run by the City of Durban, Transnet, Ithala Development Finance Corporation Limited and KZN EDTEA due to the land being owned by these organizations.
Transnet has recently completed the Port of Durban Master Plan, which details the plans that Transnet has for the precinct. These plans require multiple phased investments with support from the city.
The Port Master Plan supports the Point Waterfront Development and of significance is the impact that the port expansion will have on the transport infrastructure along the waterfront on Margret Mncadi corridor due to the increase in cargo handling and distribution and to align with future plans for IDFC Limited.
Project description
The Durban Bay Waterfront is located between the Durban CBD in the north and Durban Bay in the south with the Sugar Terminal marking its western extremity and T-Jetty its eastern extremity. The proximity of the Bay to the dense, high rise back drop of the city makes for a very dramatic interface zone, one which visually and very powerfully confirms Durban’s key role as a port city.
The Waterfront forms part of the City’s initiative to redevelop and regenerate the inner-city, as per the Inner-City Local Area Plan and Regeneration Strategy.
The development of the waterfront could result in:
The promotion of a world-class tourism, water sport and recreation venue
The establishment of a productive, diverse, and appropriate Waterfront Development with maximum public access and involvement
The introduction of viable commercial development opportunities
The improvement of positive linkages and interactions between the Yacht Basin and the Inner City.
A report on the Durban Bay Waterfront concept framework plan and a request to mandate the City Manager to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement with Transnet / Ithala Development Finance Corporation and KZN EDTEA has been submitted for Council approval by end of March 2023.
The City is working together with Transnet, Ithala Development Finance Corporation Limited and KZN EDTEA.
Council approved the Concept Development Framework on 30 March 2023.
An MOA between the City, Transnet, IDFC and KZN EDTEA is being finalised to take the project further.
Next steps are to sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), appoint a Project Director by Steercom, determine the scope of work for pre-feasibility to be finalised once the Project Director is appointed.
The project is undertaken jointly by the City, Transnet, IDFC and KZN EDTEA and to go into partnership with a Private Developer.
Picture: Supplied