#Durban Point Redevelopment

[p2bsa]

GO GO GO!!! - GREEN LIGHT FINALLY GIVEN!!!
FOR DURBAN POINT WATERFRONT SCH!!!

NDEBELE HAS CONFIRMED IT!

[Lydon]

Well, for starts, a small craft harbour for yachts and small boats, a loch-canal system linking the current canals to the sea, extention of current canals, malls, apartments, hotels (including one planned on a new pier), new beach, scuba diving zone, etc. Needless to say, if this gets the go-ahead the whole Point will take off. This is what has been delaying most of the proposed development there.

Ah awesome, congrats!

[Pule]

Great, go Durbs but I don't thinnk we should expect picks and shovels to start moving into the point now as we have also seen that some projects have been put on hold because fo the financial crisis.

[Luf]

Yay thats awsome!

Front page of the Daily News newspaper

[t-bang!]

exciting stuff!!!

[p2bsa]

Here's the DBN Point Green Light Confirmation...

below - DPW extracts from Ndebele's 2009 KZN state of the province speech... today in PMB


The Point Waterfront Development (DPW)

The favourable record of decision reached by the Department of Agriculture and Environmental Affairs for the construction of a small craft harbour at the DPW represents the culmination of a rigorous Environmental Impact Assessment process, with extensive public participation over four years. We believe the vision approved by the department will address all the objectives originally envisaged for the precinct, and will provide an iconic tourist destination for this country.

The entire development will comprise approximately 575,000 of bulk square metres, across a variety of usage types including office, residential, retail and hotels. At present about 200,000 bulk square metres of this has been sold, representing virtually the entire stock of zoned land available prior to the record of decision. We foresee it becoming a safe, clean and vibrant environment, where all citizens, irrespective of class or race, can enjoy the best which Durban has to offer. In short, we expect it to be on par with leading harbour rejuvenation projects around the world.

It is foreseen that the DPW will attract investment capital in excess of R6 billion once complete, and create 6,000 to 8,000 direct new jobs during the construction phase, with a further 6,000 permanent jobs once fully operational. This excludes the thousands of indirect jobs created as a result of an investment project of this scale. A key feature of this public or private partnership has been the leveraging of the initial public sector investment in uShaka Marine World, with private sector investment already outstripping this initial R1 billion investment. Once complete, it is anticipated the entire development will increase the rates base of eThekwini by more than R100m per annum.

This decision is consistent with, and will further drive, the provincial government's vision to position KwaZulu-Natal as one of the continent's major growth nodes.

SOURCE: http://www.info.gov.za/speeches/2009/09021817151002.htm

[Luf]

Durban waterfront gets thumbs up

It's all systems go for the final phase and R4 billion construction at Durban's Point Waterfront.

The official nod has now been given to the long-awaited environmental impact assessment and Premier Sbu Ndebele announced this in his state-of-the-province address this morning.

It means that the controversial small craft harbour will now go ahead as well as the construction of a five-star hotel and retail zone.

Johnny Vassilaros, chairman of the Durban Paddle Ski Club, said it was a sad day for Durban, after hearing the news.

"We will definitely be getting hold of the minister (environmental minister Martinus van Schalkwyk) to ask how he gave the green light for development of the public land," he said.

Vassilaros said they would be making use of the appeals period, and would be consulting their legal team.

The small craft harbour and related activities will be the anchor in the eyes of the international community, providing a link between the land and sea, Neels Brink, head of projects with the Durban Point Waterfront Company, said at a function at the waterfront in November.

Further details of the development would only be made known by the company on Thursday.

Welcoming the positive record of decision for the environmental impact assessment, deputy mayor Logie Naidoo said: "This is another milestone and it's been well worth the wait. Now we can inject dynamism into the waterfront and get all the important phases going."

In November last year, a settlement was reached between the Durban Point Development Company (DPDC) and three major water sports clubs. The water sports clubs which were to be relocated to a nearby site under the settlement are the Point Yacht Club, the Durban Ski-Boat Club and Durban Undersea Club.

The Durban Paddle Ski Club did not sign the agreement.

The first phase of the development was the city's R750m uShaka Marine World, which provided the catalyst for the second phase - the various iconic buildings developed by 15 private sector investors.

Zweli Mkhize, the MEC for Finance and Economic Development, said that the expected R4-billion of development in Phase Three would create 6 000-8 000 direct new jobs during the construction phase and 6 000 permanent jobs once finished.

http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=124&art_id=vn20090218131443104C722088

[ToxicBunny]

No offence to the Durban Paddle Ski Club, but they must give up....

[SA BOY]

Durbsbooi any pics of the harbour widening?

[water rat]

Durbsbooi any pics of the harbour widening?
http://www.pixmanimages.co.za/Aerial%20shots/Harbour%20Entrance/Durban%20Harbour%20wid%20table.htm

[SA BOY]

wow its finnished -ish at least the bulk earthworks

[Durbsboi]

http://www.pixmanimages.co.za/Aerial%20shots/Harbour%20Entrance/Durban%20Harbour%20wid%20table.htm

shot for that Ratty!

http://www.pixmanimages.co.za/Aerial%20shots/3%20Feb%202009/110%20DHEW%203%20feb%202009_355%202009-02-03%2012-04-41.jpg

http://www.pixmanimages.co.za/Aerial%20shots/3%20Feb%202009/104%20DHEW%203%20feb%202009_349%202009-02-03%2012-04-21.jpg

http://www.pixmanimages.co.za/Aerial%20shots/3%20Feb%202009/33%20DHEW%203%20feb%202009_277%202009-02-03%2011-39-38.jpg

http://www.pixmanimages.co.za/Aerial%20shots/3%20Feb%202009/35%20DHEW%203%20feb%202009_279%202009-02-03%2011-39-42.jpg

http://www.pixmanimages.co.za/Aerial%20shots/3%20Feb%202009/43%20DHEW%203%20feb%202009_287%202009-02-03%2011-52-42.jpg

http://www.pixmanimages.co.za/Aerial%20shots/3%20Feb%202009/4%20DHEW%203%20feb%202009_248%202009-02-03%2011-37-50.jpg

http://www.pixmanimages.co.za/Aerial%20shots/3%20Feb%202009/12%20DHEW%203%20feb%202009_256%202009-02-03%2011-38-15.jpg

& as always, credit to www.pixmanimages.co.za for the awesome pic's

[Durbsboi]

November 2007
http://www.pixmanimages.co.za/Aerial%20shots/Harbour%20Entrance/img/DHEW%202007-11-02_084.jpg

Febuary 2009
http://www.pixmanimages.co.za/Aerial%20shots/3%20Feb%202009/43%20DHEW%203%20feb%202009_287%202009-02-03%2011-52-42.jpg

[ToxicBunny]

I hope one of these days well be allowed back onto the pier.... I miss being able to walk that far out and watch the ships come in.

[romanSA]

Those pics are fantastic and the progress has been just amazing.

[water rat]

I hope one of these days well be allowed back onto the pier.... I miss being able to walk that far out and watch the ships come in.

agree totally. another spot that needs to be opened to the public is the old Bluff viewpoint. When i was a kid my Dad used to take us up there for a treat......Portnet still allow people into the control tower ( under strict circumsatances ) where the view over Durban is fantastic. The sooner the military vacates the bluff the better - for the developers out there this spot has awesome potential ....

[Durbsboi]

i got some mates in the NPA but when ever they come Im always busy :bash:

[Inertia]

Great stuff.. Can we get some before and after comparisons?

EDIT: Look before post, looks before post... :) -thanks for the comparison

[EduardSA]

Can someone repost the renders? Thank you :)

[romanSA]

You can see some of the 'before' pics here (in the Durban harbour thread). The long pier on the North side of the harbour is now totally demolished. The little growing pier is now the new pier you see. As you'll see, a tremondous amount of earth has been removed (more than 100m of it):

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=204313&page=12

[Inertia]

Thanks Roman, a huge amount of work has been done, especially with the actual buildings at the point.. Now what more will be done with regards to the approval of the EIA at the point??

[romanSA]

Developers will have to wait for appeals phase to end before doing anything. Developers have said that if everything goes according goes well, they hope to break ground by year-end. See Small Craft Harbour thread:

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=505388&page=21

[p2bsa]

I decided to crosspost this here from the Point SCH thread... as it applies and i don't have to have any of my rants

Small craft harbour announcement 'makes mockery EIA'

Point disclosure 'out of line'
February 19, 2009 Edition 1

Tony Carnie

PREMIER S'bu Ndebele has been accused of making a mockery of the country's environmental impact assessment laws by taking it upon himself to announce approval of the controversial Durban Point small-craft harbour development yesterday.

The criticism was levelled by senior Durban environmental law expert Jeremy Ridl, who said it was "outrageous" that the province's most senior politician should make an announcement on an issue outside his direct area of responsibility, undermining trust in the independence and integrity of an environmental impact assessment process.

It emerged last night that a written record of decision was, in fact, signed off by the provincial agriculture and environmental affairs department last week - yet the decision was kept confidential until noon yesterday to enable Ndebele to make the announcement during his state-of-the-province address in Pietermaritzburg.

Ridl, a former professor of environmental law at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, said Ndebele's announcement was tantamount to circulating a high court judgment in parliament, before the verdict had been delivered by the presiding judge.

"This is exactly why judges deliver their judgments in open court, so that justice can be seen to be done. Judges don't send draft versions of their judgments to the state president or the justice minister the day before delivery - and exactly the same principles should apply here.

"For the premier to make an announcement before there has been full disclosure from the agriculture and environmental affairs department to the many interested parties in this matter, can only be seen as grossly unfair and a serious challenge to the integrity of the environmental impact assessment process."

Ridl said Ndebele had jumped the gun and displayed a lack of respect towards a long list of parties who had been closely involved in the environmental impact assessment process for several years.

"How can we now possibly trust any subsequent decisions made in the appeal process by the agriculture and environmental affairs MEC, given the strong support voiced in parliament on this issue by his political master, the premier?"

Ridl emphasised that while Ndebele had not acted unlawfully by making the announcement, his conduct was nevertheless "grossly indiscreet".

Senior Cape Town environmental attorney Cormac Cullinan agreed that Ndebele had not acted unlawfully, but said: "This is clearly not the procedure which is followed normally during an environmental impact assessment, and the fact that the premier has made an announcement before the public had been notified by the department tends to suggest that there has been an unusually high degree of political monitoring of this project."

Responding last night, Ndebele's spokesman, Logan Maistry, said: "There was nothing sinister or illegal about the premier's announcement. It was just that he was very excited about the implications this project has for economic growth. I think the question we need to ask is whether any law has been violated by the premier. Clearly, there has been no violation of the laws."

Maistry also argued that environmental affairs MEC Mtholephi Mthimkhulu reported ultimately to the premier as chairman of the provincial government executive committee. Asked whether he was suggesting that Mthimkhulu or his officials should serve as rubber stamps in endorsing political decisions, Maistry said: "No, not at all. What I'm saying is that all the premier did was to communicate this decision because it was such a major announcement."

While the decision to authorise the development has been welcomed by senior members of the eThekwini Municipality, the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Tourism KwaZulu-Natal and senior figures in the property industry, the approval of the small craft harbour project is likely to spark off a fresh round of legal appeals by opponents of the project.

Johnny Vassilaros, chairman of the Durban Paddle Ski Club, said last night he would have to study the record of decision before deciding what legal avenues to pursue.

The environmental impact assessment approval process is one of the longest on record, having started in October 2003, and there are concerns in some quarters about the possibility of political interference in the environmental affairs department's standard decision-making processes.

Adding to these yesterday was the disclosure that the final approval was given by acting head of department Siddiq Adam, rather than Sarah Allan, the departmental head delegated to make these decisions.

That 'A' hole of a journalist Carnie has always been biased and against the DBN Point dev... ask Neels Brink...
it has always been reflected in all his stories, he as always written negative stories about the Point plan

anyway, the mercury is meant to be a business paper and that's the angle they take on the whole development? -
surely it should have been a pro business and development angle because I understand that DPDC DID put out a statement with more details...

love Mike Sut or hate him - but I understand more now why he hates the local media... becuase they never support anything and don't seem to have some civic duty to promote the city...

this is the biggest single development project in the Durban CBD - and this milestone Green Light - has be written off with some technical issue over who announced the decision...

I am not saying this was not a story - but the real story here was that after more than 4 years of EIA issues one of the most groundbreaking developments in Durban's history has finally got EIA approval... and what it means for the city from a business, property and tourism perspective...

my jaw dropped when I saw that story on the front page of the mercury -
SA media do a great job on many levels but it is still controlled by old white people who live in the past 9esp in DBN) ... and before I get grilled for my statement ... this 'announcement story' is proof... poor Ndebele... but there was no outcry when the KSIA EIA ROD was announced by van schalkwyk ...

for me today was going to be one of the best landmark celebration days in Durb's - but it has really been dampened by what I read on the front page (nogal) of the mercury...

anyway - enough rant - I will try to get my positive marts in the media to send me the statement sent out by DPDC on this ...

AND, there is no doubt - I, like toxicbunny luf pule dysan and others - who know that there certainly are many more thousands of Durbanites that support this development rather than against it!

[water rat]

[QUOTE=p2bsa;32634650]I decided to crosspost this here from the Point SCH thread... as it applies and i don't have to have any of my rants



[SIZE="3"][B]That 'A' hole of a journalist Carnie has always been biased and against the DBN Point dev... ask Neels Brink...

dood you are getting boring - if you take the time to read stuff that you comment on, read it comprehensively. when you so you will see that it only the small craft harbor issue that Carnie reports one from an environmental persepective. .....

[dysan1]

Some more views of the new phases of the point to come...now that approval is in place

http://www.iyer.co.za/Images/ProjectImages/Waterfront/Point-Small-Craft%20Harbour/huge/3.png

http://www.iyer.co.za/Images/ProjectImages/Waterfront/Point-Small-Craft%20Harbour/huge/4.png

http://www.iyer.co.za/Images/ProjectImages/Waterfront/Point-Small-Craft%20Harbour/huge/5.png

http://www.iyer.co.za/Images/ProjectImages/Waterfront/Point-Small-Craft%20Harbour/huge/6.png

http://www.iyer.co.za/Images/ProjectImages/Waterfront/Point-Small-Craft%20Harbour/huge/7.png

http://www.iyer.co.za/Images/ProjectImages/Waterfront/Point-Small-Craft%20Harbour/huge/8.png

[Durbsboi]

:drool:

[Luf]

This is unbelivable.

START BUILDING PLEASE!!

[ToxicBunny]

Some real concrete timelines woud be better than renders...

But yeah, that is starting to look v good.

[dysan1]

^^ agreed but i would see that coming when they announce the new releases which is aimed for 3rd/4th quarter this year as per recent announcements

[romanSA]

Absolutely stunning. You're the man, Mike. Thanks for posting!

[Gulivar]

OMG! :applause:

[romanSA]

For those of you who have taken notice, the old historic building at the corner of Mahatma Gandhi Rd and Southhamton St (the road you drive down when you exit Ushaka's parking lot) has been *beautifully* restored. This building used to house the municipal fire station and police station. In fact, the original city council coat of arms has been retained and faithfully restored, thankfully.

Now for the good news. A new restaurant, Ciao Bella Cafe, has opened in the building. I ate there on Wednesday and the atmosphere and food was fantastic. The young owner, Hudson, is super friendly and has great plans for the restaurant (possibly expanding to the courtyard at the back). I highly recommend it and urge people to support it. They make a killer cocktail health juice and their carot cake was to die for (drool!).


Here's some pics...

Before the restoration (notice the mayor's Merc at the robot in the first pic!)

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/DiwaliB010a.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/DiwaliB003a.jpg

After...

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG00081-20090401-1437.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG00082-20090401-1437-1.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG00079-20090401-1436.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG00080-20090401-1437.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG00078-20090401-1435.jpg

Now for the restaurant itself...

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG00074-20090401-1323.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG00072-20090401-1319.jpg

View from the restaurant inside of the historic Ports Authority Building.

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG00077-20090401-1329.jpg


In short, I highly recommend it.

[Lydon]

Oh wow! Excellent restoration!

[Kwame]

I always love to see historic buildings brought back to their former glory! :)

[HigerBigger]

For those of you who have taken notice, the old historic building at the corner of Mahatma Gandhi Rd and Southhamton St (the road you drive down when you exit Ushaka's parking lot) has been *beautifully* restored. This building used to house the municipal fire station and police station. In fact, the original city council coat of arms has been retained and faithfully restored, thankfully.

Now for the good news. A new restaurant, Ciao Bella Cafe, has opened in the building. I ate there on Wednesday and the atmosphere and food was fantastic. The young owner, Hudson, is super friendly and has great plans for the restaurant (possibly expanding to the courtyard at the back). I highly recommend it and urge people to support it. They make a killer cocktail health juice and their carot cake was to die for (drool!).


Here's some pics...

Before the restoration (notice the mayor's Merc at the robot in the first pic!)

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/DiwaliB010a.jpg


In Johannesburg we will call the Mayor's car not a Merc but a Lexus!

[Gulivar]

That's a gorgeous restore!

[Pule]

Thanks Roman, now that's a refreshing upgrade. Is there any other work taking place at the Point?

[Durbsboi]

Awesome stuff Jerome. Will try and make my way down there some time. Is it a proper restaurant or just like a coffee shop/ snack place/ Deli?

[Luf]

AH that is awsome! cant wait till i am down in that area again!

[Durbsboi]

In Johannesburg we will call the Mayor's car not a Merc but a Lexus!

Where's Obed wondering now, lol

Lexus should sponsor the fleet with the new hybrids

LS600h for the Mayor and GS450h for the deputy :cheers:

[ToxicBunny]

Thats an awesome restore... I was in the area not so long ago and honestly i didn't even notice...

[Luf]

Thats an awesome restore... I was in the area not so long ago and honestly i didn't even notice...

Its amazing yeah.

@Romansa, as you live in the area, has anything else new happened? How is that new club, Fetish bar? If possible, could you take some pictures of it for us?

[QuicksilverSA]

Its amazing yeah.

@Romansa, as you live in the area, has anything else new happened? How is that new club, Fetish bar? If possible, could you take some pictures of it for us?

^^
^^
^^
Hey guys - what's happening above and your comments are great

BUT - Here's the real breaking news!!!!


THE HOTTEST STORY / PRIVATE HOTEL DEVELOPMENT ON THE DURBAN POINT YET IS SET TO BREAK ON MONDAY!!!:banana:

Teasers:

* Tallest hotel in Durban central for decades
* R500 million
* 315 rooms
* Public launch last night at the Point and Investors launch at Imbizo Conference Centre @ Sibaya tonight
* Planned for the San Rafael (sp?) site

- sorry guys that all I'm willing to reveal.

[ToxicBunny]

I will cross post this from my post in the Durban Discussion thread...

Given whats happening in that area atm, I will only believe this once I see the structure actually rising..

and If the public launch was last night, then why aren't you giving us all the details.. its not top-secret anymore?

[Luf]

I will cross post this from my post in the Durban Discussion thread...

Given whats happening in that area atm, I will only believe this once I see the structure actually rising..

and If the public launch was last night, then why aren't you giving us all the details.. its not top-secret anymore?

agree mate, i will believe it when i see a crew on site.

[QuicksilverSA]

I will cross post this from my post in the Durban Discussion thread...

Given whats happening in that area atm, I will only believe this once I see the structure actually rising..

and If the public launch was last night, then why aren't you giving us all the details.. its not top-secret anymore?

Sorry, it was a Media Launch - and agreed - while it looked impressive - I too will be more convinced when it actually starts rising from the ground!

* Three Cities will be the hotel's operators.

[dysan1]

For those of you who have taken notice, the old historic building at the corner of Mahatma Gandhi Rd and Southhamton St (the road you drive down when you exit Ushaka's parking lot) has been *beautifully* restored. This building used to house the municipal fire station and police station. In fact, the original city council coat of arms has been retained and faithfully restored, thankfully.

Now for the good news. A new restaurant, Ciao Bella Cafe, has opened in the building. I ate there on Wednesday and the atmosphere and food was fantastic. The young owner, Hudson, is super friendly and has great plans for the restaurant (possibly expanding to the courtyard at the back). I highly recommend it and urge people to support it. They make a killer cocktail health juice and their carot cake was to die for (drool!).


Here's some pics...

Before the restoration (notice the mayor's Merc at the robot in the first pic!)

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/DiwaliB010a.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/DiwaliB003a.jpg

After...

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG00081-20090401-1437.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG00082-20090401-1437-1.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG00079-20090401-1436.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG00080-20090401-1437.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG00078-20090401-1435.jpg

Now for the restaurant itself...

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG00074-20090401-1323.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG00072-20090401-1319.jpg

View from the restaurant inside of the historic Ports Authority Building.

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG00077-20090401-1329.jpg


In short, I highly recommend it.


WOW that is a truely fantastic restoration and is exactly the reason why i am so excited about this area. Yes there will be some stunning new glass towers and buildings, but these old buildings that are being brought back from the brink are what will truely make the area super special. You just have to look at the rejuvenated Vic Bar, or some of the other gutted and restored 1900 buildings along the road to see the special charm they all hold. It would be fantastic if they could put plaques outside all these buildings to let you know what they originally were built for, and a little bit about their history.

Gotta go down there!

[dysan1]

^^
^^
^^
Hey guys - what's happening above and your comments are great

BUT - Here's the real breaking news!!!!


THE HOTTEST STORY / PRIVATE HOTEL DEVELOPMENT ON THE DURBAN POINT YET IS SET TO BREAK ON MONDAY!!!:banana:

Teasers:

* Tallest hotel in Durban central for decades
* R500 million
* 315 rooms
* Public launch last night at the Point and Investors launch at Imbizo Conference Centre @ Sibaya tonight
* Planned for the San Rafael (sp?) site

- sorry guys that all I'm willing to reveal.

Ok we need to see this now...finally i am getting excited about the point again! I am restraining myself though because of the let downs we have had before

[ToxicBunny]

I'm going to throw a bit of a spanner in the LangaSun thing.... something about that domain is not right.....


Whois Server Version 2.1 at whois.tmagnic.net

Database contains ONLY .COM, .NET, .TV, .CC domains.

Owner Contact:

Mark Dyer Web & Graphic Design
13 Kingswood Estate 155 Inanda Road Waterfall
Durban, 3610, ZA

Punycode Name: langasun.com
Unicode Name: langasun.com

Admin Contact
Mark Dyer
Mark Dyer Web & Graphic Design
@mweb.co.za
13 Kingswood Estate 155 Inanda Road Waterfall
Durban, 3610, ZA
phone:

Technical Contact
Domain Administrator
Hetzner Pty Ltd
dns-admin@hetzner.co.za
PO Box 3450
Durbanville, 7551, ZA
phone: +27.219702000

Zone Contact
Domain Administrator
Hetzner Pty Ltd
dns-admin@hetzner.co.za
PO Box 3450
Durbanville, 7551, ZA
phone: +27.219702000




Although digging through the other hotels that Three Cities "run"... they don't seem to own any of the websites they run... v v strange... I would love to meet their IT Manager cos he is clearly a doos...

[dysan1]

Guys i found this article about the building RomanSA took pics of...bit of history to it

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG00079-20090401-1436.jpg

Prison Break

1 Jan. 2009


`Let the building do the talking` say proud owners, and if buildings could speak, this one would surely have spellbinding stories to tell. Recently restored, this listed Point Road heirloom, built around 1903, used to house both the municipal police and fire stations.
The building at 168-170 Point Road sports an old Durban municipal emblem, curfew bell, fireman`s escape, sloping floors and metal tracks that allowed the fire engines a quick exit. It also has holding cells, and it`s rumoured that, besides the usual `guests`, the who`s who in these cells included Mahatma Gandhi, who spent a night there, not behind bars, but because he needed a place to sleep.

History didn`t stop when the building`s municipal functions ceased. It was bought by the current owners, Maingate Buildings, in the `70s, and used as office and retail space until the degeneration of the Point eroded business in the area and the building itself. The value in maintaining it became debatable, balconies and shop fronts were boarded up for security, and the legends within - as well as its intrinsic beauty - were gradually hidden from the public eye.

Until last year. That`s when Maingate decided that restoration - pulling it right back to the original - was in order.

Builder and site project manager Rod van Zyl says: `It took two months with the roof off (it was entirely rotten) just to air and dry out the building - floors and walls were wet and spongy - but we were very amused to find that the architect`s plans for what we wanted to do already existed; they`d been drawn up and approved around 1903.`
Taking the building back to its roots proved a fascinating process, as each layer lifted revealed something new. Registered Heritage architect Berhard Huizinga of Huizinga Architects says: `Verandas had been blocked off, floors covered in concrete screed. We found the upstairs balconies had originally been decorated with lovely French tiles and we managed to replace them with the identical ones, in the same pattern, made by the same manufacturer in France!`

The large, gracious windows and doors were rotten and the mouldings had disintegrated, but Red who`s also an expert joiner, crafted identical pieces.

Under Eerhard`s guidance, the constraints set by AMAFA (Heritage KZN), as well as modern office requirements were accommodated. Now this 1 000m² site with 648m² of lectable space is split between upstairs offices and downstairs retail and office space. And it`s looking good. So good, in fact, that there have been a few accidents on the road outside, with drivers gawking at the building.

`We`re so pleased we`ve kept the old building, and are glad to be part of the whole regeneration of the Point, and Durban. The emblem on the top shows a link to Durban Municipality, and we`re delighted to have kept that connection. We feel it`s very good for the city. We need all these stories - our building has many - and we`re very positive about the regeneration of this area,` says Leigh Dougall of Maingate Buildings.



The Property Magazine (KZN)

[dysan1]

I'm going to throw a bit of a spanner in the LangaSun thing.... something about that domain is not right.....





Although digging through the other hotels that Three Cities "run"... they don't seem to own any of the websites they run... v v strange... I would love to meet their IT Manager cos he is clearly a doos...

lol you alot more into that technical stuff than us hey mate!

[ToxicBunny]

dysan : Well I am an ex IT Manager/Infrastructure Manager for a few web companies.. and I now work in prob the best IT company in SA... so yeah... the Technical side of things is my baby through and through... :)

[p2bsa]

Ok we need to see this now...finally i am getting excited about the point again! I am restraining myself though because of the let downs we have had before

^^^

GREAT NEWS INDEED...

BUT THIS HAS COME OUT OF NOWHERE... AND NOT MANY PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT IT... NOT MANY PEOPLE EVEN IN THE TOURISM INDUSTRY... NOT HERE AT TKZN AND I EVEN SPOKE TO MY MATES AT DURBAN TOURISM AND THE CITY - NO ONE KNOWS ABOUT IT!

I await to hear more info Quick - you did not tell or give me the heads up about this about this...
Anyway I agreed with most of your sentiments - only when this starts construction will I be a believer, especially in the current economic environment...
[/B]

[Mo Rush]

Renders now!

[romanSA]

Thanks Roman, now that's a refreshing upgrade. Is there any other work taking place at the Point?

Hi Pule. Yes, there are other construction / restoration projects taking place at the Point. The historic red and white building below was recently totally gutted and is being currently redeveloped. Only the front fascade now remains. Am curious to find out what they are building there. Let's not forget the Stevedores development, where work is still ongoing to convert half the historic building into offices / retail.

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/Dec1-144.jpg

[romanSA]

Awesome stuff Jerome. Will try and make my way down there some time. Is it a proper restaurant or just like a coffee shop/ snack place/ Deli?

I would classify it halfway between a restaurant and a deli. You can have a full meal (I had a fantastic pasta). Closes late afternoon so don't head there in the evening.

[Luf]

^^ WOW that looks AMAZING, i cant believe it!

Mate, any new shops or cafes (apart from the one in the photos above) or even a super market? What about offices?

cant get over how nice that looks!

[romanSA]

Thanks Roman, now that's a refreshing upgrade. Is there any other work taking place at the Point?

Forgot to mention that the Harbour Dredging Building has been beautifully painted. Will post pics of that in time.

[romanSA]

Its amazing yeah.

@Romansa, as you live in the area, has anything else new happened? How is that new club, Fetish bar? If possible, could you take some pictures of it for us?

Your wish is my command...

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_0491.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_0492.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_0487.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_0488.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_0480.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_0481.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_0482.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_0483.jpg

As you can see, the decor is modern and stunning. However, what the place currently lacks is sufficient people and atmosphere. With virtually zero advertising, hardly anyone knows about it, which is a pity.

I spoke to the owner and he said that he is being held back by an inability to provide light meals (it's currently just a lounge / bar). If you want anything to snack, even something light, you will have to go elsewhere. Entry fee was R50 last time I visited. Let's hope it gets its act together. It has great potential, opening out onto the canal and the Quays.

[romanSA]

Guys i found this article about the building RomanSA took pics of...bit of history to it

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG00079-20090401-1436.jpg

Prison Break

1 Jan. 2009


`Let the building do the talking` say proud owners, and if buildings could speak, this one would surely have spellbinding stories to tell. Recently restored, this listed Point Road heirloom, built around 1903, used to house both the municipal police and fire stations.
The building at 168-170 Point Road sports an old Durban municipal emblem, curfew bell, fireman`s escape, sloping floors and metal tracks that allowed the fire engines a quick exit. It also has holding cells, and it`s rumoured that, besides the usual `guests`, the who`s who in these cells included Mahatma Gandhi, who spent a night there, not behind bars, but because he needed a place to sleep.

History didn`t stop when the building`s municipal functions ceased. It was bought by the current owners, Maingate Buildings, in the `70s, and used as office and retail space until the degeneration of the Point eroded business in the area and the building itself. The value in maintaining it became debatable, balconies and shop fronts were boarded up for security, and the legends within - as well as its intrinsic beauty - were gradually hidden from the public eye.

Until last year. That`s when Maingate decided that restoration - pulling it right back to the original - was in order.

Builder and site project manager Rod van Zyl says: `It took two months with the roof off (it was entirely rotten) just to air and dry out the building - floors and walls were wet and spongy - but we were very amused to find that the architect`s plans for what we wanted to do already existed; they`d been drawn up and approved around 1903.`
Taking the building back to its roots proved a fascinating process, as each layer lifted revealed something new. Registered Heritage architect Berhard Huizinga of Huizinga Architects says: `Verandas had been blocked off, floors covered in concrete screed. We found the upstairs balconies had originally been decorated with lovely French tiles and we managed to replace them with the identical ones, in the same pattern, made by the same manufacturer in France!`

The large, gracious windows and doors were rotten and the mouldings had disintegrated, but Red who`s also an expert joiner, crafted identical pieces.

Under Eerhard`s guidance, the constraints set by AMAFA (Heritage KZN), as well as modern office requirements were accommodated. Now this 1 000m² site with 648m² of lectable space is split between upstairs offices and downstairs retail and office space. And it`s looking good. So good, in fact, that there have been a few accidents on the road outside, with drivers gawking at the building.

`We`re so pleased we`ve kept the old building, and are glad to be part of the whole regeneration of the Point, and Durban. The emblem on the top shows a link to Durban Municipality, and we`re delighted to have kept that connection. We feel it`s very good for the city. We need all these stories - our building has many - and we`re very positive about the regeneration of this area,` says Leigh Dougall of Maingate Buildings.



The Property Magazine (KZN)

Great find. The back part of the building (which housed the jail cells) is yet to be restored. Methinks it has fantastic potential, especially given its historic significance. The left hand side of the building was the fire station, the right had side (where the restaurant is now housed), was the municipal jail. The demarcation is clear in the pic above.

[Luf]

ah thanks mate, thats great.

Looks really cool, a big investment, i am sure it will attract the masses when he starts a big advertisment drive.

[romanSA]

ah thanks mate, thats great.

Looks really cool, a big investment, i am sure it will attract the masses when he starts a big advertisment drive.


Let's hope so. The owner seems content to let word of mouth power attendance. Obviously, that strategy can only achieve so much.

[Pule]

Roman, thanks so much for the updates. I'm glad to see that things are steaming up as the last time I was there there was very minimal movement. I would love to see the point being one of the areas in Durbs were 2010 Soccer fans will be lured.

[Pule]

Hi Pule. Yes, there are other construction / restoration projects taking place at the Point. The historic red and white building below was recently totally gutted and is being currently redeveloped. Only the front fascade now remains. Am curious to find out what they are building there. Let's not forget the Stevedores development, where work is still ongoing to convert half the historic building into offices / retail.

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/Dec1-144.jpg

Those are nice buildings, it would be nice to see Art Gallery, flowers shop, toy store, small bar etc occupying them.

[Durbsboi]

Quick, P2bSA get those renders!!!!

[Luf]

^^ haha yeah we are all waiting for them!

[dysan1]

Great find. The back part of the building (which housed the jail cells) is yet to be restored. Methinks it has fantastic potential, especially given its historic significance. The left hand side of the building was the fire station, the right had side (where the restaurant is now housed), was the municipal jail. The demarcation is clear in the pic above.

tried to go here yesterday for lunch or breaki, but they were closed..so went to Java Cafe around the corner instead

[dysan1]

^^ haha yeah we are all waiting for them!

yes we are...from the paper it looks rather similar to San Raphael, but a little bit sleeker with less things sticking out in wierd places...but need to see more angles of renders

[romanSA]

Hopefully one of our journalist buddies can post the full Mercury article (and supplementary article on Smugglers Inn), as well as renders (even if only just the one that appeared in Mercury). This seems to be a BEE initiative. From what I can recall, it's 315 rooms, 32 floors, 4-5 stars. Three Cities hasn't signed anything but they are the preferred operator. Proposed start time is Oct '09 with completion within 24 months.

[p2bsa]

Hopefully one of our journalist buddies can post the full Mercury article (and supplementary article on Smugglers Inn), as well as renders (even if only just the one that appeared in Mercury). This seems to be a BEE initiative. From what I can recall, it's 315 rooms, 32 floors, 4-5 stars. Three Cities hasn't signed anything but they are the preferred operator. Proposed start time is Oct '09 with completion within 24 months.

howzit guys... yes similar to SF's design...
here's the renders e-mailed to me from Quicksilver...

http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k59/DURBAN2010/DBNLangaSunHotel2.jpg

front ushaka view
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k59/DURBAN2010/DBNLangaSunHotel1.jpg

back DBN harbour view
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k59/DURBAN2010/DBNLangaSunHotel4.jpg
he'll post the story tomorrow...

[Luf]

cant see them mate?

[romanSA]

Check out Durban thread for renders. DB kindly reposted.

[p2bsa]

cant see them mate?

Here they are... I'm not sure what happened there with the pics but think is was when I try to make huge pics tiny...

Side view
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k59/DURBAN2010/LangaSunHotelDBN2.jpg

Front view overlooking Ushaka and Beach Front
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k59/DURBAN2010/LangaSunHotelDBN1.jpg

View overlooking the DBN Harbour
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k59/DURBAN2010/LangaSunHotelDBN4.jpg

[Luf]

Thanks mate. I LOVE IT, but i think the end result will look better.

When are they breaking ground, tommorow? AHHH I just want construction to begin, no delays, excuses and crap like Shakas gate, Heritage Square etc!

[Pule]

I think the approval of SCH played a role here and we might see more coming on board, personally I would like to see Shaka's Gate being a reality.

[romanSA]

I like that it looks different from all angles.

[Diggerdog]

Just ADVERTISE that bar - never mind the meals - if people know about it, they will flock there.

Even if they have a few 'rent a crowd' nights, or theme nights, or a charity event - if some of you guys are in the area, suggest these things to the owners...

It is a TanFastic looking bar - would be a huge shame if it went under just before the point took off...

There is also the Ushaka connection - thousands of possible customers - lunch time specials (half price cocktails, champagne).
Maybe speak to Ushaka, get a free drink or two if you show your pass etc...

[Durbsboi]

I like that it looks different from all angles.

Yip I think its the best feature.

[dysan1]

Just ADVERTISE that bar - never mind the meals - if people know about it, they will flock there.

Even if they have a few 'rent a crowd' nights, or theme nights, or a charity event - if some of you guys are in the area, suggest these things to the owners...

It is a TanFastic looking bar - would be a huge shame if it went under just before the point took off...

There is also the Ushaka connection - thousands of possible customers - lunch time specials (half price cocktails, champagne).
Maybe speak to Ushaka, get a free drink or two if you show your pass etc...

i agree!! It looks fantastic

[romanSA]

More good news. I almost crashed my car yesterday (literally!) from shock (no, that's not the good news) after seeing a new restuarant had opened at the corner of Browns and Gandhi Roads (for the record, that's the good news. LOL!), right opposite the proposed Heritage Square. Looks like Moyos has some competition as this one is an African themed restaurant too. I drove past it three times in 2 minutes to confirm I wasn't mistaken as I wasn't even aware a restaurant was opening in that building and I drive past it often. When I looked closely, I noticed the exterior had been painted with Afro motifs so I either must have been blind these past weeks or it was very recently painted. It was quite buzzy so I'm not sure if last night was the grand launch. There seemed to have been live entertainment of some sort. Hopefully this will be an ongoing feature. More importantly, hopefully this will spurn the developers of Heritage Square into action (let's not hold our breaths on that count, though).

On the adjacent property to the immediate left of this restaurant (facing it), the back is undergoing refurbishment. Looks like something may be happenning there. It's a nice courtyard with lots of potential so let's hope so.

[Luf]

ah that sounds so nice. The Point is finally happening and i am so happy.

Romansa, does it look like there are more people around these days (ie: are there more flats/houses occupied?)

keep us updated mate, and when you have the time, please take some snaps of the new African spot.

[Pule]

If the new ones become a success then Jerome must never drive around the Point but rather walk as more restaurants, coffee shops are gonna come on board. The beachfront upgrade, the newly proposed tower and the SCH's EIA report will definately make sure that the Point will be the area to invest in and by June 2010 tourists will be filling up streets of the Point and the core CBD. Luf my friend, our wishes for the Point and Durbs as a whole will come true.

[ToxicBunny]

Its unfortunately still a bit of ghost town.... but I think it slowly filling up....

[water rat]

http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dctx35ts_0d4n9w5f8Great to see over 60 boats on the beach over the weekend. But boy does
it make my blood boil to see what Sutcliffe's jackbooted stooges have
done to the beach!

Despite the fact that the PYC has signed the MOA , Sutcliffe's staff
saw fit to place a huge plastic pipe right in front of the club, 2
days prior to hosting the Easter Regatta. If this is how the man
treats people who try and co operate with him then he lacks both
manners, credibility and certainly vision. It seems that all Sutcliffe
and co want on our beachfront are people sitting on their rumps in
cafes and bars; not active sportsmen having fun!

Sutcliffe's public image, as the man whose every move is designed to
piss off every rate paying citizen, has been further enhanced by this
move. The City's reputation is even further tarnished by the fact that
participants in this regatta hale from Botswana,Cape Town and Gauteng.
When they heard what is going down at Vetch's beach they were shocked.
One Cape based sailor said that the difference between our
Municipalities is that Cape Town wants to encourage active
participation in sport whereas all Durban has to offer is Gateway! How
sad is that!?

Shame on your Dr S! I honestly did not think that you could stoop this
this level of iniquity....

[water rat]

http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dctx35ts_0d4n9w5f8

[romanSA]

I saw that pipe yesterday and was wondering what the heck that was. Does anyone know its purpose? Is it for sand-pumping?

I also noticed that the fence around the deep-water canal has been completely removed, almost in anticipation of some work there. There was also a large Catterpillar parked off.

[Luf]

Luf my friend, our wishes for the Point and Durbs as a whole will come true.

Mate, it is so very exciting! The Point is one of the top three most awsome developments for me in SA!

That pipe on the beachfront is very very weird Ratty, but i am sure it has a purpose. Dont think Sutty and his boys would just put it out there it piss you guys off.

[dysan1]

again your blame goes to straight to sutcliffe. I hate having to repeat myself, as i dont particularly like the guy either, but why is this pipe his fault? it could be transnet related? even if it is a city function, sutcliffe does not control as these factions. People's arguments become stale when then start to blame everything on one person instead of actually using their brain to find the real reason for the thing they are complaining about...

my guess, looking at that picture (and how damn close you are sitting to the construction), is that the pipe is to do with the harbour pier expansion and that falls under transnet, not sutcliffe

[water rat]

again your blame goes to straight to sutcliffe. I hate having to repeat myself, as i dont particularly like the guy either, but why is this pipe his fault? it could be transnet related? even if it is a city function, sutcliffe does not control as these factions. People's arguments become stale when then start to blame everything on one person instead of actually using their brain to find the real reason for the thing they are complaining about...

my guess, looking at that picture (and how damn close you are sitting to the construction), is that the pipe is to do with the harbour pier expansion and that falls under transnet, not sutcliffe

the pipe is for the sand pumping scheme. as you know uShaka beach is disappearing fast and something has to be done. Sure Sutcliffe knows about it ....... and by the way a kid was nearly killed on saturday .....

[Luf]

the pipe is for the sand pumping scheme. as you know uShaka beach is disappearing fast and something has to be done. Sure Sutcliffe knows about it ....... and by the way a kid was nearly killed on saturday .....

killed because of the pipe? how?

[water rat]

killed because of the pipe? how?

NEARLY killed .......the morons who placed the pipe didnt take the tide into account. at high tide the pipe floats when a big wave washes in and lifts the pipe off the sand. The kid ( despite numerous warnings for parents to keep the kids away ) slipped under the pipe when a wave came in and he was trapped.

the sad thing is that the Hobie Nationals is a big event with participants from as far as Botswana entering. A number of past world champions participated too. South Africa is known as 'Hobie Paridise' and when SA sailors travel overseas they try desperately to get onto the calendar to host future events. Guess what the pipe has done to Durban's chances.......

The Cape contingent were very happy with the warm water, good regatta organization and nice weather ( except friday pm ) but werent so complimentary about Durban....... where in the world does a municipality screw up a beach 2 days before an event that has been planned for months? In 2 weeks time the ski boat club hosts a huge fishing festival. There will be a lot more people and a lot more boats .......lets hope that the Municipality doesnt try and screw this one up too......maybe its time for the clubs who have been co operating with Sutcliffe to have a rethink.......

[Luf]

^^ eish yeah that was incredibly stupid - poor kid damn.

I understand what you saying and its complete bull. to ruin a great event that would give durban great publicity.

Any way, was it a success non-the-less and did alot of the public come watch the event? If you have some photos, please put them up mate.

[water rat]

Zuma and Khumalo rift revealed

Beef began over Durban development contract bid
April 19, 2009

By Wiseman Khuzwayo

The divide between Jacob Zuma and businessman Mzi Khumalo, who is implicated in the tapes that show his involvement in discussions about the timing of the reinstatement of the charges against the country's presidential hopeful, began in Durban over competing bids for a major contract.

Khumalo was the chairman of the Durban Point Development Company and Zuma was the MEC for economic affairs and tourism in KwaZulu-Natal.

The shenanigans which led to the rift between the two are set out in the judgement by Judge Hilary Squires who convicted Schabir Shaik, Zuma's financial adviser, of fraud.

Business Report has established that Khumalo resigned as chairman of the Point redevelopment about five months ago. During his tenure, Khumalo teamed up with Neels Brink in May 2005. Brink was tasked with driving the multi-billion-rand project by Moreland, on behalf of the city. The two formed Laurusco Developments, which is the present manager of the project.

According to Laurusco's website, Khumalo sold his shareholding last May to focus on his mining interests. But according to Brink, the contract to manage the project was granted to Laurusco three or four years ago, which raises questions of a conflict of interest on Khumalo's part.

Shaik, the owner of the Nkobi group of companies, saw some black economic empowerment (BEE) opportunities from contacts that he had made on his visits to Malaysia, particularly with a company called Renong Berhad, which had professed an intention to pursue construction projects in South Africa. Two of these were the proposed Hilton Hotel and the redevelopment of the Point area in Durban. Shaik was able to introduce Renong to both of these.

Judge Squires found Zuma was involved in various interventions to protect or assist the interests of Nkobi's enterprises. The first of these was the alleged intervention by Zuma on Shaik's behalf in the redevelopment of the Point area that had attracted the interest of Renong.

In an affidavit, David Wilson, Renong's foreign operations head, described his experiences in arranging a presentation of Renong's bid for the Point redevelopment contract, which was to be awarded by the Point Development Company.

Squires said this presentation included Renong's accommodation of the necessary BEE component which Wilson had selected from persons Khumalo said had been approved by the government, but which did not include Nkobi. This component was to be housed in 49 percent of the shares of a shelf company at first called Secprop 60, but which later changed its name to Vulindlela.

Squires said: "It is common cause that Schabir Shaik was also anxious to secure a place in the work offered by this project and he had assembled a consortium of other such enterprises, including a well-known leisure centre developer, to present the bid for such work.


"The affidavit shows, which is also common cause, that on the day before the presentation of the competing bids to the Waterfront Company, Shaik invited Wilson to discuss the question of joining forces on the project. Wilson declined the invitation and made Renong's presentation to the selection committee on the next day in competition with others, including Nkobi; but Renong was apparently accepted and thereafter was the only bidder in the field."

But delays occurred in commencing the work and by mid-1996 nothing had been done about embarking on the project. Wilson reported to his chairman in Malaysia that this delay was due to Shaik's continued attempts to gain acceptance in the project.

"Whether this was well-founded or not does not matter. The fact is that that is what Wilson reported, with the result that this chairman, one Halim Saad, thought Renong should try and obtain political confirmation that Wilson's choice of BEE partners was politically acceptable," said Squires.

In early June 1996, Shaik himself visited Saad in Malaysia and some arrangement was made in terms of which Saad would write to Zuma, after which Shaik trusted that "… given your written confirmation and our combined commitment hereof, (sic) I would be in a position thereafter to influence and accelerate the much-awaited Point development."

Squires said this suggested at least a proposal that Saad write to Zuma, opening the door for Nkobi's participation, but on the basis that such accommodation would be a government decision and not something for which Renong could be blamed by the already selected BEE partners. Thereafter Shaik could use his influence to activate the project.

The judge said Saad did in fact write such a letter to Zuma, seeking his advice as to who Renong should accept as BEE partners. Wilson said a meeting with Zuma took place at Shaik's apartment. In the course of this encounter, according to Wilson, Zuma said he was not happy with the nominated BEE partners and suggested Shaik be included.

Wilson said that while Renong had no wish to be involved in a dispute as to the selection of BEE partners, as that was for the government to decide, he would continue with the existing partners, unless formally told by the government to change.

Because of an economic meltdown in Asia that followed thereafter, Renong completely withdrew from the project.

Khumalo did not respond to an e-mail that was sent to him by Business Report with several questions at his request.

[Luf]

Over the long weekend, I took a quick trip down to Durbs for a wedding so of course i had to pop into the Durban Point area to take a look at what’s happening and what has happened since the last time I was there.

Driving towards the Point down the ex-Point Road I was highly disappointed to find that no real progress was happening along a large portion of the road. Buildings are still in the most appalling state, there was litter all over the place and taxis doing what taxis do and not a cop in sight. How hard could it be to fix up that road really?

After passing the newly constructed fountain that signals the start of the new Precinct it was like entering an Oasis: clean streets, metro police, and clean gardens. The first thing that hits you when entering is the new Italian Café which is housed in the newly renovated police and fire station (it was incredible to see what a good job they did there)
http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k359/Lufcus123/Durban%20Point/DSCN0982.jpg
http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k359/Lufcus123/Durban%20Point/DSCN0977.jpg
My girlfriend and I had lunch there and it was really amazing. If you look closely in the second picture, you will notice that the building also houses the offices of Slush Puppy. The owner of the Café (ex-joburgers who now live in the Point) said business was good during the week with all the offices workers but very slow on the weekends. We were the only people eating there.

Moving along, work on the Stevedores is happening but at what looks like a snail pace (there were maybe 5-6 workers working at the time) but nonetheless work is happening and hopefully it will pick up soon – pictures below:
http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k359/Lufcus123/Durban%20Point/DSCN0997.jpg
http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k359/Lufcus123/Durban%20Point/DSCN1005.jpg

With regards to Heritage Square, I gather that the whole project has stalled, nothing on the site has changed and the website does not exist anymore. Iv been emailing them (Domain Properties) and the last email I received said construction will begin in Feb 2009, now they don’t reply any more – picture below
http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k359/Lufcus123/Durban%20Point/IMG_0013.jpg

There is a new African restaurant that’s opened at the corner of Brown and Point, nothing fancy looking especially inside (which is a bit disappointing) but a nice addition to the area I suppose. The picture below shows them setting up for probably a soccer game that was taking place that day. I had a quick word with those guys and they said business was good at night and mainly attracted a black foreign cliental but they were hopping to gain a more local cliental, especially from the Point Area, which for some reason I doubt they would attract - Just a feeling I got.
http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k359/Lufcus123/Durban%20Point/IMG_0010.jpg

A new laundry mat has opened at Point Bastille however, even though it should have been open, it was closed.
http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k359/Lufcus123/Durban%20Point/IMG_0028.jpg

[Luf]

A little progress has been made on the two houses by Marine Point and Dock Point but at the rate of progress they should be completed in about 2015-2020. This is a great pity as they would really complete that section and make the whole area look less like one major abandoned construction site – pictures below
http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k359/Lufcus123/Durban%20Point/IMG_0019.jpg
http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k359/Lufcus123/Durban%20Point/IMG_0036.jpg

The new cocktail bar – Fetish Bar – at the Sails looks very nice (wasn’t able to take photos of the inside) Spoke to a security guard that was there and he said the he has never really seen any people going to the bar at night. A poor marketing strategy I guess – picture below:
http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k359/Lufcus123/Durban%20Point/IMG_0021.jpg

No news to report on with regards to Dolphin Whispers I am afraid.
http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k359/Lufcus123/Durban%20Point/IMG_0026.jpg

All retail and office space is occupied in Marine Point which can only be seen as a good thing – The pool looked a bit green in the building and it could do with a new paint – picture below:
http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k359/Lufcus123/Durban%20Point/IMG_0016.jpg

Still even though the area has progressed slightly, it is still completely empty, the apartments look full (see the picture below) but there are absolutely no people walking around or eating at the two cafés there. It still looks like a real ghost town, which is really sad.
http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k359/Lufcus123/Durban%20Point/IMG_0027.jpg

I didn’t have the time to go to the beach properly or to uShaka, but what I did see was that Ushaka area was nice and full (even with the not so great weather) and so was the beach but WHAT THE HELL IS UP WITH THAT FUGLY PIPE!.

Anyways, a great time we had walking around the Point, its just time for it to gather momentum and start advertising properly in order to get people there. It is still extremely clean, well maintained and visibly patrolled (Security, Metro and SAPS). You can clearly see and hear the activities of the harbour widening which is extremely busy with trucks coming and going. Its such a great area and I just cant understand why the Points marketing team aren’t doing anything to get people there, maybe it’s the approach to the Point which has no sign of improving.

[Durbsboi]

agreed mate, Point is sitting on this ever so long transition period that doesnt want to end. It needs the SCH to kick start investors intrest in the area. Also whats already there needs to be advertised, to get people there and from then onwards word of mouth will spread news about the area, but theres hardly much to talk about there besides Ushaka.

[Pule]

Thanks Luca, that's a well documented updated but remind me to impose a fine on you for not creating such an update for the Jozi's CBDs or even surbubs. Are you a professional photographer?

I hate it when such nice place is unknown to people. It's up to the business also to market themselves so that they can survive. Advertising is the best ever thing that you can bless your business with. They need to go out there and promote specials and so forth. Owners of all those restaurants need to sit and strategise, have weekend specials, Ladies nights parties and so forth. That's a collective thing.

[Pule]

Driving towards the Point down the ex-Point Road I was highly disappointed to find that no real progress was happening along a large portion of the road.


I'm sure they will attend to this soon. We as people need to advice the owners of the food outlets of what they can do as they will benefit from every posetive step taken.


Buildings are still in the most appalling state, there was litter all over the place and taxis doing what taxis do and not a cop in sight. How hard could it be to fix up that road really?

:bash: Durbs and Jozi City councillors need to visit SSC more so that they can see how other cities look.

[Luf]

Thanks Luca, that's a well documented updated but remind me to impose a fine on you for not creating such an update for the Jozi's CBDs or even surbubs. Are you a professional photographer?

I hate it when such nice place is unknown to people. It's up to the business also to market themselves so that they can survive. Advertising is the best ever thing that you can bless your business with. They need to go out there and promote specials and so forth. Owners of all those restaurants need to sit and strategise, have weekend specials, Ladies nights parties and so forth. That's a collective thing.

I know mate, and i do feel so bad about every time i am out and about in JHB i seem to leave my camera at home:bash: Promise things will change mate;)
Well not a 100% professional photographer but i do work as a photographer for a few music magazines and for a few other publications.

With regards to the Point, I cant think of many companies that are successful out there that dont have a strategic marketing plan. It doesnt have to be of the same budget as Nedbank or Telkom but it is prob. the most important things companies could spend on.

[Gulivar]

Thanks for the updates. The places does look like an empty ghost-town and that's a shame. They need to get their arses in gear.

[Coolidge]

Anyways, a great time we had walking around the Point, its just time for it to gather momentum and start advertising properly in order to get people there. It is still extremely clean, well maintained and visibly patrolled (Security, Metro and SAPS). You can clearly see and hear the activities of the harbour widening which is extremely busy with trucks coming and going. Its such a great area and I just cant understand why the Points marketing team aren’t doing anything to get people there, maybe it’s the approach to the Point which has no sign of improving.

Thanks so much for the update Luf, was there the other day at Quayside visiting a mate (9th floor) and the views are incredible from up there: he has a corner apartment which gives views of the entire golden mile (up to Umhlanga), the edge of the cbd (including the revolving restaurant), the harbour and the bluff, and the harbour mouth. Couldn't take any pics as my cell camera was playing up but will get them from my friend's cell soon. Sun sets over the CBD and the whole place looks amazing!

Biggest boggy about the area though is undoubtedly Dolphins Whispers; it's a huge f**kup and a mess of rusty iron and concrete. Too expensive to knock down and structurally too unsound to continue, the fools that did that have made an eyesore that won't be removed any time soon. DPDC should have been smart and established contractual obligations for finishing dates so that these things don't stand half idle.

I really am keen to see development start up again here; SCH's construction (or whatever the final outcome) should hurry the eff up. Regarding the areas surrounding the point, I think the areas people will be keen to buy up (if they haven't already) will be along the main entry road (Ghandi/Point) and main exit road, Shepstone Place. The latter is designed to make travel out of the point quick (less than ten minutes to Berea, King's Park, etc). I could see a Kwikspar, Woolworths Food etc. setting up on Shepstone Pl near the Spinnaker to provide for the point area's residents, but of course all of this is second-tier development and is 'subject to' people living there, which is of course all being stalled by the economy and the lack of confirmation for the SCH.

[dysan1]

Biggest boggy about the area though is undoubtedly Dolphins Whispers; it's a huge f**kup and a mess of rusty iron and concrete. Too expensive to knock down and structurally too unsound to continue, the fools that did that have made an eyesore that won't be removed any time soon. DPDC should have been smart and established contractual obligations for finishing dates so that these things don't stand half idle.

A slight correction is needed here. It is not too sturcturally unsound to continue, it is just that the developers were very bad at their job. Structurally the issues with the building can be sorted out, the issue is who recoups the money and if Ithala do provide the financing and continue with the development how they make their money back. Those are the issues holding it up now.

[dysan1]

Luca thanks for the photos mate, they are awesome.

Some good news about new construction in the area

Koop (www.koopdesign.co.za) are the architects of the new Moyo Pier Bar. The design is in the current edition of the Property Magazine KZN edition.

They are also part of the design team for the massive Beachfront redevelopment. From listening to what people have been saying that are involved with the project it is going to be something amazing for the city

[Pule]

... The design is in the current edition of the Property Magazine KZN edition.

...

So that means one of you Durbanites's gonna post the pic for us soon. Thank you in advance gents and ladies.

[Durbsboi]

Koop (www.koopdesign.co.za) are the architects of the new Moyo Pier Bar. The design is in the current edition of the Property Magazine KZN edition.


I didnt get my mag for a few months now!

[Luf]

So that means one of you Durbanites's gonna post the pic for us soon. Thank you in advance gents and ladies.

lol the demanding Pule, haha

[romanSA]

The Point will remain fairly empty until (a) more people move in; and (b) more retail opens in the area. Many of the businesses that have moved into the area are not the type that attract people (most are offices).

Re: (a) - this happenning slowly. I now see much more lights on at night than I ever did (including many in the new Point Bay)

Re: (b) - what the Point needs is a medium size Mall. Ushaka Mall is great but too small. Moreover, most of its visitors don't even know about the canal waterfront right next door.

The appeals process for the SCH just passed. Hopefully we'll get clarity soon on what the way forward is.

[romanSA]

Moving along, work on the Stevedores is happening but at what looks like a snail pace (there were maybe 5-6 workers working at the time) but nonetheless work is happening and hopefully it will pick up soon – pictures below:
http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k359/Lufcus123/Durban%20Point/DSCN0997.jpg
http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k359/Lufcus123/Durban%20Point/DSCN1005.jpg


The good news is that the Stevedores is now coming at a relatively fast pace. In fact, workers have been on site 7 days a week, even on public holidays. I spoke to the developer recently and it should be finished by Oct/Nov. I saw the plans and it looks amazing: cute little Juliette balconies (which are being cut now and visible in the 1st photo above), etc. When finished, the Stevedores will resemble a red-brick version of the beautifully-restored Dockpoint Edwardian townhouses. It will likely also have off-white roofs. According to the developer, the courtyard will be paved for outdoor cafes, while the side of the building that corresponds to part that has already been broken down (visible in the 2nd pic above; directly in line with the mini-canal between the Dockpoint townhouses) will also be torn down to make way for a park. All in all, it sounds very promising. The developer wants offices upstairs and retail / cafes / restaurants downstairs (to open onto the paved section). The far north end of Stevedores (closer to the Ushaka parking lot) will be restored later, and possible comprise residential units. By the way, the rafters in the pics above have only recently been reinstalled. They are the original rafters of the building and were restored.

He also has plans for the wharehouse on the other side of Browns Rd to the Stevedores. That structure is scheduled to be restored and converted into a premises that can host a double-volume restaurant.

[Pule]

[quote=romanSA;36258050]...
Re: (b) - what the Point needs is a medium size Mall. Ushaka Mall is great but too small. Moreover, most of its visitors don't even know about the canal waterfront right next door.
... quote]



true...true...true...true...

The Point need a mall ... :bash: are we the only one seeing that??? that's the first thing they need to attend to after SCH approval.

[Luf]

Thanks for the update, yeah this development looks extremely interesting and I cannot wait to see the final product. It will complment the area so well and the offices will bring more people.

@Romansa Can you tell us anything about Heritage Square and the two houses by Marine Point which are owned by the same developers as Marine and Dock Point? I am hardly in Durbs during the week so its difficult for me to see if there are workers/activities happening.


true...true...true...true...

The Point need a mall ... :bash: are we the only one seeing that??? that's the first thing they need to attend to after SCH approval.

eish, Pule, we are the only ones who see alot of things.:(

[romanSA]

Luf, I meant to say thanks so much for the pics. I have an apartment in the area but am hardly in the country so don't get a chance to take out pics and post much.

Re: Heritage Square - from what I have heard, this development is dead. The owner / holding company is going into liquidation.


The 2 corner houses are proceeding at snail's pace. More like stop-start-stop. I almost think that the owners only work on it when they save up money to pay the workers for a few days at a stretch.

[Pule]

The good news is that the Stevedores is now coming at a relatively fast pace. In fact, workers have been on site 7 days a week, even on public holidays. I spoke to the developer recently and it should be finished by Oct/Nov. I saw the plans and it looks amazing: cute little Juliette balconies (which are being cut now and visible in the 1st photo above), etc. When finished, the Stevedores will resemble a red-brick version of the beautifully-restored Dockpoint Edwardian townhouses. It will likely also have off-white roofs. According to the developer, the courtyard will be paved for outdoor cafes, while the side of the building that corresponds to part that has already been broken down (visible in the 2nd pic above; directly in line with the mini-canal between the Dockpoint townhouses) will also be torn down to make way for a park. All in all, it sounds very promising. The developer wants offices upstairs and retail / cafes / restaurants downstairs (to open onto the paved section). The far north end of Stevedores (closer to the Ushaka parking lot) will be restored later, and possible comprise residential units. By the way, the rafters in the pics above have only recently been reinstalled. They are the original rafters of the building and were restored.

He also has plans for the wharehouse on the other side of Browns Rd to the Stevedores. That structure is scheduled to be restored and converted into a premises that can host a double-volume restaurant.

good news indeed Roman.

[Coolidge]

A slight correction is needed here. It is not too sturcturally unsound to continue, it is just that the developers were very bad at their job. Structurally the issues with the building can be sorted out, the issue is who recoups the money and if Ithala do provide the financing and continue with the development how they make their money back. Those are the issues holding it up now.

Oh excellent, that's good to know! At least there's hope then!

[Durbsboi]

dont know if this video was posted

yuuhxqIQ6oE

[dysan1]

Just some info

With the Quarters Hotel brand being roled out, one of the 3 additional properties they are opening in Durban is at the Point in those two heritage houses that Luf likes so much (right on timeball square). This should open before 2010.

The other two new ones in Durban are "on avondale" (which is open) and "on gordon" which will open in 2010

[Luf]

you serious mate? In those two houses right next door to Marine Point and Dock Point?

Last i heard they belong to the two developers of those above buildings and they were building them for themselves.

[romanSA]

Just some info

With the Quarters Hotel brand being roled out, one of the 3 additional properties they are opening in Durban is at the Point in those two heritage houses that Luf likes so much (right on timeball square). This should open before 2010.

The other two new ones in Durban are "on avondale" (which is open) and "on gordon" which will open in 2010

When I first moved into the area almost 2 years ago, I was told the two houses would become a boutique hotel. Then I heard that the developers would be keeping them for themselves. I prefer the former option and I hope your rumour turns out true, Mike. That's a prime spot and a small boutique hotel there would be perfect, especially if it's an exclusive Quarters.

[Luf]

^^ yeah as a hotel it could be really cool but are they suitable as a hotel? No pool or anything. Ill be happy if they become either houses or a hotel i must admit as long as they finish them off now. Its been what three years or more?

[dysan1]

quarters hotels dont have pools :) But i am sure they could wiggle one in if they tried.

This is straight from the operators mouth

[Luf]

wow thats hectic. Thanks for the inside scoop mate. I just hope the finish the building off very soon. Now all the Point needs is a high density commercial tenet (maybe a bank, insurance firm or big international corp) to get the ball moving again.

[romanSA]

There is actually space in the combined back yards for a pool. However, as Mike pointed out, none of the other Quarters have pools. I am more curious about how many rooms both buildings can accommodate. Methinks it will be a very small hotel; no more than 8-10 rooms, by my reckoning. Avondale has 17, Florida Rd has 27. Not sure if even 10 rooms will be sustainable. Properties could be better suited to B&B. Unless they are also taking over one of the nearby townhouses.

[Luf]

^^ mate if they take over one of the townhouses its just going to look messy i think. But i cant think of this : Durban + Hotel - a pool = weird. Yeah and you right they way to small. I would also guess less than 10 rooms. Plus surely if its been bought over by the hotel group, construction would have been sped up by now?

I is very confused:(

[romanSA]

Lots of hotels in Durbs don't have pools. I don't think any on Florida Rd have pools. I also just realised that no pool can be constructed at the back as there is undercover basement parking below for Dockpoint and Marine Point.

Also, the buildings may not necessarily be bought but leased. This is the case with the Avondale hotel. Almost R9m has been spent refurbishing the buildings that house the hotel but they are not owned by the hotel owners. Which brings me to my next point. The Avondale hotel is made up by a series of separate buildings adjacent to each other. It would thus not be unusual if the developers opted to use an adjoining townhouse for the hotel too.

[water rat]

Lots of hotels in Durbs don't have pools. I don't think any on Florida Rd have pools. I also just realised that no pool can be constructed at the back as there is undercover basement parking below for Dockpoint and Marine Point.

Also, the buildings may not necessarily be bought but leased. This is the case with the Avondale hotel. Almost R9m has been spent refurbishing the buildings that house the hotel but they are not owned by the hotel owners. Which brings me to my next point. The Avondale hotel is made up by a series of separate buildings adjacent to each other. It would thus not be unusual if the developers opted to use an adjoining townhouse for the hotel too.

why do you need a pool when the Indian Ocean is a stones throw away?

[Luf]

Thanks romansa, yeah i think this one is going to be interesting. I must admit, i would of prefered them to be houses for the two developers and have another site (Heritage Square maybe) as the exclusive type hotel. But still this could work out nicely.

why do you need a pool when the Indian Ocean is a stones throw away?

Very true ratty.. I love the ocean but i also love just chilling in the pool drinking a 500ml beer;)

[dysan1]

Houses at the very very centre of the point development? i dunno i just find that would be very weird.

They state that the point hotel will be in the region of 18 rooms

[PP Girls]

Any more pics of the point???

[romanSA]

The report below is the most concrete confirmation yet that a new passenger terminal is on possibly the cards for Durbs. The proximity of the proposed cruise terminal to the Point Waterfront will be great for the area, and great for the passengers too.

Passengers will alight the ship, literally cross the road, and will be in the Point Waterfront. N-shed, the current passenger terminal building, is far from everything.

--------------------------

Durban makes way for floating hotels
May 15 2009
By Barbara Cole

A Cruise liner tourism organisation was on Tuesday launched at Indaba to play a key role in bringing more floating hotels to Durban - and the region - and thousands of additional visitors.

At the same time, the Transnet Port Authority in Durban is conducting a pre-feasibility study into the possibility of establishing a new passenger terminal behind the NSRI building.

Cruise tourism was "fairly low key" in the city at the moment, and it had suffered as a lot of time and effort had gone into developing the cargo vessel business.

However, Transnet was committed to rectifying that situation, Ricky Bhikraj, the port manager, said.

About R7,5-million had been invested in N-Shed, the present passenger terminal - an old, converted cargo shed - which included new scanners for handbags and luggage.

Bhikraj was speaking at the launch of the South African chapter of the Cruise Indian Ocean Association (made up of port authorities and tourism bodies), which will promote and grow the industry.

It is only the second branch on the continent (the first is in Kenya), but on Tuesday Ndabo Khoza, the chief executive of Tourism KwaZulu-Natal, said Mozambique was now also interested in starting a chapter.

"We have a responsibility to put ourselves on the map and to make sure people take us seriously," Khoza said.

James Mulewa, managing director of the Kenya Port Authority and chairman of the CIOA, said Africa was an "exotic adventure" which had not been fully exploited.

A record 4,4 million Europeans went on cruises in 2008 and 17 new cruise ships were on order, while the world's largest yacht would be delivered in 2009.

Bhikraj said the pre-feasibility study into the possibility of a new passenger terminal in Durban was well advanced.

http://www.ioltravel.co.za/article/view/4982030


The first pic is the current passenger terminal at N-shed (entrance in front of John Ross block).

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_1573a.jpg


Next 2 images show the NSRI building. Proposed passenger terminal will be next to this building, within walking distance of the Point Waterfront, some of the buildings of which appear in the background. Building with the darker blue roof is the beautifully restored Dredging Services building.

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_1593a.jpg


http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_1594a.jpg

[Durbsboi]

Hmm, design proposal for Passenger Cruise terminal contest? :D

[PP Girls]

Nice info and photo's

[dysan1]

Images of the current temporary moyo's bar on the pier until the 3F glass one is built...

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/DSC00859.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/DSC00860.jpg

[dysan1]

Hmm, design proposal for Passenger Cruise terminal contest? :D

i agree!!

definately a development that i think we would all get right behind!

[PP Girls]

Who is doing the construction???

[dysan1]

no idea

[dysan1]

a few new clubs are popping up in the area, and as always it seems the gay community are the pioneers. A new club was all over the airways as opening this weekend called Barazz. Two dancefloors, and two floors...me thinks a visit is needed

[amcc76]

A new gay bar in Durban? Where? :)

[Pule]

a few new clubs are popping up in the area, and as always it seems the gay community are the pioneers. A new club was all over the airways as opening this weekend called Barazz. Two dancefloors, and two floors...me thinks a visit is needed

The Point is really up to speed lately and that brings a smile to my face.

[Luf]

a few new clubs are popping up in the area, and as always it seems the gay community are the pioneers. A new club was all over the airways as opening this weekend called Barazz. Two dancefloors, and two floors...me thinks a visit is needed

good to hear... I just hope that Cape 2 Cuba or what ever its called is closed soon.

[dysan1]

Agreed. The damage it is doing to those beautiful old buildings it is in is not right!

[Pule]

good to hear... I just hope that Cape 2 Cuba or what ever its called is closed soon.

The one in CT looks nice as I walked passed it about 3 years ago.

[ToxicBunny]

Yeah, but the one in Durban is occupying some AMAZING old buildings, and they're being trashed, when they should be being restored to their former glory...

[Durbsboi]

The Golf 6 GTi official launch was at the Sails

http://i39.tinypic.com/15z5v79.jpg

http://i39.tinypic.com/qx7xxl.jpg

http://i41.tinypic.com/2nm41l1.jpg

[ToxicBunny]

Interesting location choice if you ask me...

THen again, I wouldn't spend the R320k+ on a VW Golf..... thats just stupid money in my opinion.

[dysan1]

Agreed on the money for the car and it hardly looks different from the 5. Budget cuts?

[ToxicBunny]

IIRC the 6 has been built mostly because the 5 was too expensive.

So VW were making a profit on the 5, made the 6, which is cheaper to make, and then raise the price....

Gotta love SA logic.

[dysan1]

i am not surprised all the car companies are going under and they still have the cheek to raise prices for consumers. stuff the bunch of them

[water rat]

i am not surprised all the car companies are going under and they still have the cheek to raise prices for consumers. stuff the bunch of them

sounds a bit like eThewini Municipality - Pay More Get Less!!!!

[xavarreiro]

excellent photos I like

[dysan1]

sounds a bit like eThewini Municipality - Pay More Get Less!!!!

thats any municipality anywhere

[water rat]

thats any municipality anywhere

too true - and for all it's faults i believe that we still have a great city. my bro inlaw came out from the UK for the rugby. he left Durban yesterday and on mid winters day, our noon temp was higher than that in London!

Had an intertesting discussion abt Sutcliffe whilst tanning some chops over the weekend. The conclusion was not what you would expect - everyone agreed that whilst he is crap at human relations, his greatest assets are that he is incredibly hardworking and undeniably honest! Durban scores again !

[Durbsboi]

Interesting location choice if you ask me...

THen again, I wouldn't spend the R320k+ on a VW Golf..... thats just stupid money in my opinion.

Golf 6 = over rated, Their new 1.4 engine is a something, but the price tag is more than a something

As for the location, its pretty tight so they must have invited like under 50 guests, not sure why that place, there's so many other better suited places.

Agreed on the money for the car and it hardly looks different from the 5. Budget cuts?

Exterior has minor design changes, most of them coming from the design style of the Scirroco & as for the interior is almost identical to the pathetic G5, its like they didnt try, but they said they spent more time developing the engine to keep costs at a minimum, so we can only imagine how much these cars would have been if they did do a major revamp on the design....

[t-bang!]

The S3 wins again!!!!!!!!!! :lol:

[Durbsboi]

Sad to see many shops still unoccupied

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g160/amgosai/Sky%20Scrapercity/28062009527.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g160/amgosai/Sky%20Scrapercity/28062009538.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g160/amgosai/Sky%20Scrapercity/28062009537.jpg

The complete

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g160/amgosai/Sky%20Scrapercity/28062009528.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g160/amgosai/Sky%20Scrapercity/28062009532.jpg

The incomplete

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g160/amgosai/Sky%20Scrapercity/28062009529.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g160/amgosai/Sky%20Scrapercity/28062009530.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g160/amgosai/Sky%20Scrapercity/28062009531.jpg

some randoms

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g160/amgosai/Sky%20Scrapercity/28062009535.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g160/amgosai/Sky%20Scrapercity/28062009539.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g160/amgosai/Sky%20Scrapercity/28062009542.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g160/amgosai/Sky%20Scrapercity/28062009545.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g160/amgosai/Sky%20Scrapercity/28062009547.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g160/amgosai/Sky%20Scrapercity/28062009548.jpg

Area's like this scare me, lying untouched for far too long!

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g160/amgosai/Sky%20Scrapercity/28062009546.jpg

[Gulivar]

They seriously should demolish those.

[Reggae Boyz Ja]

That area will be booming once the economy gets better hopefully projects like the mast san raphael can come back to

[romanSA]

The Point is hosting two major international events over the next couple of weekends. Those in Durbs who can make should show their support.

[romanSA]

First up, the ATU Triathlon African Championships. Here's the route / map:

http://www.durbanatutriathlon.com/maps.aspx

-------------------------------

Africa’s finest head for Durban
Saturday June 27, 2009

Durban hosts the 2009 ATU Triathlon African Championships on Saturday and Sunday 4 - 5 July at the uShaka Marine World.

Some 120 athletes from Africa will be competing for the title of Africa’s best. For the South African contingent of elite athletes much more is at stake, as the Championships also form part of the selection races of Triathlon South Africa for the World Championships on the Gold Coast in Australia in September this year (9-13 September).

A squad of juniors will also be chosen from these Championships to tour Europe later this year.

The first ATU Championships were held as far back as 1993 in Gordon’s Bay near Cape Town. Fittingly the first winners were Conrad Stoltz and Hannele Steyn of South Africa. Stoltz, a double Olympian has gone on to be the premier Xterra Triathlete in the World with three World Championship Titles to his name and the 2009 Xterra USA Series leader with three out of four wins so far.

The Championships will for the first time include a series of relays, an endeavour by the International Triathlon Union to showcase an event to be included in the future Olympic Programme. The relays should garner quite a bit of interest. Teams are made up of three male and three female athletes, but unlike the usual team triathlon where one individual does the swim leg, another the bike leg and the third the run leg, this team relay sees each member complete all three disciplines, namely swim 400m, bike 8km and run 3km.

The Olympic distance races (Elite, U23 and senior age groups) feature a 1,500m swim (two laps), 40km bike (eight laps) and 10km run.

While the South African elite athletes will be vying for places on the starting line up at the World Championships and the juniors for the European trip, the field will be racing for a total purse of R101 000 with the breakdown below:

Elite (incl U/23 Elite) Category (R70 000)
1st - R10 500
2nd - R 8 750
3rd - R 6 300
4th - R 5 250
5th - R 4 200
If less than 10 athletes compete, only 1 – 4th eligible for prize money.
If less than 7 athletes compete, only 1 – 3rd eligible for prize money.

Junior Category (16 – 19) (R10 000)
1st - R 2 500
2nd - R 1 500
3rd - R 1 000
If less than 7 athletes compete, only 1st and 2nd eligible for prize money.

Senior Relay Category (per team) (R15 000)
1st - R 3 750
2nd - R 2 250
3rd - R 1 500
If less than 7 teams compete, only 1st and 2nd team eligible for prize money.

Junior Relay Category (per team) (R6 000)
1st - R 1 500
2nd - R 900
3rd - R 600

If less than 7 teams compete, only 1st and 2nd team eligible for prize money.

http://www.sascoc.co.za/2009/06/afri...ad-for-durban/

[romanSA]

Then, next weekend...

-------------------------

SA to host world's top surf-skiers

26 June 2009

Surf-ski paddlers from around the world will descend on Durban in the second week of July for the prestigious Dunlop Surf Ski World Cup, widely regarded as one of the sport's global benchmark events.

The World Cup race, of between 30 and 35 kilometres in distance, will boast R110 000 in prize money, predominantly for the men's and women's single-ski championship race.

The race is now a vital three-star event on the Surfski.info World Series, and is sure to be pivotal to the eventual outcome of the global competition.

Substantial overseas entry
A substantial international contingent is expected, particularly as the Durban event will follow a week after two new and lucrative events in Mauritius which are sure to attract the top surf ski racers from around the world.

The race organisers have committed themselves to once again hosting a downwind race that will take advantage of the best swells and winds predicted for the weekend of the race.

Durban star Matt Bouman, who is currently the runaway leader of the Discovery Men's Health Surf Ski Winter series and was the winner of the recent Eurochallenge race in Spain, is sure to be on the starting line, as is Dawid Mocke of the Western Cape.

Defending champion missing
Defending champion and new Molokai champ Hank McGregor will not be on the line, as he has opted to defend his Berg River marathon title and is attempting to set a new record for back-to-back wins at the Berg River Canoe Marathon.

Steve Woods, through his participation in most of the World Series ranking-events, is one of the series pacesetters, while the participation of Australian aces Jeremy Stewart, Jeremy Cotter and Tim Jacobs will set up a fascinating Durban duel.

In the women's division, an intriguing showdown looks to be on the cards between the Dubai Shamaal champ Michèle Eray of South Africa and the Australian leader of the current world rankings, Kirsty Holmes.

Sponsor
"We are excited to be involved with this major international event," said Georg Schramm, sales and marketing head at Apollo Tyres South Africa, the owners of the Dunlop tyre brand.

"Our South African head office and state-of-the-art factory is in Durban, and we believe this Durban event is a perfect fit for Dunlop.

"South Africa, and Durban in particular, has been at the forefront of the rapid evolution of this sport," he added. "If you look at the race winners and the current surfski.info rankings, South African paddlers are leading the way."

The weekend will start with a registration and cocktail party for the event at the race HQ at the Durban Underwater Club. An exciting addition to this year's event caters to paddlers with families and a two-day Kidz Holiday Camp has been arranged to free up the mom's and dad's to participate.

Dates
The World Cup race will be staged on either the Saturday 11 July or Sunday 12 July based on the optimal downwind weather conditions forecast.

Should the race be held on the Sunday, a social 12-kilometre race, organised by the so-called "Geriatskis" will be held on the Saturday morning.

Should the weather be coming from the south, the race will repeat last year's course from uShaka beach in Durban to Westbrook Beach outside Tongaat, a distance of 32 kilometres.

Should the prevailing weather be coming from the north east, the race will start south of Durban harbour and finish at Winklespruit. The distance is also 32 kilometres.

Should the World Cup be raced on the Saturday, a social mixed doubles race will be held from DUC on the Sunday where organisers are encouraging the serious racers to paddle with their spouses, as a thank you for their support.

http://www.southafrica.info/news/spo...ski-250609.htm

[Pule]

Durban Point Waterfront boosted
2009/07/09

The Durban Point Waterfront's successful Environmental Impact Assessment application earlier this year has revived plans to develop the area.

With an approximate R1,8 billion already spent on developing infrastructure and complexes, excluding the R735 million uShaka Marine World, land and development opportunities exist for investors who wish to become part of the planned R6 billion development which will create one of South Africa's newest and most prestigious mixed-use environments.

"Another four prime sites overlooking the planned small craft harbour are now available, with prices estimated between R8,500 to R9,500 per bulk/sqm. This includes basement parking," says Colin Sher, Sales and Marketing Manager for Durban Point Development Company.

A further 110,000sqm of mixed-use bulk has been made available. This comprises a 40,000sqm shopping centre and 45,000sqm of hotel space, with the balance for offices and residential.

Sher says the Waterfront area is already a far cry from its pre-2003 derelict and barren land state. "Surrounded by stretches of beach, canals and prime, well-planned mixed-use developments, this will certainly become one of the most sought-after areas in the country."

Most of the available sites offer mixed-use zoning, with developers encouraged to use ground levels for retail, entertainment and restaurants. "This is ideal, considering that many are situated alongside canals," adds Sher.

Development is in full swing, with all Phase One land (185,000sqm of bulk) sold and 17 mixed-use developments consisting of residential, offices, hotels and retail outlets at various stages of planning and construction.

The commercial sections of the buildings offer prime positions on ground and lower levels, with the majority enjoying canal frontage. Retail floor space ranges from 100sqm to 1,500sqm, and office space up to 6,000sqm. This space is available as a Sectional Title purchase or as a rental option.

"Residents, tourists and office workers can look forward to an exciting environment. A small craft harbour, a new 234m stretch of beach, a promenade linking uShaka Marine World and a link system to connect the canal to the sea will no doubt complement the new prime beachfront mixed-use developments," says Sher.

The Durban Point Waterfront Management Association is fully operational and a private facilities management company has been set up to manage all public areas and maintain roads, storm water, sewerage and lighting throughout the area.

A security company has been appointed to manage all aspects of security, which includes access, building security and traffic flow. Monitored CCTV cameras, linked to the South African Police Services will support efforts to ensure a safe and crime-free area.

For more information contact Colin Sher on 031 337 3460

[dysan1]

Durban Point Waterfront boosted
2009/07/09

The Durban Point Waterfront's successful Environmental Impact Assessment application earlier this year has revived plans to develop the area.

With an approximate R1,8 billion already spent on developing infrastructure and complexes, excluding the R735 million uShaka Marine World, land and development opportunities exist for investors who wish to become part of the planned R6 billion development which will create one of South Africa's newest and most prestigious mixed-use environments.

"Another four prime sites overlooking the planned small craft harbour are now available, with prices estimated between R8,500 to R9,500 per bulk/sqm. This includes basement parking," says Colin Sher, Sales and Marketing Manager for Durban Point Development Company.

A further 110,000sqm of mixed-use bulk has been made available. This comprises a 40,000sqm shopping centre and 45,000sqm of hotel space, with the balance for offices and residential.

Sher says the Waterfront area is already a far cry from its pre-2003 derelict and barren land state. "Surrounded by stretches of beach, canals and prime, well-planned mixed-use developments, this will certainly become one of the most sought-after areas in the country."

Most of the available sites offer mixed-use zoning, with developers encouraged to use ground levels for retail, entertainment and restaurants. "This is ideal, considering that many are situated alongside canals," adds Sher.

Development is in full swing, with all Phase One land (185,000sqm of bulk) sold and 17 mixed-use developments consisting of residential, offices, hotels and retail outlets at various stages of planning and construction.

The commercial sections of the buildings offer prime positions on ground and lower levels, with the majority enjoying canal frontage. Retail floor space ranges from 100sqm to 1,500sqm, and office space up to 6,000sqm. This space is available as a Sectional Title purchase or as a rental option.

"Residents, tourists and office workers can look forward to an exciting environment. A small craft harbour, a new 234m stretch of beach, a promenade linking uShaka Marine World and a link system to connect the canal to the sea will no doubt complement the new prime beachfront mixed-use developments," says Sher.

The Durban Point Waterfront Management Association is fully operational and a private facilities management company has been set up to manage all public areas and maintain roads, storm water, sewerage and lighting throughout the area.

A security company has been appointed to manage all aspects of security, which includes access, building security and traffic flow. Monitored CCTV cameras, linked to the South African Police Services will support efforts to ensure a safe and crime-free area.

For more information contact Colin Sher on 031 337 3460

Great to hear! good that they moving ahead again. Those beach resort hotels are prime prime property in my eyes. 45,000m2 of hotel space - what would that work out to in terms of room numbers? 600?

[Pule]

Sad to see many shops still unoccupied

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g160/amgosai/Sky%20Scrapercity/28062009527.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g160/amgosai/Sky%20Scrapercity/28062009538.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g160/amgosai/Sky%20Scrapercity/28062009537.jpg







They probably are very expensive to rent...

[Durban_SA]

^ And, there is hardly any foot traffic through the development area yet. So, it wouldn't make sense to open a shop up there yet, until everything is near completion.

[Luf]

Durban Point Waterfront boosted
2009/07/09

The Durban Point Waterfront's successful Environmental Impact Assessment application earlier this year has revived plans to develop the area.

With an approximate R1,8 billion already spent on developing infrastructure and complexes, excluding the R735 million uShaka Marine World, land and development opportunities exist for investors who wish to become part of the planned R6 billion development which will create one of South Africa's newest and most prestigious mixed-use environments.

"Another four prime sites overlooking the planned small craft harbour are now available, with prices estimated between R8,500 to R9,500 per bulk/sqm. This includes basement parking," says Colin Sher, Sales and Marketing Manager for Durban Point Development Company.

A further 110,000sqm of mixed-use bulk has been made available. This comprises a 40,000sqm shopping centre and 45,000sqm of hotel space, with the balance for offices and residential.

Sher says the Waterfront area is already a far cry from its pre-2003 derelict and barren land state. "Surrounded by stretches of beach, canals and prime, well-planned mixed-use developments, this will certainly become one of the most sought-after areas in the country."

Most of the available sites offer mixed-use zoning, with developers encouraged to use ground levels for retail, entertainment and restaurants. "This is ideal, considering that many are situated alongside canals," adds Sher.

Development is in full swing, with all Phase One land (185,000sqm of bulk) sold and 17 mixed-use developments consisting of residential, offices, hotels and retail outlets at various stages of planning and construction.

The commercial sections of the buildings offer prime positions on ground and lower levels, with the majority enjoying canal frontage. Retail floor space ranges from 100sqm to 1,500sqm, and office space up to 6,000sqm. This space is available as a Sectional Title purchase or as a rental option.

"Residents, tourists and office workers can look forward to an exciting environment. A small craft harbour, a new 234m stretch of beach, a promenade linking uShaka Marine World and a link system to connect the canal to the sea will no doubt complement the new prime beachfront mixed-use developments," says Sher.

The Durban Point Waterfront Management Association is fully operational and a private facilities management company has been set up to manage all public areas and maintain roads, storm water, sewerage and lighting throughout the area.

A security company has been appointed to manage all aspects of security, which includes access, building security and traffic flow. Monitored CCTV cameras, linked to the South African Police Services will support efforts to ensure a safe and crime-free area.

For more information contact Colin Sher on 031 337 3460


Although its good to get some feedback from the area, these articles actually give us nothing new: all that has been said has been said in the many other articles about the Point. Enough talk, let the building BEGIN!

[Luf]

They probably are very expensive to rent...

You must be right mate i am sure they go for big rents there which is a pitty as the returns froms shops wont be high not now nor in the near future.

[dysan1]

Although its good to get some feedback from the area, these articles actually give us nothing new: all that has been said has been said in the many other articles about the Point. Enough talk, let the building BEGIN!

it said alot of new things. It said that 110000M2 of additional bulk has been released meaning the mall can finally go ahead. It also said the hotel sites are available, which were not previously. So while we all want them to build build build, until eia went thru they could not release those sites, now they have and we will hopefully see two new beach report hotels in a few years

[Luf]

^^ Thats true Mike, sorry i suppose i just want everything done yesterday - just cant wait to see this area finished and then spreading the goodness into the CBD.

[Pule]

... It said that 110000M2 of additional bulk has been released meaning the mall can finally go ahead...

Would love to see this one going through, it will bring more people to the point area.

[dysan1]

^^ completely agree. The V&A would never have worked without the Victoria Whalf mall

[SA BOY]

Great to hear! good that they moving ahead again. Those beach resort hotels are prime prime property in my eyes. 45,000m2 of hotel space - what would that work out to in terms of room numbers? 600?
Use a gross of 100m2 per room , so 45 000m2 will be 450 keys in a resort styled property, more if its a City centre type property wher a gtross of 80m2 should be used

[dysan1]

^^ thanks, good to hear, so will be a sizable resort area

[Project Director]

Unless a One and Only styled developer gets involved its not going to attract the right spenders.

Durban is a mass market target, so, i dont see Sol KERZNER busting into town with his bucks.

Its a no goer. :ohno:

[Luf]

^^ could be a valid point.. But i think the Point is different compared to the rest of the CBD/Beachfront.

[SA BOY]

Unless a One and Only styled developer gets involved its not going to attract the right spenders.

Durban is a mass market target, so, i dont see Sol KERZNER busting into town with his bucks.

Its a no goer. :ohno:

I agree that its mass appeal rather than luxury one and only type property. However Look at Umhlunga in its haydays of beachfront property , resort styled family friendly hotels (cabana beach etc) in teh late 70 and early 80s. it was driven by middle class guests and worked well.

The point needs 3 or 4 "cabana beach" type properties as it creates critical mass,and also creates a finnised look the beach enviroment.

Its the best beach for swimming with families and lets hope we have some investment on this.

[dysan1]

^^ i agree. There will most definately be 5 star properties down there in time, but you need to build up the vibe first and 3-4star beach resorts will do that. Again, when the V&A started it was low on the hotel front.

5 star will work down there without a doubt, but the 3-4 stars need to be the fore runners, One and Only only came 15 years down the line to CT. Here, i expect the 5 star in 5 years

[romanSA]

Speaking about the Point beach, here's some updates re: sand-pumping of Ushaka / Point beaches. Am also including some pics of pavement upgrades around property of proposed mall, as well as new access road right at the end of Mahatma Gandhi Rd, leading to some of the apartments. The current access road will have to be domolished for the proposed canals and loch system.

New pavement is being created around site of proposed mall and paving is being set

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_4365a.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_4366a.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_4364a.jpg

New access road and pavements at the end of Mahatma Gandhi Rd to far south apartment blocks (Point Bastille and even Dolphin Whispers, and its immediate neighbours) almost ready

Facing towards harbour mouth:

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_4402a.jpg

Facing towards apartments:

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_4405a.jpg

Notice of phase 3 construction.

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_4408a.jpg

You may recall some pics I posted a few months ago where the beach was non-existent in high-tide and the water came right up against the bank.

This was before the sand-pumping...

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG00091-20090425-1656.jpg

Notice the steepness of the bank previously, and how the water came right up to the bank in hightide.

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG00096-20090425-1657.jpg

This was taken in April '09, soon after sand-pumping commenced. You could already make out the difference.

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_2272a.jpg

Look at it now...

Ushaka Beach, facing south towards the harbour mouth. The proposed new marina would be built from around about the midway point of the beach (near where the people are standing), til the harbour north pier at the end.

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_4374a.jpg

This is the steep bank I previously referred to above. Sand dune rehabilitation is in progress. It has been considerably levelled and indigenous vegetation has been planted. When it is finished, it will resemble the lush vegetated dunes in front of Ushaka and along the Umhlanga promenade. If you look closely, you'll see one of the sand-pumping pipes.

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_4367a.jpg

This is Ushaka Beach, facing towards Addington Beach. I am still stunned by its new width. In hightide, it resembled the earlier photos where the water came right up to the bank.

Photo in early stages of sand-pumping (April '09). Water still came pretty close to bank.

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_2270a.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_2281a.jpg

Look at it now...

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_4377a.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_4369a.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_4373a.jpg

All in all, the Point-Ushaka beach precinct has never looked better.

[dysan1]

^^ all i can say is WOW, what a difference that sand pumping has made and WELL DONE to the city for doing it. People moaned and groaned and bemoaned it when they started with it, but look at it know, you honestly could not say they were not 100% correct in doing it!

[romanSA]

^^ i agree. There will most definately be 5 star properties down there in time, but you need to build up the vibe first and 3-4star beach resorts will do that. Again, when the V&A started it was low on the hotel front.

5 star will work down there without a doubt, but the 3-4 stars need to be the fore runners, One and Only only came 15 years down the line to CT. Here, i expect the 5 star in 5 years

I totally agree. This is a perfect place for a resort hotel (for those who don't know, the proposed resort site is just above the previously steep bank that has now been somewhat levelled (pics above), immediately adjacent to the Ushaka pier).

Where else in SA you can get access to a world-class marine park, stunning beaches with warm seas for swimming, surfing, body-boarding, kayaking, and scuba-diving? All we need is a small mall to create buzz.

These pics illustrate what I am saying...

Early stages of sandpumping.

Boats for sea kayaking reading to go

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_2260a.jpg

Perfect conditions for kayaking...

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_2271a.jpg

Bodyboarding...

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_2278a.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_2285a.jpg

On the Moyo pier (feels like you're on a ship!). Glass bar hopefully coming up soon.

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_2261a.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_2267a.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_2275a.jpg

Moyos, the perfect complement for a beach resort...

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_2291a.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_2284a.jpg

This is my favourite pic of all the ones I took that day. This has not been photoshopped at all. How's the sea colour??? If this is not a perfect site for a resort hotel I don't know what it.

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_2350a.jpg

[dysan1]

Wow do love that last one! it is definately a super report location, and i do think there will serious attention paid to the sites. Whoever gets them will fill them constantly

[Pule]

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_2350a.jpg

:uh: WOW! that's a damn nice pic. Imagine the pier after the glass.

Didn't some say that the glass fitting will be complete by September?


Imagine the buzz in 2010. Get you cameras ready boys!!!

[Durbsboi]

Thats some fantastic pics Jerome, and the before and after pic's really makes one gawk at whats happened there.

[Luf]

WOW... lost for words really.

[GregPz]

Brilliant pics. The uShaka beach is looking impressive!

[nomnolence]

All we need is a small mall to create buzz.


Hopefully one that's pedestrian... you don't want to have to leave the beach to do your shoppinng. You can put the shitty supermarkets (PnP, WW, Spar, Checkers, etc) underground like they do in Europe... or at the back behind the streetlevel shops.

[Durban_SA]

Outstanding pic's. Wow. It's looking so good. That sand pumping has really worked. Moyo looks so good. definitely beach resort material ;)

[romanSA]

Good review of UShaka

----------------

Marine world of fun

By Carol Paton

Take a holiday from winter: get on the plane, the train or just get in the car and spend a week or weekend in Durban.

A cold day in Durbs is a mild 19°C ; an average one a pleasant 23°C. In winter, which year after year is getting colder, this is the place to be. But apart from being warmer than anywhere else, the city has many charming and even unique activities and attractions.

It's full of history: there's the Gandhi heritage route and another that follows the haunts of the great Zulu king, Shaka. Visit the ravine in Kwa-Dukuza into which Shaka hurled his enemies and view the rock on which he was sitting when stabbed to death by his brothers.

Durban is brimming with culture. You can have an Indian curry in Stamford Hill (try the bunnies at the Britannia Hotel under the Umgeni Road bridge, also the oldest hotel in Durban) or visit the muti market at Warwick junction.

But best of all, Durban has the biggest and best theme park in Africa, uShaka Marine World, which stretches from old Point Road (the infamous Red Light district) right onto the beach, with a huge extravaganza of crazy water slides and rides, aquarium pools of seals, sharks and fabulous tropical fish, all of which the children (or you) can slide, plummet down, ride or snorkel in.

And in the aquarium, housed in an old shipwreck, you can take a "walk" along the ocean bottom among the stingrays and sand sharks while connected to a scuba-type air supply or climb safely into an acrylic cage and get up close to the great whites and ragged-tooths.

In fact, uShaka Marine World alone makes taking the trip to Durban worthwhile.

http://free.financialmail.co.za/09/0731/fox/kfox.htm

[romanSA]

Some pics of Ushaka from a couple of weeks back (mid July). While the rest of the country was freezing over, people in Durbs were in shorts, flip-flops, bikinis, and shirtless, tanning on the beach and sipping cocktails. And this was late afternoon (betw 3-4pm).

Again, the beach widening has been just fantastic for the area.

Winter sun-tan, anyone?

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_5219a-1.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_5216a.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_5215a-1.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_5220a.jpg

Grass deck has been rehabilitated and is almost ready

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_5225a.jpg

Dune rehab making good progress

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_5257a.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_5234a.jpg



We all know about the awesome drinks and atmosphere at Moyos...

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_5232a.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_5230a.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_5237a.jpg

...But something relatively new is the Ragae band just a short distance away at the cluster of drinking holes, just before Addington Beach starts. They are just great and the atmosphere there is laid back at its best!

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_5244a.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_5246a.jpg

Can't wait for this promenade to extend uninterrupted all the way to Suncoast, and beyond, to MM Stadium.

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_5238a.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_5240a.jpg

[dysan1]

love that last shot!

Thanks for another great update

[Inertia]

Wow, lost for words! Great job Durban :)

[romanSA]

The news we've all been waiting for...

-----------------

Here's some GREAT news....

------------------

Durban Waterfront project gets go-ahead

MARGIE INGGS
Published: 2009/08/20 06:17:51 AM


APPROVAL had been given for the development of the Durban Point Waterfront, which would transform the decaying area around uShaka Marine World into an upmarket tourist and lifestyle precinct, Neels Brink, project director of the Durban Point Development Company, said yesterday.

The go-ahead was given when appeals against the environmental authorisation were dismissed on August 6 by the MEC for agriculture, environmental affairs and rural development. The 14 appellants included Coastwatch KZN, the Wildlife and Environmental Society of Southern Africa , Sailing KwaZulu-Natal, the Durban Paddleski Club, the South African Hobie Class Association in conjunction with the KZN Hobie Cat Association, and individuals representing sailing entities.

The appeals were on procedural grounds, one of which was that the issue of who will own land reclaimed from the sea as part of the development was not clear. Another was that sewage treatment and stormwater issues were excluded from the authorisation process.

Objectors are concerned that the buildings and raising of the Vetche’s breakwater to 5,5m will have serious negative results, including creating dangerous conditions for sailing.

However, Brink welcomed the dismissal of the appeals by the MEC and said the Durban Point Development Company would go ahead with the project, which would include large-scale job creation. A sum of R1,5bn had already been invested in infrastructure and buildings. A further R4bn would be invested over the next four to five years in developing a retail precinct, offices, hotels, apartments and a small-craft harbour.

Five hundred upmarket apartments have already been constructed, of which 25% are occupied.

Logie Naidoo, acting chairman of Durban Point Development, said the precinct was unique as it would comprise a waterfront, beachfront and canal waterways .

Brink said that for the next construction phases, “ the clubs will be temporarily relocated to the Undersea Club”.

http://www.businessday.co.za/articles/Content.aspx?id=79020

[SA BOY]

great news, me thinks a waterfront holiday appartment is what daddy wants for christmas

[ToxicBunny]

Shweetness is about all I can say to that...

The Waterfront will look VERY different in a few years.

[Durbsboi]

^^Indeed it will! World class water front here we come!

[dysan1]

Fantastic news...Luf will be Chuffed... hehe

But great to hear the hurdles are out the way. Now i await the news of when and what will be built in this new phase!

[Luf]

Fantastic news...Luf will be Chuffed... hehe

But great to hear the hurdles are out the way. Now i await the news of when and what will be built in this new phase!

HAHA chuffed I am mate!

Now, let the building begin! Exciting times ahead not only for the Point but for Durban as a whole!

[Coolidge]

I am psyched! And I just read that NY Times / Reuters article about Durbs - awesome! Makes you wonder why anyone would want to move anywhere else!

[romanSA]

KZN development contested
Narissa Subramoney

Plans for Durban Point Waterfront’s R100m development are being contested by 14 nonprofit organisations.

The Durban Paddle Ski Club - among the NGOs - says it is not against the whole project but rather the city’s plans to construct a small scale harbour.

The designated area is apparently the only government allocated area where paddle boats can launch in the whole of KwaZulu-Natal.

Durban Paddle Ski Boats’ Johnny Vassilaros said the area is also a reef for mussels which attracts millions of other sea creatures to the area.

“Now they want to build a concrete pier which we think will negatively affect it.”

He said the ambitious plans would cost people’s lifestyles, adding the city has lost sight of the long-term effects of the project.

http://www.eyewitnessnews.co.za/articleprog.aspx?id=20311

[ToxicBunny]

As much as this guy MAY have a point (I do not know all the details to make that call), can't he just shut up and go away.. I just see him protecting his little group of mates and their hobby and trying to not let us as a city have a world class waterfront.

[Durban_SA]

As much as this guy MAY have a point (I do not know all the details to make that call), can't he just shut up and go away.. I just see him protecting his little group of mates and their hobby and trying to not let us as a city have a world class waterfront.

Well, I supose if I was that man and that was my hobby and my buddy's, I would also try to save it. It's just fair. If they can put up a good firght, then let it be. If they can't, then the project must go ahead.

[dysan1]

well unfortunately for him the courts have thrown them out. so they can stand on their soapbox all they want, but they will eventually be knocked off when the heavy machinary moves in

[shacky]

...and the reef will die but it will still look so cool right? I think I might buy a yacht now.

If the government didnt include the public then they wouldnt be doing their job..think its fair the clubs are heard..

[dysan1]

^^ the clubs have been heard, they were in court...that article posted seems old...

And the reef will not die. Its not being built over. the plans actually aim to expand the reef, protect it and encourage greater use of it for educational purposes

[ToxicBunny]

The clubs have been heard, and their concerns have been dismissed...

The heavy machinary needs to come in and start building asap.

[Luf]

The clubs have been heard, and their concerns have been dismissed...

The heavy machinary needs to come in and start building asap.

Bring it on! The reason i am not worried about the clubs (Yes they do add so much to the Point) is that they are not dying but merely becoming a part of the Waterfront. I know for a fact that when its all said and done, they will be more than happy with the end product.

[dysan1]

Have to agree there. They will be better off in the long run

[Durbsboi]

I think we need to see more proper plans now instead of just dreamt up render's. Im sure Brink and the guys down at the Point Development have them in place, so they should make the site plans public so there will be complete transparency during this process.

[romanSA]

^^ the clubs have been heard, they were in court...that article posted seems old...

And the reef will not die. Its not being built over. the plans actually aim to expand the reef, protect it and encourage greater use of it for educational purposes

Actually, when I posted that article, it was only 2 hours old, so it was written after the MEC's decision.

And I have also read the same re: reef. The objectors haven't mentioned the reef; rather, their MAIN issue is with the loss of the soft launch (beach sand) for their boats.

[water rat]

Actually, when I posted that article, it was only 2 hours old, so it was written after the MEC's decision.

And I have also read the same re: reef. The objectors haven't mentioned the reef; rather, their MAIN issue is with the loss of the soft launch (beach sand) for their boats.

i think that is simplyfying the issues a bit. remember that it is only the PSC that is still fighting. They still have a court case pending ( as to whether or not the DPDC has the right to evict ) and can take the whole issue of the ROD, and the manner in which it was issued, to a further court of appeal. Lets see how this pans out.

The 3 clubs that have signed are co operating as far as they can. A big issue is still the money.....the 3 clubs need to finance the contruction of a new club house. estimates ( including buying the land from the DPDC ) are in the region of 25 million. Raising this kind of cash may be an issue. remember that the vast majority of the current membership are not wealthy. when the clubs do the financial study and present their members with the increased membership fees, many will resign.

The current membership base is made up of:

DSBC - ski boat fishermen.
PYC - sailors
DUC - divers

Since Marine Lifesaving has been demolished some paddlers have joined the DUC.

will all these guys be able to afford the new fees to finance the 25 million club house?

[romanSA]

Wasn't there a report some time back suggesting the clubs were in negotiations with the city re: R25m interest free loan?

[Luf]

i think that is simplyfying the issues a bit. remember that it is only the PSC that is still fighting. They still have a court case pending ( as to whether or not the DPDC has the right to evict ) and can take the whole issue of the ROD, and the manner in which it was issued, to a further court of appeal. Lets see how this pans out.

The 3 clubs that have signed are co operating as far as they can. A big issue is still the money.....the 3 clubs need to finance the contruction of a new club house. estimates ( including buying the land from the DPDC ) are in the region of 25 million. Raising this kind of cash may be an issue. remember that the vast majority of the current membership are not wealthy. when the clubs do the financial study and present their members with the increased membership fees, many will resign.

The current membership base is made up of:

DSBC - ski boat fishermen.
PYC - sailors
DUC - divers

Since Marine Lifesaving has been demolished some paddlers have joined the DUC.

will all these guys be able to afford the new fees to finance the 25 million club house?


Although I have always been completely for the SCH, I have always maintained that the Clubs play a huge role in it and I would hate to see them go.
I dont know why the Point cannot just "give" them the land and then they pay a type of small rent that goes to maintaining the whole Point Area.

[SA BOY]

agree, I believe they should be tenants in a (all 3 in one facility ie shared facilities) which is leased to them on a 50 year lease but land and building owned by city. Win win as its imperative that the SCH and the point is not steralized of these clubs. they are part of thre fabric of the maritime history of the city and have a historical right to stay in the point area.

However they also need to appreciet that they are part of something much bigger then their collective membership and voice and need to work with not against the city and the developers. City needs to play peace maker and developer need to include them as part of the cities deal with them.

could be awesome and I like in the V&A the lifeboat launch place for NSRI and the boat building slip next door, adds character to the V&A

[water rat]

Wasn't there a report some time back suggesting the clubs were in negotiations with the city re: R25m interest free loan?

the 'ifree' loan is still under discussion. it is my understanding that this was never promised.currently i dont see the city coming up with this kind of money to assist what is seen as a predominantly white,elitist sport.

either way 25mill is still a lot of money and will chase a lot of the current membership away. i already know of people who have sold hobie cats and taken up other forms of sailing. a new hobie costs 100k and a good second hand one 50k. who will spend this kind of money on a toy when you may not be able to use it? there is no other launch site on the entire coast of kzn.

the challenge will be to regenerate a new membership base from a wealthier level of society.this will take time and quite frankly i dont see it succeeding as hobie cat sailing simply isnt supported by the Yuppie set who will have the money to afford the membership fees of the new club.

[Luf]

the 'ifree' loan is still under discussion. it is my understanding that this was never promised.currently i dont see the city coming up with this kind of money to assist what is seen as a predominantly white,elitist sport.

either way 25mill is still a lot of money and will chase a lot of the current membership away. i already know of people who have sold hobie cats and taken up other forms of sailing. a new hobie costs 100k and a good second hand one 50k. who will spend this kind of money on a toy when you may not be able to use it? there is no other launch site on the entire coast of kzn.

the challenge will be to regenerate a new membership base from a wealthier level of society.this will take time and quite frankly i dont see it succeeding as hobie cat sailing simply isnt supported by the Yuppie set who will have the money to afford the membership fees of the new club.

Good points mate.. Shit, I am still out on this one..

[Pule]

...currently i dont see the city coming up with this kind of money to assist what is seen as a predominantly white,elitist sport.

Ratty, what is it that your clubs are doing to have more balanced participation in terms of race in your sport. I once watched the guys who are doing river rafting in Duzi and they have elected about 20 guys from the neighbouring settlement and taught them how to play the sport and about of them was in a top 10 at one of the major events they held and I say the city need to support those guys. So if you really not helping in addressing what is in a constitution of not having an exclusive sport, I really support the city for not assisting you in getting funds but if you do then I think it will just be fair to be assisted by not only the city but the public sector.

[water rat]

Ratty, what is it that your clubs are doing to have more balanced participation in terms of race in your sport. I once watched the guys who are doing river rafting in Duzi and they have elected about 20 guys from the neighbouring settlement and taught them how to play the sport and about of them was in a top 10 at one of the major events they held and I say the city need to support those guys. So if you really not helping in addressing what is in a constitution of not having an exclusive sport, I really support the city for not assisting you in getting funds but if you do then I think it will just be fair to be assisted by not only the city but the public sector.

i agree - the city is not at the stage where is should be throwing money at a minor sport.

sailing has become very integrated but more at a high level than at club strata. Think Shosholoza and Izivunguvungu which are initiatives started by MSC Chairman Salvatore Sarno. Golden Mgedza ( a black youngster from Cape Town ) was one of the most popular crew members and is highly sought after on top class racing boats. Sailing is poorly covered on television ( after all it isnt really a spectator sport ) so you dont see much about the various initiatives.

I dont want to unduly blow sailings trumpet - however it has to be said that sail boat racing attracts people who have a high level of education. amongst these people individuals are not judged by race - they are judged by the skills they bring to the team. my view is that racism is perpetuated by ignorance and sailors are,generally, not ignorant.

At club level young kids from all race groups are being introduced to sailing via the Sail Africa programme ( an initiative started by Craig Millar - the skipper of Durban Clipper which was sponsored by the City ). All club members pay a levy to fund this. So yes, a lot is being done to integrate.

[Pule]

^^ ah, thanks for that Ratty.

[SA BOY]

maybe the cities funding is linked to increse levels or non whitel membership and participation along with potential sponserhips/training of non white local population

[Coolidge]

Interesting... And Ratty, any further news of the 'head wind' saga? By that I mean how the design of the new harbour would make it difficult for boats to leave its confines during a headwind?

Would the artificial beach constructed within the waterfront not suffice for launching boats?

I do hope an arrangement is made to accomodate the watersports community, it's an historical part of Durban. Referring to that article earlier, I think the paddleski guy was mislead when he believed that Vetchie's would be destroyed - they specifically amalgamated the pier into the design to reduce environmental impact. I think what would be nice (if the previous renders are accurate) would be if they could have a 'boardwalk' along the curve of the barrier, almost like a slim, curving pier, which people could walk along to admire the reef along vetchies...

[romanSA]

If anyone is interested in Transnet's proposed plans for the Durban harbour, including the new passenger terminal opposite the Point waterfront, see document below. The proposed passenger terminal docking area is far more extensive than I realised. If this goes ahead, Durbs will have docking facilities for several passenger liners.

http://www.transnet.co.za/Documents/PortOfDurban/StakeholderEngagement/TransProj_PresToTenants.pdf

[SA BOY]

If anyone is interested in Transnet's proposed plans for the Durban harbour, including the new passenger terminal opposite the Point waterfront, see document below. The proposed passenger terminal docking area is far more extensive than I realised. If this goes ahead, Durbs will have docking facilities for several passenger liners.

http://www.transnet.co.za/Documents/PortOfDurban/StakeholderEngagement/TransProj_PresToTenants.pdf

fatastic proposed harbour layout. Is the sailbury conversion to containers started?
this will aloow for ship parking next to pier 1 as well as in the island view part of the harbour.

Dont see bayview digout for many years, just too much disruption

[SA BOY]

why cant the central sandbank be made into land with quays etc and simply be an extention of pier 2

[Durbsboi]

^^Makes sense, the overall plans look good, & its nice to see they moving the cruise terminal, would love to see proposed designs for it as Im working on one now :D......for fun

[romanSA]

There a number environmental implications to using the sandbank. For one, environmentalists argue that too much of the harbour has been concretised and any more development of natural spaces would mean less water in the harbour (which would be detrimental to species living therein). Remember, the sandbank is transient. Sometimes, it's completely covered, sometimes, not. That said, there are very few natural areas left in the harbour. Using the sandbank would mean the permanent loss of another natural feature of the harbour. There are also ecological implications: the sandbank is a sanctuary to crabs and birds species, and crucial to their survival, never mind the fishermen who use it to fish. Ironically, environmentalists don't have too many issues with expanding the harbour as it means more water will enter the system.

[SA BOY]

ppfaaah a couple of crabs who could park anywhere in the sea vs a practical , efficent harbour taking Durban and South Africa into the future.
I belive in being ecological sensitive but not stupid abpout it, rember this is a harbour and dammage was done 200 years ago so lets make it work

[water rat]

ppfaaah a couple of crabs who could park anywhere in the sea vs a practical , efficent harbour taking Durban and South Africa into the future.
I belive in being ecological sensitive but not stupid abpout it, rember this is a harbour and dammage was done 200 years ago so lets make it work

the issue with the sandbank is a bit more complicated than that. it currently acts as a massive cleaning device. the organisms with live in the sand effectively process a lot of the organic matter which gets deposited into the harbor. if the bank is removed the port will not longer have a 'self cleaning device'. have a walk around Durban Marina at low tide and see how much shit is deposited into the port via drains from the city. Lavendar Creek is one of them. The Silt Canal at Bayhead is another.

the port has sufficient land on which to develop cargo handling facilities to serve projected increases for up to 50 years hence. the problem is not space, it is the poor management of the current facilities. we have more space that Singapore and handle a lot less tonnage. Throwing space into the mix doesnt create greater effciency. although our container terminal has top quality cranes, poor management of the landside storage and transfer areas limit the number of containers handled per hour to about 50% of that of terminals overseas. this is being addressed with advanced training. if the terminals were operating at 80% efficiency you will effectively have an increase in capacity of 30% without any new space being developed.

Yes - the new pier 1 container terminal is up and running. all general cargo handling has been transferred to the new B to G terminals or Richards Bay.

a huge issue is the need to redevelop Maydon Wharf. The actual quay walls need to be rebuilt and the channel needs dredging. many of the terminals in this area are operating below acceptable norms. the quay walls were built many years ago and many are underpinned by rotting timber. a project is in the pipeline.

[romanSA]

Thanks for this info, Ratty. Very informative. What are your views on Coega being pushed by the govt to be SA's no. 1 port over the next decade? Think it will fly given its distance from Gauteng?

[dysan1]

Guys please move this discussion to the durban port thread, thanks

[Sand-Shark]

Question to those in the "know":

Development has been given the go-ahead, however I would assume that the most intersting plots to developers will be the ones on the new "north pier" of the harbour entrance. Are these dependant on the whole SCH development or are these likely to go ahead sooner to re-create the "Thirsty's" node?

I my opinion this would be the logical start-point as the bars on the old entrance generated significant foot-fall in the area which has now been lost. I feel the city should push heavily for the development of those sites!

On that note is there a propsed parking area to cater for visitors as there was for Thirsty's?

[romanSA]

As far as I am aware those plots have not been released and will only be sold once SCH has been fully configured.

[Sand-Shark]

As far as I am aware those plots have not been released and will only be sold once SCH has been fully configured.

Pity. To me that would be a mistake as those plots are key to driving the whole point development forward.

[dysan1]

An update i got from PWR...seems a fair bit has been kickstarted by this EIA approval!

POINT PRECINCT UPDATE

The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was officially approved in August 2009, after six long years of negotiation and debate;

This approval has opened the door for the last R 4 billion construction and development phases at the Durban Point Waterfront to begin;

The approval of the EIA has resulted in the DPDC (Durban Point Development Company) releasing all the unsold development land in the Point Waterfront Precinct to the open market for investors to purchase and develop;

The approval has also opened the door for the DPDC to finalize its negotiations with the Ports Authority (Port Net) and to sign off the approvals for the small craft harbour, the residential apartment blocks that are to be built on the northern pier of the harbour, as well as the iconic 28 storey hotel that is to be erected "in the water" alongside the Small Craft Harbour;

Most importantly, this EIA approval has given local developers faith in The Point Precinct again and the construction of four new developments will begin in September 2009.

These include:
Heritage hotel (100 rooms) - is this Life Chic??
Heritage Quarters (83 Apartments)
Boutique Hotel (50 rooms) - is this Quarters??
Residential Apartment Block (50 units) - any clue which this is??

[Sand-Shark]

An update i got from PWR...seems a fair bit has been kickstarted by this EIA approval!

POINT PRECINCT UPDATE

The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was officially approved in August 2009, after six long years of negotiation and debate;

This approval has opened the door for the last R 4 billion construction and development phases at the Durban Point Waterfront to begin;

The approval of the EIA has resulted in the DPDC (Durban Point Development Company) releasing all the unsold development land in the Point Waterfront Precinct to the open market for investors to purchase and develop;

The approval has also opened the door for the DPDC to finalize its negotiations with the Ports Authority (Port Net) and to sign off the approvals for the small craft harbour, the residential apartment blocks that are to be built on the northern pier of the harbour, as well as the iconic 28 storey hotel that is to be erected "in the water" alongside the Small Craft Harbour;

Most importantly, this EIA approval has given local developers faith in The Point Precinct again and the construction of four new developments will begin in September 2009.

These include:
Heritage hotel (100 rooms) - is this Life Chic??
Heritage Quarters (83 Apartments)
Boutique Hotel (50 rooms) - is this Quarters??
Residential Apartment Block (50 units) - any clue which this is??

Awesome news Dysan.

As per my above post - if they are building apartment blocks on the North Pier, do you know if there will still be a bar/restaurant node there like at thirsty's?

I loved the vibe and views they had there.

[romanSA]

All very good news. But I am bit wary about believing PWV.

[Luf]

Awsome, also just got the email with this info.

So work on all these start this month?? If so, NICE ONE!!!!!! but i am not going to get excited at this stage.

[Luf]

All very good news. But I am bit wary about believing PWV.

haha, so agree. A joke of a company really...

How things looking that side mate? Anything new to report on?

[romanSA]

I just returned to SA 3 days ago but haven't had a chance to go down to my Point apartment. Hoping to do so tomorrow or this weekend. Will post report thereafter.

[Pule]

Most importantly, this EIA approval has given local developers faith in The Point Precinct again and the construction of four new developments will begin in September 2009.

These include:
Heritage hotel (100 rooms) - is this Life Chic??
Heritage Quarters (83 Apartments)
Boutique Hotel (50 rooms) - is this Quarters??
Residential Apartment Block (50 units) - any clue which this is??

I hope they will be as quick as the developers of Road Lodge in Umhlanga.

[dysan1]

as i said in the Heritage quarters thread, PWR are merely the agents, they are not the developers. They were successful agents on Dockpoint, marine point, the sails and harbour view heights...

Just because developments they were involved with failed does not mean it is their fault that the developer cannot resolve its issues...

But here's hoping these all go ahead... PWR are only involved with Heritage Quarters and not the other 3 developments mentioned.

[dysan1]

I hope they will be as quick as the developers of Road Lodge in Umhlanga.

ya they flew!! and the same contractor is starting on the Town lodge development in Umhlanga Ridge too.

While on it, City Lodge are advanced with plans for a City Lodge development of +/- 230 rooms here at the point!!!

[romanSA]

Well, given their track record, I have faith that City Lodge will come through on their Point plans.

[romanSA]

My views on PWV don't relate to the developments not taking off the ground, but to their lack of transparency on what is happenning with the developments under their portfolio. They lose a lot of credibility by not being open with prospective buyers.

[Pule]

While on it, City Lodge are advanced with plans for a City Lodge development of +/- 230 rooms here at the point!!!
Those are great news, it seems like the point will be crane haven in months to come and even if all developers are as fast as the ones we talking about then the accomodation worries of 2010 SWC will turn into just a talk in the air.
:banana:

[dysan1]

My views on PWV don't relate to the developments not taking off the ground, but to their lack of transparency on what is happenning with the developments under their portfolio. They lose a lot of credibility by not being open with prospective buyers.

i do have to agree there...

[romanSA]

Now for an update of the Waterfront…

Old abandoned building opposite the Stevedores and behind the Heritage Square development) is being restored. The owner of Stevedores owns this one and he told me he would like this to be a restaurant. He said he already bought some of the interior fittings for this place (I think he mentioned stain glass windows). Regardless, I am thrilled this isn’t being demolished and, instead, is being restored. It's the mix of old, historical, and new that makes the Point a great development.

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_5695-1.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_5696-1.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_5698-1.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_5699-1.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_5733.jpg

Where this building is in relation to the Stevedores and Marine Point.

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_5734.jpg

This baby will hopefully be the next one to be restored. These buildings are favourite spots for high-end wedding photographers. Come on any Saturday or Sunday afternoon and you’ll see a bridal party in the ruins, grooms, bridesmaid included. Probably makes for stunning black and white shots. Photographers used to love using the Heritage Square buildings but now that those are being restored, these photographers are probably the only ones unhappy about their restoration. LOL! But back to this babe. I will actually be a bit said to see this being restored. The creeping tree trunks, which have integrated themselves into the walls, have become synonymous with this building and this area, and I will be sad to see them destroyed in any restoration attempt.

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_5725.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_5726.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_5727.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_5728.jpg

This is where this is in relation to Heritage Square.

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_5732.jpg


From the unrestored to the new. Here’s Java Cafe and Paddler’s Point (kayak shop) at Marine Point.

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_5737.jpg


Now for some good news about the last 2 unfinished Edwardian houses of the Dockpoint complex. Work has recommenced on both, although it seems the corner one (Timeball Boulevard and Browns Rd) will be finished first. One of the people involved in the project told me it should be done by Christmas. We had initially thought these two houses might be converted into a hotel by the Quarters Group but this doesn’t seem to be the case. Apparently the owner of the corner house wants to live in it. Here’s the current state…

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_5744.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_5746.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_5742.jpg

Pool has been constructed.

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_5743.jpg

This is the canal-facing incomplete house, which is also receiving attention, albeit at a slower pace.

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_5745.jpg

Now for some updates about other developments…

New access road to Point Bastille, Dolphin Whispers, and the Quays has been completed. Looks great. This starts at the end of Point Road, past Point Bay.

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_5754.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_5749.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_5755.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_5756.jpg

Area is beginning to densify a little, from a street perspective. This is Point Bay behind Point Bastille.

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_5758.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_5759.jpg

However, on the other side of the road of Point Bastille, we have…. this.

These pics alone highlight why the water clubs need to relocate (temporarily) and why this area needs to be developed (i.e, these sheds need to go, regardless of whether small craft harbour goes ahead or not).

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_5750.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_5751.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_5752.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_5753.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_5762.jpg

But it does look as if work on the deep water canal is seemingly imminent. The old road has that previously led to the clubs and Point Bastille etc has been barricaded and fenced off. Let's hope this all doesn't end in court.

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_5760.jpg

In these first 2 pics you can see the temp shelters the water clubs are using for their stuff in anticipation of their structures being demolished. Fence now blocks off access to the road.

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_5763.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_5767.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_5764.jpg

Here’s the current state of Dolphin Whispers. Hopefully Ithala will convert this into their offices. Anything will be better than this.

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_5765.jpg

This is the point (no pun intended) from which the deep water canal will be extended, if there are no legal barriers to doing so.

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_5766.jpg


The rest of the precinct is looking great.

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_5768.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_5770.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_5771.jpg

Still love this drawbridge.

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_5748.jpg

[Durban_SA]

Another Durban pic update... Cool. Looking awesome. Everything looks so perfect. How green is the grass in most of these pics? Pretty cool.

[romanSA]

Another Durban pic update... Cool. Looking awesome. Everything looks so perfect. How green is the grass in most of these pics? Pretty cool.

Ja, the grass is not always greener on the other side. :lol:

[Durbsboi]

awesome update Jerome!

[Pule]

Thanks for the updates Jerome.

[DbnGuy]

Awesome pics!! Thanks!

[herb21]

Now for an update of the Waterfront…


This baby will hopefully be the next one to be restored. These buildings are favourite spots for high-end wedding photographers. Come on any Saturday or Sunday afternoon and you’ll see a bridal party in the ruins, grooms, bridesmaid included. Probably makes for stunning black and white shots. Photographers used to love using the Heritage Square buildings but now that those are being restored, these photographers are probably the only ones unhappy about their restoration. LOL! But back to this babe. I will actually be a bit said to see this being restored. The creeping tree trunks, which have integrated themselves into the walls, have become synonymous with this building and this area, and I will be sad to see them destroyed in any restoration attempt.


Be cool to intergrate the trees into the design but probably a mission.

[romanSA]

From Saturday:

I don't want to get my hopes up but isn't this the site that the shopping centre is set to be built on? What could these groundworks be for?

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/Durbs288.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/Durbs289.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/Durbs290.jpg