#Durban Point Redevelopment

[thryve]

http://www.durbanpoint.co.za/}imagery/header/logo.jpg


NAME: Durban Point redevelopment
LOCATION: Adjacent to Durban's city centre
STATUS: Under redevelopment
HEIGHT: Buildings from homes/townhouses to 40F towers
USE: Residential, Commercial/Retail, Public use (uShaka Marine World)

Introduction
Located at the entrance to the busiest port in Africa, the Durban Point Waterfront is one of South Africa's most significant and exciting property development and investment projects.

Destined to become one of Durban's most prestigious addresses, and a key tourist attraction, the Durban Point Waterfront is rapidly transforming from a previously run down precinct into a multi billion Rand property showcase.

The first phase of 14 mixed use apartment, entertainment and retail complexes are scheduled for completion from 2005 onwards.

History and Plans
Durban Point is one of Durban's most historic and significant urban quarters. It has a superb location and enjoys access to a range of modes of movement including pedestrian, road, rail and sea and therefore has local, national and international connections.

Over the years Durban Point has been subject to creeping blight that has left it largely abandoned and vacant. Paradoxically it represents one of the most under-utilised assets within the city.

http://www.durbanpoint.co.za/}imagery/gallery/pics/REND-POINT-3timeball-10CM.jpg

Intentions to revitalise the area have been mooted for several decades and it is only now, in 2003, that it will finally be undergoing significant redevelopment. Much of the renewed impetus for this initiative has been the implementation of the uShaka Marine World project. This "must-see-must-do" attraction was consciously targeted at creating a development impetus for the city, and Durban Point in particular, and is regarded as the catalytic project for the 55ha Durban Point site.

The trigger for the development of Durban Point can be found in the water reticulation and purification system for uShaka Marine World and the need to return that water to the sea via a canal. This led to the idea of creating a unique "waterfront city within a city" in which a system of canals forms the central spine of urban redevelopment and where the economic benefits of water frontage extend throughout the area.

The Durban Point initiative is therefore not just an attempt to extend the city fabric in a banal way nor is it intended to transform the area into an extended theme park or tourist resort. Rather Durban Point will become an important, well-defined and exciting addition to the city and a sought after place to live, work and play. It is envisaged that a range of activities will be accommodated in a mixed-use environment containing a host of urban functions and reflecting a true urban place with 24-hour activity. The developers have drafted a Development Manual which sets out in detail the design philosophies of "African Urbanism" as well as the design review process that all development proposals are required to undergo.


Durban Point is the most exciting and significant property development and investment projects Durban has seen for decades.

http://www.durbanpoint.co.za/}imagery/pic_techInfo.jpg
http://www.durbanpoint.co.za/}imagery/home_aerial.jpg
http://www.durbanpoint.co.za/}imagery/gallery/pics/DSC_0002.jpg
http://www.durbanpoint.co.za/}imagery/gallery/pics/pic1.jpg


Interesting Tidbits

Landuse and Zones:
Many of the sites at Durban Point have a mixed-use zoning. Developers are encouraged to use the ground floor of buildings for uses such as retailing, entertainment and restaurants that can flow out onto the adjacent sidewalk space. Uses such as offices and residential on upper floors are encouraged to look out onto the public spaces below.

In order to achieve as much of an urbane quality as possible, developers are encouraged to achieve maximum allowable height and bulk restrictions. Thus buildings of a minimum height of three to four storeys and higher will be encouraged with bulk and coverage allowances having been formulated to achieve this.

Durban Point will be developed in a series of six precincts starting with precinct one along the canal and moving progressively outwards.


Canal Edge Typologies:
Critical to the success of Durban Point as a distinctive and interesting place to visit, is the way in which buildings respond to sidewalks and how they in turn interact with the edge of the canal. In order to create this well-defined street architecture, Durban Point’s architects have designed a number of “canal edge typology” options, samples of which are shown below. Thus building edges can incorporate colonnades, or they can have canopies with support structures that either straddle or cantilever over the sidewalk. Buildings may have verandahs on upper floors that run the length of street frontages above the colonnades or canopies. In some instances buildings are required to be set back from the canal edge, in others they could be built directly on the canal edge.

In each instance there is an opportunity for a developer to utilise the waters edge while at the same time not restricting pedestrian flow and leading to an interesting urban environment.

(This material is copyright of The Durban Point Waterfront and all its planners and developers. The above material was obtained from www.durbanpoint.co.za)

[thryve]

dysan, will the point have lots of density/ be high-density? I really gotta know

[SA BOY]

mixed use 2 (blue) is the high rise corridor where I have read there are 12 plots for skyscrapers/midrise towers

[thryve]

That's great news!

What I mean though was density in terms of the whole Point. I don't mean height, just how close the apt. complexes are going to be in relation to eachother, how many people will live in the Point, etc.

I sure hope that it is high-density, especially if it's close to the CBD like that...

[dysan1]

Its very high density. buildings touch the one next door like in a cbd dev. at the moment there are going to be 1200 apartments at the point, and that is just in the buildings that have been announced.

It is a city type atmosphere... with parks, open spaces, and no walls or fences to control movement of people. anyone can access the area and all the retail outlets. it is being design as an addition to the city fabric, and extention of the beachfront.

[Cape Town Guy]

sounds really nice

[thryve]

^^^ Thanks dysan. I'm glad to hear it.

[dysan1]

here are some images from the dpdc website (www.durbanpoint.co.za)

They show the point lifestyle

http://www.durbanpoint.co.za/}imagery/gallery/pics/IMG_1280.jpg

http://www.durbanpoint.co.za/}imagery/gallery/pics/IMG_1322.jpg

http://www.durbanpoint.co.za/}imagery/gallery/pics/IMG_1328.jpg

http://www.durbanpoint.co.za/}imagery/gallery/pics/IMG_1292.jpg

http://www.durbanpoint.co.za/}imagery/gallery/pics/IMG_1223.jpg

http://www.durbanpoint.co.za/}imagery/gallery/pics/IMG_1349.jpg

http://www.durbanpoint.co.za/}imagery/gallery/pics/IMG_1438.jpg

[dysan1]

This article appeared in Funworld Magazine, a US based mag that is the official mag for the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions:

URBAN RENEWAL

Durban ’s uShaka Marine World has been a force
behind jump-starting the city’s sluggish economy

Durban’s beachfront is a beautiful strip of South African coastline, with palm trees, long stretches of tan-colored sand, art deco hotels, fishing piers, a casino, cafes, ice cream shops, and tourist stands selling caps and sunscreen. But a struggling economy and high crime rate have prevented Durban from maximizing its potential. That is changing, however, as the city and private investors have embarked on a revi*talization project whose centerpiece is uShaka Marine World, a marine research cen*ter and theme park.

Durban is South Africa’s melting pot and one of the continent’s largest ports for container shipping. The city offers a vibrant ethnic mix and cultural energy that is unique in South Africa. International business maintains a firm presence here in the banks and industries tied to the port. There is a large com*munity of Indians whose political activism hearkens back to the beginning of the twentieth century when M.K. Gandhi, a young lawyer schooled in Britain, took up the cause of the Indian railroad and sugar workers in the British colony. Gandhi’s philosophies of nonviolent resistance were shaped here and planted the seeds of India’s freedom move*ment, playing a major role in the local struggle against apartheid. Durban is also deep in the Zulu heartland, serving as an important cultural center and provincial capital.

The city has emerged as the face of 21st century South Africa—Tiger Woods competes on its golf courses, Nigerian immigrants set up barber shops in little tents on the streets, tourists pull slots in the casinos, Muslims pray in the region’s largest mosque, and everyone competes for economic opportunity. Durban has the potential to be an economic and cultural powerhouse, but from the 1990s onward growth has been slow and frustration has been high.

A Beacon of Hope
UShaka Marine World was developed at Durban Point, the southern tip of the beachfront at the opening of the ship channel leading into the port. Adjacent to industrial facilities, the area had fallen into neglect, with old apartment blocks largely empty and crime and drugs dominating the streets. The uShaka project involved an investment of more than $100 million from private and government sources and brought together the diverse interests of a wide range of stakeholders.

The two main entities joined in the park’s name are the South African Association for Marine Bio*logical Research (SAAMBR), which runs Marine World, and uShaka Management Ltd., which oper*ates the theme park and retail components. It’s not always easy to wed for-profit entertainment with nonprofit education and conservation, but both partners have enjoyed their honeymoon and are looking forward to a happy life together.

“These are two organizations with very different values,” says Mike Lambert, uShaka’s chief operat*ing officer. “The challenge is to combine those val*ues, balance everyone’s interests, and let the relationship mature.”

Judy Mann, a marine biologist and Sea World’s director, agrees that the arrangement has been very beneficial. Sea World began in 1960, operating an aquarium on Durban beach that was popular for a while but fell into decline as funds became scarce. Primarily a research facility, home to SAAMBR and the Oceanographic Research Institute, the old Sea World’s public shows couldn’t generate sufficient rev*enue, and a group of marine biologists and educators weren’t terribly interested in operating a theme park. In the mid-1990s, Sea World was looking for a new home, since the old facility was crumbling, and the city of Durban was searching for a catalyst for its renewal project. uShaka Marine World was born.

“We used the think that two to three thousand visitors was a busy day. In December 2004, we aver*aged 9,000 people a day,” Mann says. The partner*ship has allowed her and her staff to concentrate on their core mission. While South Africa has plenty of interest in conservation and wildlife, it’s usually lim*ited to what Mann calls “charismatic mega-fauna”— the rhinos, giraffes, and lions found in the game preserves. There is a need for a marine initiative, as South Africans have little contact with marine wildlife. “Until you see a shark or dolphin up close, it doesn’t become real,” she says.

Sea World’s mission is to provide research oppor*tunities for scientists, to promote marine conserva*tion, and to educate the public about marine resources. “We’re trying to get people to believe in conservation, to spark their interest,” she says.

UShaka provides a world-class platform to show*case Marine World, attract tourists, and promote investment in this section of Durban. Mike Lambert appreciates the synergy between the two entities, knowing that ticket sales—the bottom line—are key to both. “If there’s no gate, there’s no business,” he says, “and if there are no animals, there’s no busi*ness either.”

Each group has had to learn the other’s values and unique operating culture. Scientists and show*men are finding out how to work together. “Some*times the animals get sick and don’t perform. We’re not used to that,” Lambert says. “We’ve had to learn to be patient.”

Mann and her team have learned to keep rein*venting themselves. “We need to keep changing the exhibits, introduce new shows, and reinvest in the park,” she says.

UShaka Marine World has been a success, with an operating profit from day one. More than 100,000 visitors passed through the turnstiles during the opening month, with nearly 170,000 coming through during the first Christmas holiday season. It’s easy to see why. The facility itself is stunning. The centerpiece is the re-creation of a 1920s-era cargo steamer, whose superstructure rises above the water rides and landscaping of the park. The interior of the vessel provides windows into the various aquarium tanks so visitors can come nose-to-gill with tropical fish, sharks, and other animals. The themeing is consistent throughout, as the re-cre-ation of rusting, distressed metal gives visitors the illusion that they are deep in the bowels of the ship.

The Sea World component includes Dolphin World, an aquarium with stadium seating for dolphin shows, separate tanks for smaller exhibits, and educa*tional opportunities for guests to snorkel coral reefs, swim with sharks in a special cage, and try the Ocean Walker—descending into the tank in a diving hel*met with air pumped in through a tube. SAAMBR also maintains separate research facilities, labs, and offices with access to the Sea World area. In all, Sea World offers thousands of marine animals and more than 30 exhibits representing life in the western Indian Ocean with about 200 different species, some not found anywhere else in the world.

Elsewhere, Wet ’n Wild provides water rides and swimming pools. The Village Walk, external to but managed by the park, is a covered row of shops and boutiques, restaurants, and other amenities on the same level as the steamer’s superstructure, so tourists can peer down into the park.

Well on Its Way
Though it has only been operating since April 2004, uShaka Marine World has already provided consid*erable benefit to Durban. Before the opening, when the park announced it was hiring staff, the interest was overwhelming. “We had 27,000 applicants queuing the night before,” says Lambert. “We required a high school diploma and proficiency in English. We interviewed 3,000 and chose 350. Most had never held a job before. We hired for attitude and trained for skill.”

With no prior experience of his own in theme park management—Lambert’s background is in restaurant, retail, and hotels—launching uShaka Marine World has been an on-the-job learning experience for him, too. “I think I just earned a 365*day MBA in theme park management,” he jokes.

The theme park expertise has come from the U.S.-based ProFun Management Group, which is a partner in the uShaka project. Most of its manage*ment team have years of experience in flagship theme parks in Florida, California, and Europe.

ProFun oversaw some aspects of the design and provided input to operations, especially how to maximize the visitors’ experience. “We love this project,” says Mark Germyn, ProFun’s president and chief operating officer. “UShaka can be a major icon of Durban with SAAMBR’s decades of history, the city’s vision, and the emphasis on cus*tomer service. There is a wealth of talent among local individuals and firms, which is a credit to the industry here.”

ProFun sees uShaka as a local, regional, and inter*national attraction, with the ability to tap larger markets in the East.

It’s also an ambitious project. “This is the largest tourism facility created in South Africa since democ*racy by any sphere of government,” says Dr. Michael Sutcliffe, Durban’s City Manager. “It has become an icon for Durban and KwaZulu-Natal province and has provided more than 1,000 jobs locally.”

In is first year of operations, the project has met many of its goals—regenerating property develop*ment in the inner city, spawning domestic and inter*national tourism, and stimulating further business development. Local property values have increased, and skills training and entrepreneurship programs have taken off.

“While most empowerment targets have been met, the city has learned a lot about how to ensure we get more black and women empowerment in such economic development schemes,” says Sutcliffe. “Overall, the project has been a major success.”

With some 10 major initiatives in the works for hotels and luxury condominiums, retail, and enter*tainment, Durban Point is rapidly being trans*formed from an area of blight into what developers are calling “African Urbanism,” a vibrant, friendly, and secure environment for business, cultural activities, and city living.

But uShaka’s mission goes beyond just securing tourism revenue. “Marine resources are finite, and conserving them is vital to Durban’s—and South Africa’s—future,” says Judy Mann. She is particu*larly proud of SAAMBR’s educational outreach to rural coastal communities. In teaching subsistence fishers about sustainability, the emphasis is primarily on communication and trust. “In Africa, science communication should be about people and teach*ing them to live more sustainably for their own future survival,” she says.

The resources of uShaka Marine World, bring*ing the public into contact with important issues in marine ecology, are making waves well beyond Durban Point.

[dysan1]

What do you think of this letter written by a Durbs resident to the Mercury?

Point Is Not Really Suited To New Homes

There is much hype surrounding the development at Durban's Point area. Flats are being built and canals dug. However, I am not at all convinced that the developer is on the right track.

While I understand that the area needs to be upgraded, I do not believe that it is appropriate for residential development.

A visit to the Point Waterfront's sales office at uShaka Marine World and their website, www.durbanpoint.co.za, will illustrate what is on offer. Despite the advertising being published by the developer, I believe that potential buyers are completely unaware of the pitfalls.

These are, briefly, as follows.

They will have to run the Point Road gauntlet to get to and from home - this will be particularly challenging at night when the muggers, hijackers, drug peddlers and the like that frequent the area are at their most active.

Unlike the Victoria and Alfred Basin, around which Cape Town's Waterfront is situated, Durban's Waterfront is being developed in close proximity to 24-hour working cargo terminals: the new Combi Terminal under construction just across Point Road at D to G berths and the granite and steel handling terminal at A and B berths.


Anyone familiar with modern cargo terminals will appreciate the amount of noise and dust that is generated.

The ubiquitous chemical smells from Island View Storage. Pollution
from ships' generators and boilers. Dust from the coal stockpiles at the Bluff Coaling Appliance. Other assorted and often unpleasant odours from the port.

The noise and heavy vehicle traffic when construction starts on the new north breakwater. This project will take some time to complete and no doubt contractors will work 24 hours a day.

Stringent security measures to be imposed on residents by port security and border police in order to comply with the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code.

I do believe that the developers are being extremely shortsighted in imagining that they can market homes in this part of Durban.


Unconvinced
Durban

[thryve]

I appreciate your posting of this, dysan1, to give us another point of view on it... It raised some issues I never thought about, many are quite credible.

I have never been there and can't judge, but I will definitely think on this.

Thanks for posting it :)

[mike2005]

The writer makes some good points ( no pun intended!!) Point road is a shithole but hopefully the city council will clean it up, secondly the harbour is noisey but most importantly the development is all happening at different times and at a differernt pace so it will basically be a rather unpleasant building site for years to come. They should really have done it all at the same time if at all possible. But having said all that the area will still be really nice and I do hope it is a sucess as it could do great things for Durbs.

[dysan1]

Well you couldnt do it all at the same time now could u? in total there will be over 50 dev's and over 10000 apartments, that is not a 1 phase project.

Regarding the letter:

The bulk cargo area near to the point dev is soon to move and be replaced as a container terminal, which should reduce the noise and dust.

Island view is presently under review by the city and changes could be ahead for it.

Point road itself is still contentious, but big strides have been made to make access and safety greater. The road is now one way, and at night you do not have to stop, as its green lights all the way to the point. Also the main nigerian trouble spots are closer to the wheel than ushaka...roughly 3km's or so. But much more needs to be done to rejuvenate that area too...but as i said in a different thread regarding the wheels sale, there is an overall plan for the whole dev.

Lastly regarding the Security measures for the apartments near the harbour mouth. These precautions are internationally enforced laws that apply to all major points of entry to countries. All people who purchase on the new breakwater, and along the harbour mouth will be subject to degrees of scrutiny, but all purchasers in those later phases will be informed.

The widening of the harbour mouth is just something that those who live at the point will have to live with initially, but its something that needs to be done.

in the end tho, the final result will be great

[mike2005]

I agree with you: the end result will be superb.

[dysan1]

Here's a montage of the Dev taking place in the point and inner city


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

[romanSA]

Wow, Mike. Another amazing montage. Many thanks for this!!! (I'm still recovering from the shock of seeing the Umhlanga montage!)

[GregPz]

Yeah, that montage is awesome. Never realised how similar the ABSA and Spinaker buidlings are!

[joburg]

^^^ Me too. :) This one is even more impressive!! You should send them to The Property Magazine or something for publication...

[SYDNEY]

The writer makes some good points ( no pun intended!!) Point road is a shithole but hopefully the city council will clean it up, secondly the harbour is noisey but most importantly the development is all happening at different times and at a differernt pace so it will basically be a rather unpleasant building site for years to come. They should really have done it all at the same time if at all possible. But having said all that the area will still be really nice and I do hope it is a sucess as it could do great things for Durbs.

I live across the road from the harbour which is active 24/7 and it is very noisy BUT when I close my doors/windows - it is dead quiet, thanks to double glazing. I am sure that they can adopt the same principles in DUR (it will be more expensive but at those prices buyers should insist on it)

[SYDNEY]

@ Dysan .. that montage is fvcking fabulous .. sell it to the developers and make some money from it ..

[dysan1]

Both are too be in the next edition of the Property Magazine (all the editions:CT, Gauteng and KZN) plus i have an article that ties in with them! Once the Article is published and distributed i will put it up on the site :)

Thanx for all the good wishes

[SA BOY]

where is moyeni in the montage?

[dysan1]

oops! forgot it...and a few others actually!

[SYDNEY]

Both are too be in the next edition of the Property Magazine (all the editions:CT, Gauteng and KZN) plus i have an article that ties in with them! Once the Article is published and distributed i will put it up on the site :)

Thanx for all the good wishes

Syd caught in action .... :cheer:

:applause:

[dysan1]

^^^??? meaning..i will just say thanx :)

[dysan1]

Update

A look at the changes taking place in the precinct and the old buildings that are being restored

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/IMGP0747.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/IMGP0735.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/IMGP0733.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/IMGP0736.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/IMGP0746.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/IMGP0749.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/IMGP0745.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/IMGP0734.jpg

[romanSA]

Thanks for the update. Everything is coming along so nicely!!

[Cape Town Guy]

wow. looking very nice indeed.

[datilguy]

Ooohh getting exciting....:D I must say I REALLY like Harborview Heights!

[Harkeb]

It's like a new city rising. Durban might soon become the city of choice. I for one, would not mind settling there.

[dysan1]

I think, and i'm sure many of you will agree, that there is a massive change of perception happening regarding Durban, and it is totally due to the Point redevelopment, and the Umhlanga Ridge new town centre. Without these 2 developments nothing would have changed...but because of them everything has changed

[dysan1]

A CGI view of what the point will potentially look like...obviously it doesnt have the San Raphael or Spinnaker high rises, but gives an indication of the waters edge dev

http://www.siyayapublishing.co.za/INDWE/IndweOkt2005/DurbanPoint.jpg

[joburg]

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/IMGP0745.jpg


WOWIE! Looks stunning! It's amazing what a little greenery can do! It doesn't look like many people have moved in yet though... Do you think we'll see a lot more action around this area this holiday season?

[JAB323]

All these renderings look great. I might be visiting some family still in Durbs next summer. I hope some of this is completed by then.

[SA BOY]

A CGI view of what the point will potentially look like...obviously it doesnt have the San Raphael or Spinnaker high rises, but gives an indication of the waters edge dev

http://www.siyayapublishing.co.za/INDWE/IndweOkt2005/DurbanPoint.jpg
Me like me like, not thats where I would break the investment model we have and buy into. Hopefully in a few years time when the speculators are debit riddled and rates have risen a bit to clear the market. Should be stunning at the harbour mouth.
Whats the time line on this?

[dysan1]

Completion of the whole point precinct by 2012...Will be great!

@ Joburg: The only buildings that are complete are Dockpoint, and Harbour View Heights. I know of a few people who have moved in there already, but Point Bastille (the pic u just showed) and the Quays will only be ready in Feb/March.

@JAB323: By next summer all the present buildings in this phase will be complete...(ie Dec 2006)...so will be great downt there then!

[dysan1]

Dev Update from Developer of The Quays

QUAYSIDE UNITS

All, but two of the units in the apartments are sold and Nedbank has given us the green light to start on the basement. The site, on which this 75-apartment luxury building will stand, was handed over to us early September. Work has already begun excavating the site, which extends from its sister project, the Quays, into the Durban Point Beach Club’s parking area. Liviero has been selected as the main contractor and essentially the same team, which is rapidly completing the Quays, will be tasked to bring Quayside on line by early 2007.

THE DEEP WATER CANAL

We received a couple of calls from concerned Purchasers regarding a newspaper article, which reported on the halting of the deepwater canal construction. The legal wrangle that caused the interruption has since been resolved and the canal is proceeding according to plan.

SMALL CRAFTS HARBOUR

The latest official plan shows an elaborate Small Crafts Harbour (SCH), which will set the Waterfront apart from anything developed along our beautiful coastline. Many believe that the SCH will be an important feature of the Waterfront by creating a recreational boating ethos and offering a variety of linked water-sports such as snorkelling, kayaking and surfing. Adjacent to this will be an area for sheltered swimming. The start of the SCH is subject to Environmental Assessment. At present the Department of Agriculture and Environmental Affairs (DAEA), having conducted a successful scoping exercise, is setting the parameters of the Environmental Impact Assessment Phase of the process. There are various groups who oppose the SCH ranging from the ski-boat Club to the surfers who see their activities curtailed by the new harbour and protected beaches.

QUAYWEST HOTEL

The final phase of the Quays trilogy has just been announced. Located alongside the Quays, the new Quaywest boutique hotel will soon emerge. The 11- storey Quaywest hotel has a new twist. Only 16 luxury, 2-bedroom hotel suites (each with a kitchenette) are available. Two penthouses are planned for the two top floors (1 per floor) which will feature private access direct from the lift). There will be only 2 on each floor. The hotel apartments will have undercover parking, quality interiors, canal frontage and revenue earning potential. The unique project offers the discerning investor the option to purchase a unit outright or become a part owner in the income-generating rental pool managed by a recognised hotel group. Being part of the rental pool will not be mandatory. And here is where Quayside owners could benefit. You will also be given the option of pooling your unit provided you opt for the hotel furniture package. You will be contacted in this regard in the near future.

NEW PROPOSED SHOPPING MALL

Colin Sher, Sales Manager of Durban Point Waterfront Developments Company, recently announced the proposed construction of a 55 000 square metre shopping centre to be built alongside uShaka Marine World. The shopping mall will have a canal running through it, allowing one to pass through it on a small boat. The shopping mall will be bigger than La Lucia Mall, about half the size of the Pavilion, and will offer entertainment and retail shops as well as a whole lot more.

[romanSA]

Thanks for the update, M.

[dysan1]

Update:

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/IMGP1259.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/IMGP1261.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/IMGP1262.jpg

Deep Water canal work

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/IMGP1271.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/IMGP1280.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/IMGP1272.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/IMGP1275copy.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/IMGP1278.jpg

Just too cute...nolwazi and her brother...

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/IMGP1274.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/IMGP1281.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/IMGP1284.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/IMGP1286copy.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/IMGP1287.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/IMGP1289copy.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/IMGP1291.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/IMGP1293.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/IMGP1298.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/IMGP1300.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/IMGP1301.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/IMGP1302.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/IMGP1305.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/IMGP1304.jpg

[GregPz]

Thanks for the updates Mike. Nice to see things moving along steadily. I haven't been down there for about 2 months. Must go take a look.

[datilguy]

Michael, how much of the Point is left for future development and investment?

[Durbsboi]

Update:





http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/IMGP1293.jpg





This building is oppositte the Ark..(stevedores) the council is not allowing anyone to break it down or revamp it because it is a historic building or some shit like that...if u ask me its a bloody eye soare!

[dysan1]

I LOVE IT!!! and i will KILL ANYONE that attempts to knock it down!!!!!!!!!! You need to keep little gems like this one around! the precinct needs to embrace the old and marry it with the new, its the quaintness of buildings like this one that give the area its unique charm, to remove them will dilute the product and lessen the authenticity!

It will be revamped slightly i imagine, but nothing drastic!!

I cant believe u hate it!

[dysan1]

Michael, how much of the Point is left for future development and investment?

So far only 25% of the developable land has been released... so there is alot of land still left.

However, alot of it has already been allocated to projects.

eg) The 50 000m2 shopping complex, The 4 beach hotel sites....things like that, some other plots in the next phase will be released during April

[SA BOY]

Mike any info on the 4 beachfront hotel sites, potential operators, height limits on the area etc???
almost the perfect setting for a nice beach resort, calm waters and a great swimming beach

[dysan1]

Yeh it will be designed along the lines of the Miami beach resorts. The height limit is a min of 12F and a max of 20F.

3 sites open directly onto the beach and the 4th has direct beach access as well as opening onto the canals and marina...

All 4 are directly next to each other and will have a sheltered beach with little to no waves due to the reef, piers and breakwater.

Since the sites have not been released yet, there are obviously no potential operators, but i'd imagine the big international resort hotel chains will be interested and will be keeping their eyes on it.

I do know that council held meetings with hotel execs this week representing, Marriot, Hyatt, Hilton, Taj, Raddison, Golden Tulip, Le Meridien, Naiide, Sun International, Southern Sun, Protea and City Lodge.

Ritz-Carlton also had meetings with Dubai based developers regarding a possible resort near Zinkwazi...

[SA BOY]

sound great, 4 big beach front resorts (sort of like umhlunga with cabana, umhlunga sands etc) will really add some density as well as finnishing off the beachfront which is really impressive now from the casino to the harbour mouth.
Lets hope we have some NEW operastorts in town and hopefully these will be decent sized resorts with 400+ keys.
Radisson and Le meridian do great resort projects here in Dubai and with Kingdom holdings now focusing on Movenpuick and le meridian , expect thewm to agressivly expand

[hsark]

I LOVE IT!!! and i will KILL ANYONE that attempts to knock it down!!!!!!!!!! You need to keep little gems like this one around! the precinct needs to embrace the old and marry it with the new, its the quaintness of buildings like this one that give the area its unique charm, to remove them will dilute the product and lessen the authenticity!

It will be revamped slightly i imagine, but nothing drastic!!

I cant believe u hate it!

your joking right ?

[dysan1]

your joking right ?

Nope...not joking at all

[dysan1]

sound great, 4 big beach front resorts (sort of like umhlunga with cabana, umhlunga sands etc) will really add some density as well as finnishing off the beachfront which is really impressive now from the casino to the harbour mouth.
Lets hope we have some NEW operastorts in town and hopefully these will be decent sized resorts with 400+ keys.
Radisson and Le meridian do great resort projects here in Dubai and with Kingdom holdings now focusing on Movenpuick and le meridian , expect thewm to agressivly expand

Lets hope so. I know that radisson are one of the likely operators for one of the new ICC hotels, and Golden Tulip look set to open near the city lodge.

Taj have already signed their letters of intent to develop at Anant Singh's Film City complex.

Marriot and Hyatt will be developing their hotels on Umhlanga Ridge.

Le Meridian seem more interested in a beach related resort, same goes for Naiide and Sheraton (who say they are keeping their eyes on the waterfront land)

All in all it looks like the International chains are coming in full force...which i suppose is good...

Taj are also planning to open a new hotel in Melrose Arch, and Marriot are eyeing up sites in Cape Town

[SA BOY]

that ugly run down shack should be restored into a nice coffe shop of juice bar. then all sides are happy.Besides its not heritige listed so rather preserve those buildings which have historcal and cultural value

[Durbsboi]

that ugly run down shack should be restored into a nice coffe shop of juice bar. then all sides are happy.Besides its not heritige listed so rather preserve those buildings which have historcal and cultural value
Totally agree with u there, Dysan if u were only there the day I saw it, there was this guy who obviously bought a flat somewhere in the area who drove past that piece of junk in an Aston Martin DB9. It was awful seeing a car that looks like it was designed by the hands of god drive past an ugly thing like that, which looks like it was shat out by a dinosaur.

[dysan1]

oooh...i'd park my aston in it! we'll never agree on the beauty of it i guess

[dysan1]

and actually the building is listed since it is very old and was built in 1932

[SA BOY]

then it needs to be saved but needs to also reflect its new context and its not in a workshop area but a funky cool new urbinism enviroment.
I say make it into a juice bar

[Durbsboi]

No No No, no juice bar, if we want it to remind us of wat the Point was, then I say we should make it into a high class brothel! cause wen the sailers come in they can have some fun!

[dysan1]

LOL!! I could see it as a really cool bar...with a mezzanine level in the rafters!

[SA BOY]

well thats one negative part of the point redevlopment, whger are all the ladies of the night gonna go as they wont just disapear which means some other burb will now have the problem?

[Durbsboi]

well thats one negative part of the point redevlopment, whger are all the ladies of the night gonna go as they wont just disapear which means some other burb will now have the problem?
didnt u read in the papers (oops forgot u not in SA) they want to legalise prostitution in Durban, they still deciding, they want to make a "Red light district" for Durbs, dont know where, but they want to.

[mike2005]

Probably vic embankment as that place is swarming with prostitutes anyway!!

[hsark]

AIDS people prostitutes in sa have no international market so whats the point of making a red light district only works in bangkok(yummy) and holland i say turn the prostitues into carguards !!

[Durbsboi]

Hey al our gals are safe (@ least they should be) & as i said b4, we can ship in sum from other countries, if we are goin to get a red light district, we should only have the cream of the crop :rofl:

[dysan1]

The Point Precinct Update

Security

The Point Precinct is currently one of the safest residential areas in KZN with numerous security cameras positioned at strategic points throughout the Precinct. These cameras are monitored 24 hours a day and the security office is linked via a mobile walkie-talkie network to the Precincts private security forces which patrols the Precinct 24 hours a day on foot and with 2 vehicles.

Point Road Security and Upgrade

Point Rd is currently undergoing constant upgrades with owners of properties in Point road being offered tax saving incentives to refurbish their buildings. Every month one will notice two or three buildings being repainted or totally refurbished. Furthermore on a security note, an eye in the sky camera has been strategically placed half way down Point road close to The Wheel shopping centre to monitor and combat crime in the area. The municipality are major role-players in the new Point Precinct and they have to date committed over R1 billion to the upgrading of the new area. As interested parties they have committed to cleaning up the area as soon as possible. With the widening of Point road, the increased security presence in the area, the eye in the sky crime camera and the tax incentives to local business, their vision of a safe attractive entrance to their local showpiece, namely uShaka and the canal and waterfront precinct, is well on track.

New Developments Currently Under Construction

The Point Precinct is powering ahead with cranes going up all over the place and major
construction companies in varying stages of completion with their respective developments. There are currently 8 developments within the Point Precinct and a further 2 just outside the Point Precinct, which are currently under construction.
The 8 in the Precinct are as follows; The Sails, The Quays, Quay Side, Dolphin Whispers, Point Bastille, Harbour View Heights, Marine Point and Dock Point.
The 2 just outside the Precinct that have begun construction are as follows; The Spinnaker and San Raphael.

Most of these 10 developments should be in a position to allow owners to start taking transfer of their apartments prior to December 2006.

New Developments Due for Completion Shortly

There are 4 developments that are nearing completion. These developments are, Harbour View Heights, Dock Point, Point Bastille and The quays. It is anticipated that a number of retail shops in these developments, will be open prior to the coming Easter holidays. The first apartments should be transferred to their new owners during the next 3 months or so and one may even see these pioneer owners occupying their apartments during the Easter holidays.

Small Craft Harbour

The initial Environmental Impact Studies have been completed and the approval process for the harbour is well under way. Initial indications are that the small craft harbour should offer around 250 moorings. The harbour construction can only take place once the widening of the harbour mouth has been completed.

Deep Water Canal

As you are all probably aware, the shallow water canal (depth 1,5 meters) was completed about 2 years ago. The first phase in the construction of the deep-water canal (depth 2,5 meters) is well under way. This phase links up with the canal at Timeball Square and should be completed by the end of February 2006. The second phase of the deep-water canal system will only be commissioned once construction of the small craft harbour begins.

Harbour Widening

The official widening of harbour has already started. The end of Point Road has been closed and the ports authorities have already begun work on the services tunnel. This tunnel will accommodate the essential services link between the Bluff and the Point. For the harbour widening to begin, this service tunnel must be complete. It is anticipated that the tunnel should be complete by the beginning of 2007 and that the actual widening of the harbour mouth should begin around April 2007 and should take around 2 years to complete.

UShaka Marineworld Update

Some interesting developments have taken place at uShaka and I have it on authority that a new cable car system will be erected above uShaka this year. This cable car will offer the public a picturesque ride over the aquarium pools and the wet and wild slides.

A major new ethnic restaurant group (Moyo) will shortly be securing a lease to open and operate a wonderful attraction out of a restaurant right on the beach with the pier also being used for diners.

The aquarium will also be expanding, with additional show area's for the penguins and a new enlargened "touch and see" pool, where one can touch sea creatures.

uShaka is bound to go from strength with the opening of the first apartments on the canals and the future of the exciting Point Waterfront Precinct and uShaka Marineworld looks more positive with each passing day.

[SA BOY]

so the small craft harbour (and adjasent appartments) which are the best in the area will only begin in 2009 ( 1 year to complete tunnel-2 years to complete widening) which means these will start in April 2009 at the earliest

[dysan1]

Maybe. work on the hotel sites can start earlier, once the shopping complex behind them is complete, for they are affected by the marina, since they are spread out along the northern part, outside the marina zone. most likely they will start work in 2008.

But the apartments on the marina will have to wait to 2009, which has always been the plan. some of the sites arent even going to be released until 2011.

[Durbsboi]

^^ Wat shopping complex are u talking about all the time???
I know we were going to part of the construction team for a shopping complex for the point area, where they were suppose to be a movie complex & shops, But since most of the major retailers were buying spaces in the buildings that were coming up & 90% of the food chains were already @ Ushaka, they scrapped the idea & are now making into a flea market thingy

[dysan1]

Nope. Its a 55 000m2 shopping complex that goes over the canals, hence having a canal running thru the actual centre of the mall. above the shopping levels are 3F of commercial space. above that will be 3 to 4F of residential apartments.

The retail space that is available in the mixed use buildings is far from sufficient to cater for tenents such as woolworths, edgars, stuttafords and the like, all needing large retail platforms.

I know for a fact that it is not scrapped for i attended a meeting on the project on saturday.

[SA BOY]

tell us more, sounds great.
is the 55000 includeing the mixed used component or is that just the retail side of things? sounds intresting with at least 9F above ground (2 mall+3 comm+4 resi)
where exactly will the mall be and when is it due to be anounced and break ground?

[romanSA]

Durban's Ugly Duckling Emerges As SA's New Swan

Business Day (Johannesburg)

March 3, 2006
Posted to the web March 3, 2006

Suzanne Frost
Johannesburg

THE Durban Point Waterfront, launched in 2003 on one of the city's most derelict and barren -- yet prime -- real estate sites, is rapidly taking shape and promises to soon become one of SA's best addresses.

Over the past two years as much as R1bn has been committed to the development of infrastructure and building complexes. This excludes R735m for uShaka Marine World, which opened in May 2004.

When complete it is anticipated that investment in the Durban Point Waterfront will be in the region of R6bn.

Most of the sites have mixed-use zoning and developers are being encouraged to use the ground floor of buildings for retail purposes, entertainment and restaurants that open out onto sidewalks and the canals.

In Phase One, 25 sites (145000m' of bulk), amounting to R146m, have been sold resulting in14 mixed-use developments of residential, offices, hotels and retail outlets -- all of which are at various stages of planning and construction.

A breakdown of usages so far shows 67% is residential, 15% hotels, 11% retail and 7% offices and showrooms.

Building is due to start in the next few months on Shaka's Gate -- a mixed-use development featuring 1900 parking bays, retail space and more than 220 apartments and offices.

The Durban Point Development Company is planning to release a further 35000m' of bulk valued at R60m during the course of this year. About 75% of the 900 residential units on the market are already sold, with the residential component selling at an average price of R12000/m'-R18000/m'.

The first half of this year promises to be exciting for the Durban Point Waterfront with Harbour View Heights being the first new high-rise development to be completed.

A portion of the Victorian row houses of Dock Point are complete with residents due to take occupation shortly.

To date the Durban Point Development Company has spent more than R68m on infrastructures and a further R396m is projected to be spent up to the end of 2012. These costs relate to the upgrade of Point Road, the creation of the canal system, security installations, the small craft harbour and the provision of bulk services.

The legal approvals process for the development of the small craft harbour at Vetch's Pier is also progressing well.

As part of the guiding principles for the small craft harbour a safe swimming and learner surfing area are proposed, as is safe snorkelling around the pier, launching for ski boat clubs and 250 moorings. Public access to the beach will be permitted along the entire sea edge.

A lock system will connects the deep and shallow water canal system to the small craft harbour, which will allow the boats access to the canal system.

The impetus for the development of the waterfront came from the need to reticulate purified water from uShaka Marine World back to the sea via a canal. This led to the idea of creating a unique waterfront city in which the canals form the spine of urban redevelopment where the economic benefits of water frontage are extended throughout the area.

While the overall theme of this quality urban environment is "African Urbanism" with textures, colours and materials that speak of Africa, there is variation in the design of the different apartment blocks as some retain their historical essence.

A management association has already been set up which, in conjunction with private development facilitation companies, will manage all public areas including parks, the beach and coastal dunes, and maintain infrastructure such as roads, storm water, sewerage and lighting throughout the precinct.

A key aspect is security, which is critical to rejuvenating one of Durban's most historic urban areas and entrenching the Durban Point Waterfront as a safe world-class and well-managed environment. A powerful CCTV camera system manned from a central control room with on the ground security staff and radio contact with the police aims to curb crime.

The initiative is not an attempt to extend the city fabric, nor is it intended to transform the area into an extended theme park or tourist resort. Rather, it hopes to develop as an important, well-defined addition to the city and become a sought after place to live, work and play.

http://allafrica.com/stories/200603030283.html

[Durbsboi]

Nope. Its a 55 000m2 shopping complex that goes over the canals, hence having a canal running thru the actual centre of the mall. above the shopping levels are 3F of commercial space. above that will be 3 to 4F of residential apartments.

The retail space that is available in the mixed use buildings is far from sufficient to cater for tenents such as woolworths, edgars, stuttafords and the like, all needing large retail platforms.

I know for a fact that it is not scrapped for i attended a meeting on the project on saturday.
Wat site number is it?? 1.??

[dysan1]

the 55 000m2 is just the retail component and excludes the commercial and residential space.

it is planned to occupy sites: 1.1, 1.2, 1.4, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3

Stores will open inwards to an enclosed mall, but all parts of the building with street frontage, will have access like a high street environment, so people can walk the road, or internally.

[Durbsboi]

^^ cool stuff man, no the shopping mall that we were gonna build was on a totally different site, so this one sounds good to me, I just got news that Pick & Pay was going to occupy most of the ground floor of Point Bay, not sure how true that is, but we will have to wait & see, I know woolworths foods wanted that space, but they were taking too long to start construction so they moved to another building.

[hsark]

pick n pay is better u get a wide range of food and worths food is expansive pick n pay = middle and upper class people

[dysan1]

also dont forget that pick n pay alos normally needs a far bigger area than woolies. This mall sounds like it wil be incredible and a total departure from anything else in south africa, and with a canal running thru it, it will be very unique in international terms too! Renders are due out in a few weeks and work is planned to start in june

[Durbsboi]

just got new drawing for 1.17 it looks quite similar too the previous design, I guess its because they already had buyers for some of the flats

[dysan1]

can u share it...pls :)

[Durbsboi]

^^ I dont think I am allowed to post plans of Buildings on websites, but if I get any elevations i will :)

[dysan1]

dont want the plans...no render?3d, anything. they give them to me all the time

[Durbsboi]

^^who GAP? they very stingy!

[SA BOY]

they are an architectual firm that uses the same basic design template with every development they do. very unimaginative and stuck in the 80s. White curved walls with an attempt and contempory design and a weak minamalist influence

[dysan1]

i dont know of any projects GAP are doing at the moment...it seems to be Michael Tod and EPA around alot of them

[dysan1]

Completion of canal system

THE development of the canal system at the Durban Point Waterfront has taken another important step forward with the completion of the first section of the deep water canal.

The occasion was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Obed Mlaba, eThekwini Municipality Mayor, Michael Sutcliffe, Municipal Manager, Mzi Khumalo,
Chairman of the Durban Point Development Company, and board members.

`This section holds a staggering 10 000m3 of water and took eight months to complete, using 1600m3 of concrete and a 120 tons of steel,` said Neels Brink, Managing Director of Metallon Properties, the project directors for the Durban Point Waterfront.

The first release of water from uShaka Marine World into the canal system in January 2004 marked the beginning of a new era for the Waterfront. Since then, multimillion-rand developments have mushroomed around the canal`s edges, creating a sought-after place to live, work and play.

The original impetus for the development of the canal at Durban Point Waterfront came from the need to reticulate purified water from the adjoining uShaka Marine World back to the sea. This led to the idea of creating a unique waterfront city in which the canals form the spine of urban redevelopment where the economic benefits of water frontage are extended throughout the area.

Water is pumped out from uShaka Marine World at a rate of about 400m3 an hour and eventually flows out to sea via a storm water pipe outlet at the North Pier.

`Once the EIA process for the small craft harbour is complete towards the latter part of 2006, construction on the final section of the deep water canal will start,` said Brink.

`The central section of the canal is 1.2m deep and is only accessible to shallow keel boats, but the deep water canal is 2.4m and can accommodate yachts, as well as the shallow keel boats. The proposed construction of a small craft harbour, abutting the widened harbour entrance, is a significant component of the Durban Point precinct and is planned to link into the existing canal system via a lock system.`

[dysan1]

Your Safety is our concern


Statistics from the SAPS show that the Point Waterfront precinct including the Durban beachfront have, for two consecutive months, recorded the 2nd lowest crime rate in the Durban Metro area! What is even more pleasing is that the two months in question are November and December 2005, normally a time when crime increases during the Christmas break.

SAPS Director Thembi Ndlovu and her team at Point SAPS are determined to clean up the area and it shows The partnership set up between Point SAPS, Durban Metro Police and private security firm Enforce, is the reason crime is on the decline, and is directly attributed to the visible presence of trained security staff patrolling on foot and by vehicle, with the back-up of the ever vigilant staff in the nearby control room.

Monthly meetings are held with all parties, and regular road blocks are set up to further deter any criminal element from spending any time in the area.

In addition, the Point Developers Charity initiative, which is supporting the Durban Metro’s Ithubalethu project set up to rehabilitate the young female sex workers in the Point area, further assists with lowering crime statistics, as these young women are now off the streets.

The surveillance centre and control room for the Point Waterfront precinct is equipped with sophisticated CCTV equipment, which records and stores all images viewed by the cameras within the precinct. There are currently twenty cameras in operation with a further forty planned for installation shortly.

Each camera has a surveillance area of approximately 100m, where details such as a vehicle number plate can be viewed. If a camera is not under the direct control of the staff, it is programmed to perform a remote sweep of the area at all times. The camera’s are fitted with equipment to adjust to any light conditions, and will switch to black and white in extreme conditions.

Construction at the Waterfront continues apace, with another development, Marine Point due for completion shortly. With all the extra activity in the area, security control measures have been stepped up, ensuring that the first residents enjoy complete peace of mind.

So, if you feel like you are being watched while visiting the Point…you are!

THE INDEPENDENT

[dysan1]

I am no computer genie, so this doesnt look very good, but thought it would give an idea of what the high rises at the point will look like as a cluster

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

[SA BOY]

nice gap just waiting to be filled

[Umhlanga]

Excellent work, Dysan! Does that view look north towards the CBD? Or south towards the Bluff?

[dysan1]

it actually looks at the buildings from ushaka beach...so they will look out at the ocean.

The gap will be filled soon. reliabel sources tell me that that is where an "iconic" building is to be built. when i asked what that meant, they said "think along the lines of 88 on field for a design clue..." Hmm...i'm intrigued

[GregPz]

Exciting stuff indeed! Welcome to the forums Umhlanga!

[Halawala]

Looks very promising. Nice pics!!

[SA BOY]

yip I told you that there are 10 high rise plots identified by the council and to date we have only a handfull identified.

[Durbsboi]

Nice work Dys, looking good, I got sum idea's of filling that gap.

[romanSA]

Excellent work, M!!! Looks great. At first sight I thought you were posting a pic of Dubai! Now about that iconic building, whose kneecaps do we break to get that scoop???

[romanSA]

Welcome Umhlanga! Nice to see another Durbs person (I think??) on these boards.

[Umhlanga]

Thanks everyone for the welcome.

I'm not actually a true Durbanite. I'm an American whose family have owned property and done business in the area for over 20 years. I have been lucky enough to get to go to Durban for prolonged visits for almost that long. Currently we call Umhlanga our second home, but during the mid- and late-80s, we lived it up in Mont Blanc.

Thanks again for the welcome and for all the great pics and updates about Durbs.

[Durbsboi]

lol, we had a flat on the 8th floor of Mont Blanc, its amazing how many ppl stayed there!

[Umhlanga]

We were on 9 for awhile! We rented from the real owners, and I can't remember the number, but I remember that you got there by turning left out of the lifts, walking straight to the end of the corridor.

[dysan1]

Excellent work, M!!! Looks great. At first sight I thought you were posting a pic of Dubai! Now about that iconic building, whose kneecaps do we break to get that scoop???


Hehe no kneecaps...just patience i think...as giles said, many more sites still available, so prob a good 5 more highrises to come...thats excluding the Beach sites....!

[SA BOY]

Mike any updates or info on Moyeni. Its the lesser spoken of sister and seems to have been forgoten about

[Durbsboi]

When are they gonna start with the extension of the harbour mouth? cause most resifential developments are coming out of the ground & they stil lhavent finished the tunnel as yet, & if most of the flats are up, then its gonna be quite annoying to have all that construction going on while you staying in your posh upmarket million plus flat, & with construction comes dirt & dust!!! most flats have jacuzzi's on their balcony's including my uncles!!! & I dont think they will be pleezed by relaxing with sand in their spa's

[dysan1]

only start work on mouth in feb 2007

[dysan1]

Went down to the Point today to get a beachfront shot fro giles, so thought i should snap some shots of the action down there...here we go...

Work on The Spinnaker

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/IMGP1501.jpg

Completed Quays

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/IMGP1505.jpg

Quayside alongside...

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/IMGP1527.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/IMGP1526.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/IMGP1522.jpg

Work on Marine Point

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/IMGP1506.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/IMGP1507.jpg

Work on the Sails

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/IMGP1508.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/IMGP1528.jpg

Work on the tunnel under the harbour mouth

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/IMGP1523.jpg

And Finally, a almost 360 degree view of Timeball Square

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

[mike2005]

god that completed building on timeball square is goddam ugly. shame considering the rest of the stuff going up there is so good:-(

[dysan1]

you dont like it?? hmmm...ok

[makoppa]

you dont like it?? hmmm...ok
I agree with you Dysan1- it's really good. Lots of elements in the building are reminders of past styles- which are mirrored in the other residential buildings surrounding it and towards the beachfront. 2005 is so last year... :jk:

[Durbsboi]

. 2005 is so last year... :jk:
:rofl:

Seeing all these projects going full steam ahead, I feel like all my projects down at the point will be the last ones to be completed! & I have got 4 but none of them have started as yet.

[GregPz]

Nice update Mike! Must admit I do have mixed feeling about the Quays but I think it'll look great once surrounding buildings are up.

[SA BOY]

thats cos its first completed and sticks out like a sore thumb. wait for some density around and they will dissapear in a sea of buildings.
Thanks for the update mate, last time I was there over 2 years ago there was nothing happening exept ushaka and work on the canals. what a change inded. Love the urban landscaping with nice use of cobbles, brick and sandblasted agregates

[dysan1]

i totally agree that it stands out like a sore thumb, but dont forget that in 2 years it will be surrounded by 11 buildings in a 100m radius! will make a change.

I like the fact that it is bold and intriguing to look at, i find something new each time.

Durbsboi...what 4 devs you on?

[dysan1]

DURBAN TIMEBALL REGAINS GLORY AGAIN

there was a picture in the business day's homefront section, but the pic is not online!!

7 Jul. 2006


IN THE 1880s, a structure for visually communicating the exact time to ships in anchorage was constructed. Called a “timeball” the name was derived from the fact that the ball would slide up a mast to tell the time.

It was at the top of the tower usually at noon or 1pm each day. The timeball was a prominent feature for the Durban Point for many years. But it was moved to the top of the Bluff area in the early 1900s and then disappeared.

The council’s focus on retaining the history of the Durban Point was behind the plan to reconstruct the timeball. It is to be placed on Timeball Square in the Durban Point Waterfront development. The Timeball is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

This historic timepiece works by the ball sliding vertically along a shaft through timelines of one hour intervals, which are fitted to the apex cowling. These timelines indicate 1am or 1pm at the base rising up to five seconds before 1am or 1pm to the top. These are at 1m centres along the cowling.

The ball slides down the shaft taking about five seconds to the bottom of the cowling to designate 1am or 1pm. This time delay is calculated by an expert. A computerised control system within the concrete drum at the base of the tower, emits the accurate timing to the drive motor housed within the cowling.

The motor pushes a plastic chain system to mobilise the fiberglass ball. As the ball passes the quarter hour timelines, a slide switch triggers off a series of LED lights accentuating the hour. The Point Timeball Tower and information kiosk, which is completed is on the primary public open space where the two main roads, Escombe Place and Browns Road, meet.

This is positioned at a main intersection within the canal area, which makes its a prime focal point in the development. Timeball Square is made up of three components: the tower, information kiosk - as a reference for the public - and the toilets and amphitheatre, which are on the lower level. Timeball Square will be a focal zone for entertainment and major events.

This new draw card for the Durban Point Waterfront development is expected to attract even more attention from investors and tourists.

The Timeball Tower is 47m tall

[Durbsboi]

Went to MooShaka for lunch yesterday with some visitor's, forgot to carry my camera, so took some shots with my cell phone.

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g160/amgosai/DSC00114Medium.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g160/amgosai/DSC00115Medium.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g160/amgosai/DSC00117Medium.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g160/amgosai/DSC00118Medium.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g160/amgosai/DSC00119Medium.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g160/amgosai/DSC00120Medium.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g160/amgosai/DSC00121Medium.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g160/amgosai/DSC00122Medium.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g160/amgosai/DSC00123Medium.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g160/amgosai/DSC00124Medium.jpg

[romanSA]

Those are some pretty decent shots with your cell ph, bro! Thanks for posting.

[Mo Rush]

very cool pics.

[GregPz]

Gotta love Durban

[Durbsboi]

Those are some pretty decent shots with your cell ph, bro! Thanks for posting.
Sony Ericsson S700i , gotta luv the 1.3 megapixel camera :D

[dysan1]

thanx for the pics DB...!!

i have a big concern tho. When they start digging up the one parking lot in front of the Spinakker in august for Shaka's gate, where on earth are people going to park when going to ushaka? theres not enough parking as it is and it will take 11months until the 5 parkade floors are complete...i see problems

[Durbsboi]

^^I was also thinking about that, then I thought maybe they will use the Spinakers parkade, but then I saw the OTHER parking lot wich is to the side of Ushaka, not as big as the one we park at, but is okay

[Mo Rush]

Sony Ericsson S700i , gotta luv the 1.3 megapixel camera :D
ill join that 1.3 mega pixel club with my shitty samsung d500.

[Durbsboi]

well according to SE, they say that normally they put a camera in a cell phone, but with the S700i they put a cell phone in the camera

[dysan1]

The point is to have an open day soon. Will be a R50 entry fee, what that covers i do not know, but probably the free gondala rides, entry to all the apartment developments and sites. speeches about progress and new dev's plus a market lining the canals with live music in Timeball square. Sounds great.

[Durbsboi]

Good stuff, might go down there today to see hows the progress on Point Bay, see what Stevie Jacoby is up too

[dysan1]

^^ i dont like that man...he lives right next door

[GregPz]

Some nice pic updates from the Durban Point website www.durbanpoint.co.za.
they were taken on 7 July 2006.

http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/4007/point1rn3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/6507/point2jx4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/6158/point3pt3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img144.imageshack.us/img144/7595/point4hs1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img91.imageshack.us/img91/932/point5pu9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[dysan1]

They must be older than july cos Dolphin whispers is up to a good 5 or so floors. i do like the aeiral view tho, its all starting to take shape...

And the shopping complex will be great!

Giles i think will be able to fill us in after his chats this weekend

[mike2005]

Just a question guys. seeing as the u shaka beach is right by the harbour entrance wont it be very dirty as ships discharge oil from their engines etc when entering port?

[dysan1]

To me it is one of the cleanest beaches around. i gets some seaweed and stuff, but i never see any oil.

[Durbsboi]

There's a coral reef just near Ushaka beach, that generates great waves for surfer's, hadnt notice any oils myself in the area.

[SA BOY]

The coral reef is actauly vetchys pier or what remains of it. It was the origional sea wall to create a small craft marina bay back when. dived on it many times and surfed all around it as a kid

[dysan1]

Well they are keeping it when they build the small craft harbour..well most of it.

The plans are available on the durban point website

www.durbanpoint.co.za

[romanSA]

Here's the website of the surfers who oppose the new smallcraft harbour. They have some good arguments. I like option 3.2 as it seems a compromise between the 2 camps.

http://www.zigzag.co.za/site/awdep.asp?depnum=17807

They are having a meeting this Saturday:

http://www.globalsurfnews.com/news.asp?Id_news=24483

[Harkeb]

Looking real good.
from Point website. Pics are dated now, but give nice views of the huge construction site

http://www.durbanpoint.co.za/}imagery/gallery/pics/Point-arial-photo-HIREZ.jpg

http://www.durbanpoint.co.za/}imagery/gallery/iStructure/large/image01.jpg

May 2006
http://www.durbanpoint.co.za/}imagery/gallery/pics/Ariel-View-2.jpg

http://www.durbanpoint.co.za/}imagery/gallery/pics/DSC_0002.jpg

http://www.durbanpoint.co.za/}imagery/gallery/pics/DSC_0016.jpg

[Harkeb]

some Artist impressions

http://www.durbanpoint.co.za/}imagery/gallery/pics/sails.jpg

http://www.durbanpoint.co.za/}imagery/gallery/pics/quayside.jpg

http://www.durbanpoint.co.za/}imagery/gallery/pics/mPoint.jpg

http://www.durbanpoint.co.za/}imagery/gallery/pics/dolphinWhispers.jpg

[dysan1]

You gonna get a million people against it, but what is best for the city? and as the reports have stated, it will be an utter waste and lost opportunity for the city not to develop the small craft harbour. the existing yacht sites in the harbour are full and while they are being expanded in the vic embankment expansion plans. Their are many sectors that are being held back economically without the new marina! it must go ahead!

[hsark]

http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/6507/point2jx4.jpg
woah i want 2 live there

[mike2005]

I went down to Ushaka beach over the weekend and you are right it is very clean. When the point is done I think it will be the best beach in durbs.

[dysan1]

Personally i think suncoast beach is fantastic, i have never spent the day on ushaka beach. and i have a draw to north beach, no matter what people say i think the atmosphere there is near impossible to beat

[mike2005]

I also LOVE suncoast and north beach. North beach is prob my fave at the moment but one the point is finished having a beach integrated into such a great mixed use precinct will make it hard to beat.

[dysan1]

^^ i totally agree! those beaches and resort hotels will offer a great beach package that south africa doesnt have at present

[SA BOY]

mike any news on whats happening on the beach hotels at the point? thought there was due to be an anouncement before xmas?
Also is skyhomes dead?

[dysan1]

Skyhomes had its permission revoke and they are having to rework the design and all it seems.

The beach hotels can only be given final approval and release once the EIA is fully certified...which is not far off.

[SA BOY]

excellent. Any idea how the process will work for the development of the beach sites? tender? auction? etc

[dysan1]

The DPDC expects very strong demand for the sites and already have letters of interest from 4 hotel chains (Three cities, Hyatt, Coral and Movenprick). I presume closer to the time of release there will be greater interest.

I am under the impression that sales will take place in a tender format for 3 of the sites. With the key prime site (that abutts the marina and has a private beach) being auctioned off

[dysan1]

Just a little bit of info i found regarding the special height status enjoyed by the "skyscraper zone" that The Mast, San Raphael and The Spinnaker fall in. 3 Others are still to come!




When the DPDC (special zone 91) was established, the Project Managers, Moreland attempted to encourage the existing landowners outside of the demarcated area, but within the Geographical area south of Bell Street, to forfeit their existing town planning zoning and be incorporated into the precinct, to fall within the jurisdiction of the DPWMA.

The current Zoning of most of these sites is mixed use, allowing a max 110m far 8, coverage 100 percent.

The DPWMA is an existing section 21 company and it will be compulsory for all lot owners within the DPDC area (special zone 91) to become members of the Association. The activities of the Association will be to manage security, landscape and beachfront maintenance, aesthetic controls, signage controls and related urban management standards over and above those normally provided by the eThekwini Municipality.

Most declined to be incorporated, and negotiations broke down. This resulted in a unique strip of sites behind the Ushaka Marine World, referred to as the Warehouse Group, or the “ribbon strip”. Most of these sites have subsequently been sold to developers, and an exciting row of tall buildings are planned to be erected. The first of these, the Spinnaker, is already in construction. The second is named San Rafael and is to commence early in 2007.

[dysan1]

the 110m zoning has obviously been lapsed for these developments and they have been allowed to go much higher...

[Pule]

Thanks for the infor Mike, but do you maybe have an idea of other skyscrapers that might be built? and do you think that we gonna have the highest skyscraper in South Africa coming Durban's way.

[dysan1]

I have no info on any others next to these 3. I really dont think that SA's highest skyscraper will be built at these sites, dont think the land zoning will allow.

HOWEVER. There is a site at the harbour mouth entrance once expanded that is intended for an iconic building to act as the gateway to the harbour mouth. That could very well be very very tall, whether it will be the highest in SA is anyone's guess. Mine would probably lean towards no, but u never know.

[Pule]

Thanks for the info Mike.


Its a new year gents, Mike take your camera boet and give us those camera shots. Take pictures of the resturants and life around Durbs.

[dysan1]

An overhead view taken on Dec 7 2006....shows the progress!

http://www.durbanpoint.co.za/}imagery/gallery/pics/new%20point%20arial.jpg

[GregPz]

Taking shape nicely. I wonder how long it'll be before it starts looking "lived in".

[clive3300]

Looking good. I wish they had a bit more water amonghst the buildings though. Its not as though they are short on land, or will be in the next 20 years.

[dysan1]

^^ there are still massive open water sections to be built it the deep canal section, and dont forget the marina...so there will be more than enough water.

20 years? buddy, current plans are for the completion of the ENTIRE precinct by 2014

[dysan1]

And the beach hotel sites and 6 additional sites on the deep water canals go on sale in march! There are already a long list of eager buyers. initial sales went at R500/m2 bulk. This new batch of land sales will start at R3000/m2

[romanSA]

Cross post from Durban thread

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


Ooooh, looks like something big and significant is coming to the Point!! I wonder if this is the "world class mall" that's been touted or if this is an entirely new development. Seems the R200 m being touted is not the value of the mall but how much they paid to get a controlling interest in the *land*, which means the development will likely be quite significant. Either way, it's nice to finally get some info on some of the new developers in the precinct....

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

South Africa: Bonatla to Invest in Durban

Business Day (Johannesburg)

January 9, 2007
Posted to the web January 9, 2007

Nick Wilson
Johannesburg

LISTED property company Bonatla Property Holdings is in the process of re-establishing itself as an investment and development real estate company with a major development roll-out planned over the next two years.

Niki Vontas, a consultant to Bonatla, said yesterday that Bonatla's strategy was "basically an added value strategy" to obtain better yields.


"We've decided not to invest in the same market as other large listed property funds. It's almost impossible to find prime, already developed investment properties. We've decided to create our own investment properties."

Bonatla has outlined its development plans in its year to September financial results.

One of the major developments the company will be involved in is an investment of R200m in a development at the Durban Point waterfront.

Vontas said there was about 400000m' of developable land available at Durban Point and that the R200m investment would purchase Bonatla a controlling interest in this developable land.

The development, which will include a shopping centre, offices and residential property, will be rolled out over two-and-a-half years.

Bonatla is also investing R97m in a development precinct on the Durban south coast. Vontas said the company bought the precinct, which is situated opposite the Southcoast Mall.

http://allafrica.com/stories/200701090205.html

[dysan1]

The price tag of the mall (40 000m2), the apartments and offices (28 000m2) above is R850m

[Durbsboi]

Wait a minute, where about is this "mall" going to be?
please can someone show me, sounds very exciting, but Im abit pissed off, coz 1 of our developments was suppose to be a shopping mall, but was rejected by council because of uShaka, we were suppose to have Pick n Pay & Ster Kinekor Movie center & a whole lot of shops & stuff.


that picture doesnt look to be taken on the 7 of Dec, coz Point Bay site had decks up for level 0 at that time, & part of level 0 was already poured, maybe it was taken a few weeks before?

[dysan1]

^^ maybe it was taken earlier but thats the date given on the DPDC website...

Regards the mall...sorry for you...

The development team behind it have been working on it for 2 years. its probably a lot more high profile than yours and will have 6 sites, with development over 8F

[dysan1]

Durban Point readying for next wave of developers

Mapping out the future - Colin Sher

(New Developments) Even though the next release of new development land in the Durban Point Waterfront development is likely to come to the market at nearly six times more than its original R550 per bulk square metre when first launched in April 2003 the Durban Point Development Company (DPDC) is confident of a swift market take up.

With a further 100 000 sqm of bulk set to be released in March, subject to an Environment Impact Assessment decision, the next wave of new developers, according to Colin Sher, are literally queuing to sign up. A high proportion of interest is expected from developers involved in the 160 000 sqm bulk first phase.

The upcoming phase of the eventual R6 billion development involves the sale of five prime residential sites around the deep water canal and four, also considered prime, beachfront sites overlooking the proposed 200 berth small-craft harbour consisting in total of about 75 000 sqm of bulk. Selling prices are expected to start at R3 000 per bulk square metre.

Sher, marketing and sales manager of the Durban Point Development Company, stressed that finalisation of land usage was subject to the EIA report. The prime beachfront sites overlooking the small craft harbour, because of their edge-of-the-water location, are zoned for mixed use with ground floor retail supported by residential and commercial use. The sites adjacent to uShaka Marine World, overlooking the beachfront, are likely to focus on front line hotels.

Shopping centre


There is also a proposed 68 000 sq metres bulk parcel, bordering Browns Road and Timeball Boulevard, destined to host a world-class shopping centre of approximately 40 000 sqm – about the same size as La Lucia Mall - with the balance of space dedicated to residential, offices and also hotels.

Sher, declining to disclose full details, said a development company had, following 18 months of negotiation, indicated its readiness to purchase the retail site. The company is in receipt of letters of intent of tenancy from major retail chains, including Woolworths.

Part of the next phase also involves the infrastructure of a “super” basement parking for 1 200 vehicles. Its construction will be given priority by DPDC once the EIA approval is forthcoming.

The swiftness of the Point’s first phase sell-out, the subsequent pace of construction and speed of sales, which Sher concedes was encouraged by the unprecedented property boom, and the current pacing in the wings for the next slice by developers, has “washed away any remaining scepticism concerning the success of the venture.”

Giving it further market impetus is the huge and still rising demand in the Central Business District (CBD) for new commercial space following a tumble in a vacancy factor of triple A grade office accommodation from 14 percent (approximately 22 000 sqm) since June 2004 to a current 0,8 percent (958 sqm) vacancy factor.

With gross triple A grade commercial rentals in Durban’s CBD having soared by 43 percent since 2004 and blue chip tenants that include banks, attorneys, call centres, shipping companies and government departments wanting to stay in the CBD the investment potential for The Pont in terms of all property aspects, Sher says is “massive” and well on track in spearheading its original purpose of regenerating the city centre.

To date about 75 percent of the Waterfront’s development is residential based amounting to about 1 200 apartments or 120 000 sqm out of the 160 000 sold so far of which approximately 60 percent is completed with the balance in various stages of conclusion.

Some 15 developments account for the first phase private sector construction at the Point, but particularly pleasing for the DPDC is the depth of private sector upgrading that has infiltrated along Point Road, which he estimates has now surged past the R100 million mark. Several new mixed use developments, one is the R275m Bay Terrace Views, are proposed for the region, which Sher says will stimulate not only further development in the area “but more importantly, its widespread upgrading.”

Although only launched three weeks ago more than 80 percent of the apartments in the proposed Bay Terrace Views have been reserved with a strong buyer profile of owners keen to live close to their place of work.



Submitted: 12 Jan 2007

[dysan1]

Here is the most recent point dev plan image of the new sectors and canals as in the mercury on friday. there are some amazing hotel sites which i see big big big interest in

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/IMGP1947.jpg

[dysan1]

^^ I personal love many many aspects of the plan.

1) The fact that vetchies is being kept and enhanced thru the construction of new snorkeling facilities.

2) The prime prime prime resort hotel sites that will give a totally new dimension to durban's tourist product.

3) The extended marina facilities (which are over 100% at the moment and new facilities badly needed, hence both the vic embankment and this dev)

4) The new people friendly wave free beach

5) The retail facilities lining the harbour with the new indoor/outdoor canal mall mall no more than 50m from the beach.

GOOD times!!

[Durbsboi]

I need to get in here, regarding that mall article, it makes sense now why woolworths pulled out from Point Bay. The mall sounds pretty cool. I think I should open something there. show of hands, how many ppl want to see a Haagen Daz in the new point bay mall?

[clive3300]

^^ there are still massive open water sections to be built it the deep canal section, and dont forget the marina...so there will be more than enough water.

20 years? buddy, current plans are for the completion of the ENTIRE precinct by 2014

Good to know about the water. I look forward to being impressed that they really do complete it all by 2014.

[Durbsboi]

By then, hopefully the rest of the Point Road area will also be redeveloped. That guy that bought the wheel, is keeping it for another few years, Im guessing his waiting for most of the projects to be complete in the Point area & for the property price to pick up.

[romanSA]

By the way, the Timeball Tower at the Point Waterfront has been delivered and is ready to be installed. Saw it this morning lying on its side. It looks huge and bulky and is apparently 48 m high.

[dysan1]

Will that count as a new tower for durban?

[Durbsboi]

.......maybe, will have to see, oh ya & the past weekend, not this one that went by, the other one, was the last weekend that thirsty & the other restaurants on the Point were open. They now all closed so demolition of that area can begin! about time if you ask me!

[SA BOY]

Will that count as a new tower for durban?

Only if we can confirm the height

[dysan1]

ok....well if its that much higher than the apartment blocks around it then surely thats an indication, as they are over 35m...

but the 48m was given in the paper when it was first mentioned

[SA BOY]

that will do, Ill ammend emporis

[dysan1]

Bonatla, Renong cut deal on Durban Point

23 Jan 2007 - Inet Bridge -

Intro
Bonatla Property Holdings is on the verge of signing a deal that will see it effectively buy half the shares in the Durban Point Development for R150m

By Rob Rose
Bonatla Property Holdings, assisted by former director Niki Vontas, is on the verge of signing a deal that will see it effectively buy half the shares in the Durban Point Development for R150m, allowing Malaysian company Renong to withdraw from SA.

The sale agreement, in Business Day's possession and dated January 8, shows that the deal is structured in such a way that Renong will sell its entire investment in Renong SA, whose main asset is 80,4% of a company called Rocunion, to Bonatla.

Rocunion owns 100% of Rocpoint, which in turn owns half of the Durban Point Development Company, which stands to make a lot of money from the reinvigoration of the Durban port area.

The transaction, as well as others by Bonatla, is in the final stages of being thrashed out and is expected to be announced to shareholders in the next few days, although the deals are still subject to various approvals.

However, questions have already arisen over the deal, including the fact that documents show Bonatla will pay R39m in fees to three advisory parties, including R10m to CDA Consultants, which is run by Bonatla director Carolyn Douglas.

But the Renong deal is also structured in such a way that it allows Bonatla to get its hands on the stake in the Durban Point Development Company, while bypassing Renong's South African empowerment partner, Vulindlela Investments, which owns the remaining 19,6% of Rocunion and has a pre-emptive right to acquire the other 80,4%.

For Renong, this is an important step as the Malaysian company has been involved in setting up the Durban Point Development since the 1990s. Renong was recently drawn into the Shabir Shaik trial, as one of the state's claims was that political influence was brought to bear to include Shaik for a cut in the Durban Point development project.

Until recently, Bonatla was something of a shell company without major assets, but has got a new lease on life as it sets about buying new assets, a rescue operation Bonatla said last month was due mainly to "CDA Property Consultants and their consultant, Niki Vontas". Until May 2004, Vontas was a Bonatla director.

Last month, however, Bonatla flagged the Durban Point announcement as a R200m "investment/development precinct in the Durban Metropolitan".

The sale agreement, however, says that Renong would be paid R150m for its shares in Renong SA, and its investment in Rocpoint, R35m of which must be paid by Monday.

A "memorandum of understanding" signed between Bonatla and the three advisory parties, also in Business Day's possession and signed on January 8, said, "Bonatla is to pay the R150m purchase price to Renong ? (through) R35m payable in cash on the effective date ? and the balance by way of the issuing of scrip in Bonatla to Renong".

The memorandum says a fee of R39m "plus value-added tax shall be paid by Bonatla", with 25% of that going to CDA, 25% to a Durban-based retail company Al Mashkour, and the rest to another Durban-based intermediation firm called Contense Investments.

Renong director Zahid Dasahi said from Malaysia that the deal was far from finalised, but said that "when the transaction is completed, we will get paid in cash", not shares. Another source close to Bonatla, who did not want to be named, said the intention was to place the Bonatla shares for the outstanding fee with third parties, so the Malaysians were paid in cash.

Business Day

[romanSA]

Big article in today's Mercury on the development.

[dysan1]

YES! trying to find it to post

[GregPz]

Ta-dah!

Point needs a 'real waterfront'
Tony Carnie speaks to Project Director Neels Brink for the developer's perspective on the Point yacht harbour controversy

The Mercury
January 25, 2007 Edition 1


DURBAN'S much-vaunted Point Waterfront project would never become "a real waterfront" unless a new yachting marina and small craft harbour was built at Vetch's Pier.

"Without direct access to the Indian Ocean, the Point project would essentially be no different to a waterfront at Hartebeespoort Dam or the centre of Bloemfontein," argued Neels Brink, Managing Director of Metallon Properties and Project Director for the Durban Point Development Company.

The recent release of a draft environmental impact assessment (EIA) has sparked heated debate about several negative social impacts of the project, but Brink insists that the Vetch's marina/harbour is crucial to the viability of the Point development as a whole and, to some extent, the future financial viability of the uShaka Marine World theme park and aquarium.

Late last year, researchers at the University of KwaZulu- Natal's Centre for Environmental Management concluded that the 150-berth marina was "associated with a loss of public access to a public space" as well as "a sense of injustice" about space being taken from ordinary people for the exclusive use of the wealthy.

Yet, Brink argued that the opposite was the case - and that public access to the Vetch's Pier area was at present based on "parochial interests" and private membership of a number of watersport clubs that were established there from the early 1950s onwards.

To emphasise his point, during a site visit this week Brink's first port of call was a boom-gate in front of the Durban Undersea Club and Point Yacht Club's beach site.

Here, the guard told Brink that access was restricted to members only.

"But we only want to drive down to the beach to have a look around," he remonstrated politely.

The guard was courteous, but wouldn't relent.

"So is this the free public access we have been hearing so much about lately?" Brink remarked rhetorically.

Yet, even if non-members could not drive down to the sheltered beach at Vetch's via the club premises, surely there was a large number of people who parked nearby and then walked down to Vetch's to walk their dogs, fly kites, or go snorkeling with the kids?

"But you will still be able to go snorkeling, walk the dog and do whatever you want to," Brink responded. "In fact, we are extending the public promenade southwards from uShaka. You will be able to walk from one end of the beachfront to the other, right down to the new North Pier which the National Ports Authority will build as part of the harbour widening project.

"The clubs have had a fantastic time. They haven't been paying rates. They were in splendid isolation. What we are saying is that a different lifestyle and a different vision is coming. And you won't have someone asking you where your membership card is."

He conceded, however, that some parts of the new harbour would be totally off limits to the general public - notably a reclaimed section adjoining the new harbour breakwater, which had been earmarked for private residential apartment blocks.

Why, I asked, should this section be restricted to private apartment owners? Why didn't the Durban Point Development Company (DPDC) build a public promenade here as well if it was truly committed to open public access?

Brink hesitated momen- tarily before declaring: "Because we need some exclusivity. The small craft harbour is going to cost somewhere between R300 million and R500 million. Who is going to pay for it?"

And what will happen to fishermen? Will they be allowed free access to the new north pier?

Brink said he could not answer on behalf of the National Ports Authority (NPA), which would control access to a 25m wide strip of the new pier - but it was his understanding that fishermen and other visitors would be allowed access on foot, but not in vehicles.

Yet, this version appeared to contradict a document prepared by Brink in May last year entitled, "Supplementary notes on the Small Craft Harbour, Security and Operational Management."


This document said: "There is an understanding between the NPA and DPDC that this edge would be carefully managed so as not to be to the detriment of the adjacent DPDC-led development proposals . . . As this zone will be exclusively residential in nature, access will be managed for the public at the discretion of the NPA along the new northern pier."

As for his contention that Durban would not have a "real waterfront" if it was not linked directly to the Indian Ocean, surely Cape Town and other world cities have had remarkably successful waterfront projects - even though they are located inside working harbours rather than directly on the ocean?

Brink readily agreed that Cape Town's waterfront was so profitable that it was sold recently for nearly R7 billion to a consortium of Dubai, United Kingdom and local investors.

Yet, he said, the direct access to the Indian Ocean was precisely what made the Point project unique.

"This is why the Durban Waterfront will be better than Cape Town. They don't have a snorkelling reef or swimming beaches nearby, either. So we actually have something better than Cape Town."

Turning to some of the financial aspects of the development, Brink said sales of residential, office and retail space in the Point district had exceeded his "wildest dreams"

So far, almost 200 000m2 of property had been sold to 14 property developers, and the sale of this property to the private sector would be used to finance the marina/small craft harbour, said Colin Sher, Sales Manager for the DPDC.

Ultimately, the developers hope to provide residential units for nearly 2 000 families in the waterfront area, either on a permanent or holiday basis. By providing a mix of property for development, Brink said the aim was to create a unique "live, work and play" environment.

All the same, Brink maintained that the overall Point redevelopment was a "marginal" project offering financial returns of between 15% and 18% over 10 years.

There was also some uncertainty about the financial implications for ratepayers, as the DPDC is at present a 50:50 joint venture project between the eThekwini Municipality and the Malaysian-based Rocpoint group.

According to a financial feasibility study, which formed part of the EIA process, the new development is expected to add an extra R64 million to R75 million to the eThekwini rates base every year.

It also predicts that the new small-craft harbour would create between 4 500 and 7 000 new permanent jobs - but an agreement has been reached whereby eThekwini will absorb any shortfall in rates if there is any shortfall in the shareholder loan accounts of the DPDC at the end of a 10-year rates roll-over period in 2013.

The possible rates shortfall could add up to about R69 million if the DPDC does not make a healthy profit. The flip side is that, if a healthy profit is realised by the DPDC, eThekwini could reap part of the surplus.

Another area of uncertainty is the possibility that costs will escalate substantially if the NPA insists on being paid out for the value of land reclaimed below the high- water mark.

Some sources suggest that the NPA wants R55 million from the DPDC to build out into the sea, into state-owned land.

Brink did not comment on the figure of R55 million, but confirmed that the NPA had agreed, in principle, to sell some reclaimed land to the DPDC. "We are in negotiations. We have put a value on the table and we are haggling. Perhaps that is the figure you have heard."

It also appears that city officials are uncomfortable about some of the traffic and transportation implications of the project if the DPDC were to develop to its desired extent of 575 000m2.

Yet, overall, Brink was confident that the project represented a "once in a lifetime window" for Durban and he considered that the EIA process had not uncovered any fatal flaws.

"If the leadership cannot facilitate this with suchfavourable preconditions, it is unlikely that the small craft harbour will ever materialise and, as a consequence, the development prospects for the Point would be rendered questionable."

[Durbsboi]

Read that article yest, very valid points made, we need this craft harbour & yacht mole thingy!

[dysan1]

YES WE DO!! The water clubs are far too unreasonable! and they have not even been paying to have there clubs there, no rates, nothing. They need a wake up

[Durbsboi]

a kick up their arse is whats needed! it ppl like them who think they sooo important all of a sudden thats haults progress thats needed! Lets face facts, as SA's 3rd largest city or its it 4th, we on the coast & our only other compeditor for tourism is CT, & at the Mo they kicking our behinds! & they got shitty beaches compared to us! we need attractions! we dont need paddle ski's :crazy:

[dysan1]

ur right in some respects...

BUT we do need the paddle ski's and all the watersports that presently use vetchies. that sporting culture is what sets durban apart from other SA cities and makes us unique and different and gives us our quality of life.

The water clubs do need to be included in the dev, for without them the area will lose alot of its potential pulling power and durban will lose alot too. For we are the best centre in the world for paddle ski!!

Everything needs to be well combined to make a winning formula

[Durbsboi]

Isnt thats why they changed the design of the harbour to accomodate for them??? but they still complaining?

[dysan1]

Yes they have changed the design to a degree and i do agree that the clubs need to be more reasonable (however it must be noted that some of the clubs have openly supported the DPDC and marina, just 3 that are totally against it). However, we need the clubs too, and i do feel that the building being offered to them is too small to house them all. the DPDC should know that

[Mo Rush]

a kick up their arse is whats needed! it ppl like them who think they sooo important all of a sudden thats haults progress thats needed! Lets face facts, as SA's 3rd largest city or its it 4th, we on the coast & our only other compeditor for tourism is CT, & at the Mo they kicking our behinds! & they got shitty beaches compared to us! we need attractions! we dont need paddle ski's :crazy:

CT has shitty beaches?? uhm ok if u say so.

[Mo Rush]

Ta-dah!

Point needs a 'real waterfront'
Tony Carnie speaks to Project Director Neels Brink for the developer's perspective on the Point yacht harbour controversy

The Mercury
January 25, 2007 Edition 1


DURBAN'S much-vaunted Point Waterfront project would never become "a real waterfront" unless a new yachting marina and small craft harbour was built at Vetch's Pier.

"Without direct access to the Indian Ocean, the Point project would essentially be no different to a waterfront at Hartebeespoort Dam or the centre of Bloemfontein," argued Neels Brink, Managing Director of Metallon Properties and Project Director for the Durban Point Development Company.

The recent release of a draft environmental impact assessment (EIA) has sparked heated debate about several negative social impacts of the project, but Brink insists that the Vetch's marina/harbour is crucial to the viability of the Point development as a whole and, to some extent, the future financial viability of the uShaka Marine World theme park and aquarium.

Late last year, researchers at the University of KwaZulu- Natal's Centre for Environmental Management concluded that the 150-berth marina was "associated with a loss of public access to a public space" as well as "a sense of injustice" about space being taken from ordinary people for the exclusive use of the wealthy.

Yet, Brink argued that the opposite was the case - and that public access to the Vetch's Pier area was at present based on "parochial interests" and private membership of a number of watersport clubs that were established there from the early 1950s onwards.

To emphasise his point, during a site visit this week Brink's first port of call was a boom-gate in front of the Durban Undersea Club and Point Yacht Club's beach site.

Here, the guard told Brink that access was restricted to members only.

"But we only want to drive down to the beach to have a look around," he remonstrated politely.

The guard was courteous, but wouldn't relent.

"So is this the free public access we have been hearing so much about lately?" Brink remarked rhetorically.

Yet, even if non-members could not drive down to the sheltered beach at Vetch's via the club premises, surely there was a large number of people who parked nearby and then walked down to Vetch's to walk their dogs, fly kites, or go snorkeling with the kids?

"But you will still be able to go snorkeling, walk the dog and do whatever you want to," Brink responded. "In fact, we are extending the public promenade southwards from uShaka. You will be able to walk from one end of the beachfront to the other, right down to the new North Pier which the National Ports Authority will build as part of the harbour widening project.

"The clubs have had a fantastic time. They haven't been paying rates. They were in splendid isolation. What we are saying is that a different lifestyle and a different vision is coming. And you won't have someone asking you where your membership card is."

He conceded, however, that some parts of the new harbour would be totally off limits to the general public - notably a reclaimed section adjoining the new harbour breakwater, which had been earmarked for private residential apartment blocks.

Why, I asked, should this section be restricted to private apartment owners? Why didn't the Durban Point Development Company (DPDC) build a public promenade here as well if it was truly committed to open public access?

Brink hesitated momen- tarily before declaring: "Because we need some exclusivity. The small craft harbour is going to cost somewhere between R300 million and R500 million. Who is going to pay for it?"

And what will happen to fishermen? Will they be allowed free access to the new north pier?

Brink said he could not answer on behalf of the National Ports Authority (NPA), which would control access to a 25m wide strip of the new pier - but it was his understanding that fishermen and other visitors would be allowed access on foot, but not in vehicles.

Yet, this version appeared to contradict a document prepared by Brink in May last year entitled, "Supplementary notes on the Small Craft Harbour, Security and Operational Management."


This document said: "There is an understanding between the NPA and DPDC that this edge would be carefully managed so as not to be to the detriment of the adjacent DPDC-led development proposals . . . As this zone will be exclusively residential in nature, access will be managed for the public at the discretion of the NPA along the new northern pier."

As for his contention that Durban would not have a "real waterfront" if it was not linked directly to the Indian Ocean, surely Cape Town and other world cities have had remarkably successful waterfront projects - even though they are located inside working harbours rather than directly on the ocean?

Brink readily agreed that Cape Town's waterfront was so profitable that it was sold recently for nearly R7 billion to a consortium of Dubai, United Kingdom and local investors.

Yet, he said, the direct access to the Indian Ocean was precisely what made the Point project unique.

"This is why the Durban Waterfront will be better than Cape Town. They don't have a snorkelling reef or swimming beaches nearby, either. So we actually have something better than Cape Town."

Turning to some of the financial aspects of the development, Brink said sales of residential, office and retail space in the Point district had exceeded his "wildest dreams"

So far, almost 200 000m2 of property had been sold to 14 property developers, and the sale of this property to the private sector would be used to finance the marina/small craft harbour, said Colin Sher, Sales Manager for the DPDC.

Ultimately, the developers hope to provide residential units for nearly 2 000 families in the waterfront area, either on a permanent or holiday basis. By providing a mix of property for development, Brink said the aim was to create a unique "live, work and play" environment.

All the same, Brink maintained that the overall Point redevelopment was a "marginal" project offering financial returns of between 15% and 18% over 10 years.

There was also some uncertainty about the financial implications for ratepayers, as the DPDC is at present a 50:50 joint venture project between the eThekwini Municipality and the Malaysian-based Rocpoint group.

According to a financial feasibility study, which formed part of the EIA process, the new development is expected to add an extra R64 million to R75 million to the eThekwini rates base every year.

It also predicts that the new small-craft harbour would create between 4 500 and 7 000 new permanent jobs - but an agreement has been reached whereby eThekwini will absorb any shortfall in rates if there is any shortfall in the shareholder loan accounts of the DPDC at the end of a 10-year rates roll-over period in 2013.

The possible rates shortfall could add up to about R69 million if the DPDC does not make a healthy profit. The flip side is that, if a healthy profit is realised by the DPDC, eThekwini could reap part of the surplus.

Another area of uncertainty is the possibility that costs will escalate substantially if the NPA insists on being paid out for the value of land reclaimed below the high- water mark.

Some sources suggest that the NPA wants R55 million from the DPDC to build out into the sea, into state-owned land.

Brink did not comment on the figure of R55 million, but confirmed that the NPA had agreed, in principle, to sell some reclaimed land to the DPDC. "We are in negotiations. We have put a value on the table and we are haggling. Perhaps that is the figure you have heard."

It also appears that city officials are uncomfortable about some of the traffic and transportation implications of the project if the DPDC were to develop to its desired extent of 575 000m2.

Yet, overall, Brink was confident that the project represented a "once in a lifetime window" for Durban and he considered that the EIA process had not uncovered any fatal flaws.

"If the leadership cannot facilitate this with suchfavourable preconditions, it is unlikely that the small craft harbour will ever materialise and, as a consequence, the development prospects for the Point would be rendered questionable."

good article good points...but with dubai spending another R7 billion ...the point will need to pull out all the stops if its going to compete.

[Jakes1]

CT has shitty beaches?? uhm ok if u say so.


I think he said "shitty beaches when compared to us." And I agree with this statement. Durban has lovely weather, warm water and lovely beaches - for swimming and sunbathing.

CT has wonderful beaches too, but the water is frigid, the wind blows you away at times, weather is unpredictable and some of the nicest beaches are so pretentious that it makes me want to hurl.

This does not mean I hate CT, or its beaches. But East Coast is the place to be if you want a decent BEACH holiday. Remeber that CT has other awesome attributes, culture, vistas, architecture, vibe! But swimming in the atlantic amongst a bunch of frozen penguins - not too lekker is it?

Plus, at least East Coast employs sharknets, keeping my nice white bumbum safe from the evil great white sharks. In CT, Muizenberg comes to mind, and cage diving, and Strands Dubai-esque architecture...

[Mo Rush]

I think he said "shitty beaches when compared to us." And I agree with this statement. Durban has lovely weather, warm water and lovely beaches - for swimming and sunbathing.

CT has wonderful beaches too, but the water is frigid, the wind blows you away at times, weather is unpredictable and some of the nicest beaches are so pretentious that it makes me want to hurl.

This does not mean I hate CT, or its beaches. But East Coast is the place to be if you want a decent BEACH holiday. Remeber that CT has other awesome attributes, culture, vistas, architecture, vibe! But swimming in the atlantic amongst a bunch of frozen penguins - not too lekker is it?

Plus, at least East Coast employs sharknets, keeping my nice white bumbum safe from the evil great white sharks. In CT, Muizenberg comes to mind, and cage diving, and Strands Dubai-esque architecture...

Muizenburg is awful...i dont know of anybody that goes to that beach..CT has some spectacular beaches, at some awesome locations. Durban is certainly a good beach holiday destination

[dysan1]

I agree that the locations and vista's seen from the cape town beaches are good. BUT mo u have to admit that the beaches in CT are small, hard to get to, nearly impossible to park at and then once u get to them after all that you have to just prance about on the sand for going in the water is like committing suicide.

No doubt that clifton and camps bay are good settings, but thats it. Its also unfortunate that there are very few beaches in CT in close proximity to the city, hence why the point with its beach, harbour, canal, marina and city style to it is a very very tempting offer and shall prove in 5 years to be a good competitor to the V&A, for it offers something that the V&A cant.

All in all both products are/will be good and both will do well to continue to attract more tourists to their regions and the country.

But you cant disagree that Durban has a beach culture, while CT most definately does not

[Mo Rush]

I agree that the locations and vista's seen from the cape town beaches are good. BUT mo u have to admit that the beaches in CT are small, hard to get to, nearly impossible to park at and then once u get to them after all that you have to just prance about on the sand for going in the water is like committing suicide.

No doubt that clifton and camps bay are good settings, but thats it. Its also unfortunate that there are very few beaches in CT in close proximity to the city, hence why the point with its beach, harbour, canal, marina and city style to it is a very very tempting offer and shall prove in 5 years to be a good competitor to the V&A, for it offers something that the V&A cant.

All in all both products are/will be good and both will do well to continue to attract more tourists to their regions and the country.

But you cant disagree that Durban has a beach culture, while CT most definately does not

def a beach culture in durban...camps bay is 7km from the waterfront which is a bit far..i did hear some mention of a beach resort at the waterfront but thats prob only after 2010. For now im just interested to find out what the plans are for the waterfront leading up to 2010

[SA BOY]

Four seasons biggest issue is the fact that they want a beach and want to close to the Waterfront. I think Nakneel will create one with a controled enviroment and then 4S will do a warm swimming lagoon, simmilar to the one we did for them in Dubai

[Durbsboi]

Muizenburg is awful...i dont know of anybody that goes to that beach..CT has some spectacular beaches, at some awesome locations. Durban is certainly a good beach holiday destination

Sorry didnt mean to stir up any shit here, its just that Durbs got good things going for it, thats natural, like out weather & our beaches, I mean thats all nature, we need to do more to promote it & become an intertional destination

[Durbsboi]

Four seasons biggest issue is the fact that they want a beach and want to close to the Waterfront. I think Nakneel will create one with a controled enviroment and then 4S will do a warm swimming lagoon, simmilar to the one we did for them in Dubai

Sounds hectic, but cool at the same time, you gotta love them Durbai folks, if they cant get it, they build it!

[dysan1]

Four seasons biggest issue is the fact that they want a beach and want to close to the Waterfront. I think Nakneel will create one with a controled enviroment and then 4S will do a warm swimming lagoon, simmilar to the one we did for them in Dubai

While i think thats a bloody good idea, i seriously dont see it being an easy process. Creating beaches and the like and the distruction to the sea bed are touchy issues in SA at the moment and nakeel will not have free reign like they do at home. Trying to get that passed and thru the public participation process here will be a very long and tiresome process that may not even get approval in the long run. But even if it does get approval in the end, it wont be ready in the 3 years before 2010, more like 2012 or so

Just look how complex it has become in durban with the marina and all...

Those beach sites would surely be very appealing!

[SA BOY]

They have bought the V&A for 2 aims, 1 make money 2, make it iconic and one of the worlds great waterfronts.
Both need investment and brand names, brand names dont come if they cant get someting iconic, its a massive catch 22 situation.
I have heard that they WILL be allowed to reclaim and that 2010 will be the end of 1st phase of waterfront re-development etc with 2015 being end of second phase. Its a 10 year multi billion $ investment so these things dont happen overnight.

[Durbsboi]

Its Dubai folks, they get what they want.

I was thinking, since Point wants to be a 1 of kind, how cool will it be to have a Versace hotel there. Theres only 1 in the world (I think) in the gold coast, my mate stayed there for the new years, he said it was blody nice, & it had its own marina. I saw the pics & thought something like this will be perfect for the Point, right on the craft harbour leading to the new Marina.

http://img366.imageshack.us/img366/2058/auspalazzoversaceatsunsyy0.jpg

[Mo Rush]

They have bought the V&A for 2 aims, 1 make money 2, make it iconic and one of the worlds great waterfronts.
Both need investment and brand names, brand names dont come if they cant get someting iconic, its a massive catch 22 situation.
I have heard that they WILL be allowed to reclaim and that 2010 will be the end of 1st phase of waterfront re-development etc with 2015 being end of second phase. Its a 10 year multi billion $ investment so these things dont happen overnight.

true..but i wonder how it will work when they introduce a light rail connection from the city centre to the waterfront..who pays? should the city contribute? would it spark the revival of light rail across the entire cbd or just a portion leading to the waterfront?

[SA BOY]

there is a 2nd versace comming up in Dubai, but essentially thats what 4S are looking for

[dysan1]

Alright so there is a major stink in the watersports communities about the new craft harbour. They are completely against it. Not all the sports in the community, but many and they are very vocal. They at present have access to vetchies beach, pay no rates, levies or anything, so basically have a free ride. The DPDC wants to build the small craft harbour out at sea in the vicinity of vetchies, with next to no damage to the actual reef, merely cutting a few hundred metres of beach away to form the craft harbour and providing on clubhouse facility for all the watersports communities. They dont want this and prefer the beach to remain the way it is. They do have some valid points, but i believe to leave it the way it is will serve the city no economic purpose and actually hampened growth.

Below are the views of Neels Brink of the DPDC and the view of one of the opponents in response to his comments. I must point out that the existing yachting facilities in Durban are already at max capacity and are turning boats away due to this, so extra capacity is dearly needed

Point needs a 'real waterfront'

Tony Carnie speaks to Project Director Neels Brink for the developer's perspective on the Point yacht harbour controversy

The Mercury
January 25, 2007 Edition 1


DURBAN'S much-vaunted Point Waterfront project would never become "a real waterfront" unless a new yachting marina and small craft harbour was built at Vetch's Pier.

"Without direct access to the Indian Ocean, the Point project would essentially be no different to a waterfront at Hartebeespoort Dam or the centre of Bloemfontein," argued Neels Brink, Managing Director of Metallon Properties and Project Director for the Durban Point Development Company.

The recent release of a draft environmental impact assessment (EIA) has sparked heated debate about several negative social impacts of the project, but Brink insists that the Vetch's marina/harbour is crucial to the viability of the Point development as a whole and, to some extent, the future financial viability of the uShaka Marine World theme park and aquarium.

Late last year, researchers at the University of KwaZulu- Natal's Centre for Environmental Management concluded that the 150-berth marina was "associated with a loss of public access to a public space" as well as "a sense of injustice" about space being taken from ordinary people for the exclusive use of the wealthy.

Yet, Brink argued that the opposite was the case - and that public access to the Vetch's Pier area was at present based on "parochial interests" and private membership of a number of watersport clubs that were established there from the early 1950s onwards.

To emphasise his point, during a site visit this week Brink's first port of call was a boom-gate in front of the Durban Undersea Club and Point Yacht Club's beach site.

Here, the guard told Brink that access was restricted to members only.

"But we only want to drive down to the beach to have a look around," he remonstrated politely.

The guard was courteous, but wouldn't relent.

"So is this the free public access we have been hearing so much about lately?" Brink remarked rhetorically.

Yet, even if non-members could not drive down to the sheltered beach at Vetch's via the club premises, surely there was a large number of people who parked nearby and then walked down to Vetch's to walk their dogs, fly kites, or go snorkeling with the kids?

"But you will still be able to go snorkeling, walk the dog and do whatever you want to," Brink responded. "In fact, we are extending the public promenade southwards from uShaka. You will be able to walk from one end of the beachfront to the other, right down to the new North Pier which the National Ports Authority will build as part of the harbour widening project.

"The clubs have had a fantastic time. They haven't been paying rates. They were in splendid isolation. What we are saying is that a different lifestyle and a different vision is coming. And you won't have someone asking you where your membership card is."

He conceded, however, that some parts of the new harbour would be totally off limits to the general public - notably a reclaimed section adjoining the new harbour breakwater, which had been earmarked for private residential apartment blocks.

Why, I asked, should this section be restricted to private apartment owners? Why didn't the Durban Point Development Company (DPDC) build a public promenade here as well if it was truly committed to open public access?

Brink hesitated momen- tarily before declaring: "Because we need some exclusivity. The small craft harbour is going to cost somewhere between R300 million and R500 million. Who is going to pay for it?"

And what will happen to fishermen? Will they be allowed free access to the new north pier?

Brink said he could not answer on behalf of the National Ports Authority (NPA), which would control access to a 25m wide strip of the new pier - but it was his understanding that fishermen and other visitors would be allowed access on foot, but not in vehicles.

Yet, this version appeared to contradict a document prepared by Brink in May last year entitled, "Supplementary notes on the Small Craft Harbour, Security and Operational Management."


This document said: "There is an understanding between the NPA and DPDC that this edge would be carefully managed so as not to be to the detriment of the adjacent DPDC-led development proposals . . . As this zone will be exclusively residential in nature, access will be managed for the public at the discretion of the NPA along the new northern pier."

As for his contention that Durban would not have a "real waterfront" if it was not linked directly to the Indian Ocean, surely Cape Town and other world cities have had remarkably successful waterfront projects - even though they are located inside working harbours rather than directly on the ocean?

Brink readily agreed that Cape Town's waterfront was so profitable that it was sold recently for nearly R7 billion to a consortium of Dubai, United Kingdom and local investors.

Yet, he said, the direct access to the Indian Ocean was precisely what made the Point project unique.

"This is why the Durban Waterfront will be better than Cape Town. They don't have a snorkelling reef or swimming beaches nearby, either. So we actually have something better than Cape Town."

Turning to some of the financial aspects of the development, Brink said sales of residential, office and retail space in the Point district had exceeded his "wildest dreams"

So far, almost 200 000m2 of property had been sold to 14 property developers, and the sale of this property to the private sector would be used to finance the marina/small craft harbour, said Colin Sher, Sales Manager for the DPDC.

Ultimately, the developers hope to provide residential units for nearly 2 000 families in the waterfront area, either on a permanent or holiday basis. By providing a mix of property for development, Brink said the aim was to create a unique "live, work and play" environment.

All the same, Brink maintained that the overall Point redevelopment was a "marginal" project offering financial returns of between 15% and 18% over 10 years.

There was also some uncertainty about the financial implications for ratepayers, as the DPDC is at present a 50:50 joint venture project between the eThekwini Municipality and the Malaysian-based Rocpoint group.

According to a financial feasibility study, which formed part of the EIA process, the new development is expected to add an extra R64 million to R75 million to the eThekwini rates base every year.

It also predicts that the new small-craft harbour would create between 4 500 and 7 000 new permanent jobs - but an agreement has been reached whereby eThekwini will absorb any shortfall in rates if there is any shortfall in the shareholder loan accounts of the DPDC at the end of a 10-year rates roll-over period in 2013.

The possible rates shortfall could add up to about R69 million if the DPDC does not make a healthy profit. The flip side is that, if a healthy profit is realised by the DPDC, eThekwini could reap part of the surplus.

Another area of uncertainty is the possibility that costs will escalate substantially if the NPA insists on being paid out for the value of land reclaimed below the high- water mark.

Some sources suggest that the NPA wants R55 million from the DPDC to build out into the sea, into state-owned land.

Brink did not comment on the figure of R55 million, but confirmed that the NPA had agreed, in principle, to sell some reclaimed land to the DPDC. "We are in negotiations. We have put a value on the table and we are haggling. Perhaps that is the figure you have heard."

It also appears that city officials are uncomfortable about some of the traffic and transportation implications of the project if the DPDC were to develop to its desired extent of 575 000m2.

Yet, overall, Brink was confident that the project represented a "once in a lifetime window" for Durban and he considered that the EIA process had not uncovered any fatal flaws.

"If the leadership cannot facilitate this with suchfavourable preconditions, it is unlikely that the small craft harbour will ever materialise and, as a consequence, the development prospects for the Point would be rendered questionable."


here is the response


Durban is not Monaco or Dubai


If the marina and small craft harbour is ever built at Vetch's Pier, in time it will surely become nothing more than a very expensive white elephant, writes David Rorke

February 23, 2007 Edition 1


In The Mercury of January 25, Tony Carnie conducted an interview with Neels Brink, Project Director for the Durban Point Development Company.

Carnie reported that in spite of several negative social aspects highlighted by the draft environmental impact assessment (EIA) - and that the 150-berth marina was "associated with a loss of public access to a public space" as well as "a sense of injustice" about space being taken from ordinary people for the exclusive use of the wealthy - Brink argued that the opposite was the case ". . . and that public access to the Vetch's Pier area was at present based on 'parochial interests' and private membership of a number of watersport clubs that were established there from the early 1950s onwards".

To emphasise his point, "during a site visit this week Brink's first port of call was a boom gate in front of the Durban Undersea Club and Point Yacht Club's beach site. Here, the guard told Brink that access was restricted to 'members only.'"

To Brink's logic, that of a developer trying his best to replace the existing deep-sea fishing, sailing, diving and paddleskiing infrastructure with "a new harbour that would be totally off limits to the general public", this means that present access is therefore based on "parochial interests".

Lacking

I'm afraid Brink's logic escapes me. But more than that, his grasp of the raison d'etre of the clubs at Vetch's, in the context of the law that governs access to the sea and the craft which are used, is sadly lacking.

Safety and security of valuable property aside - including boats, motor vehicles and club buildings - launching of craft at all launch sites in the country is restricted and controlled, because that's what the government's merchant shipping (small vessel safety) regulations insist on.

"Authorised agents" - these are the "gated" clubs - are appointed by the government to regulate the seaworthiness of craft and their legal launching.

Brink was leaning on the much favoured "deprived" crutch, apparently preferring a "free-for-all" (although we know this will never happen, as he has already indicated with his proposed small craft harbour), without the slightest grasp of all the mechanisms in place to regulate boating offshore. You don't just put in a boat ramp and open the gates.

This aside, one has to question the know-how of the developers in designing the Vetch's grand scheme. Obviously they have been dreaming of a Monaco- or Dubai-style small craft harbour and associated breakwaters, dreaming of the glitzy glamour associated with multimillion-rand yachts (read "motor-driven gin-palaces", not sail-driven yachts) gently rocking at moorings within a calm, protected anchorage.

Durban is not Monaco or Dubai, the Indian Ocean is neither the Mediterranean nor the protected sea of the Persian Gulf.

It gave me a good laugh to see Brink's artist's impression of the proposed small craft harbour at Vetch's. There it was in all its glory, with buildings of up to seven or eight storeys straddling the northern breakwater and the new North Pier on the southern side, as well as the northern beach side of the marina. This tells me that those behind this development know very little about the sea and wind conditions off the central KZN coast.


As the Editor of Sailing magazine, Richard Crockett, correctly pointed out in the Sunday Tribune in mid-January: "The strong north-easterly winds and big easterly swells continue to roll in - and it is these two elements alone that will make access to and from the proposed marina difficult and even impossible."

Unpredictable

Further, there are the westerly busters, sudden heavy summer storms, and spring tides (with huge seas). To this I'll add my tuppence worth: no boating enthusiast in his right mind is going to leave his multimillion-rand investment at unprotected moorings with such unpredictable, changeable conditions prevailing.

Nobody wants to have to scurry for a more protected anchorage every time the sea and/or the weather threaten to change for the worse. In Durban, this could be once or twice, or more, a week. Sure, there may be a few consecutive "accessible" days for skiboaters, fishing-ski operators, paddle-ski enthusiasts, divers, small-craft yachtsmen, etc, especially if they venture to sea very early in the day, but generally - as the day draws on - they can bank on at least two or three days during the week, sometimes more, with conditions adverse enough to make boating (and launching) off Vetch's very uncomfortable and often impossible.

Obviously unknown to the developers, I don't think there is a single small craft harbour/marina (except perhaps Mossel Bay, which is behind high walls) built in the tidal zone off the coast around the entire South African coast. With very good reason, too: it simply isn't feasible or sustainable. Our sea is a monster, the wildest in the world, and is so unpredictable. Besides traditional "in-harbour" yacht clubs with their moorings, every single constructed South African marina - Mykonos in Langebaan, Marina da Gama near Muizenberg, Marina Martinique in Jeffreys Bay, St Francis Bay Marina at Cape St Francis and the Royal Alfred Marina at Port Alfred - has been built inshore of the beach zone, behind the dunes, with protected access.

What makes the small craft harbour even more ludicrous was a report on global warming. eThekwini Municipality's own Andrew Mather has dire predictions for the city in his report, "Climatic Future for Durban".

'Extreme events'

Scientists envisage that at uShaka, adjacent to the proposed small craft harbour, "a number of extreme events could add risk of damage to this facility as sea levels rise". This means that the proposed small craft harbour, and those buildings on the breakwaters, will be completely swamped and battered by the waves, with the buildings' ground floors underwater. March 20 is going to be a very interesting day at the Point with the alignment of sun, moon and Earth. My prediction is uShaka will have to shut down that day, and the waves will be lapping against the walls of the clubs at Vetch's.

If the marina and small craft harbour is ever built at Vetch's Pier, in time it will surely become nothing more than a very expensive white elephant for which the people of Durban will be paying - for a very, very long time.

With the developers and city management leading each other by the nose, everyone with impossible dreams of Monaco or Dubai in Durban, I am reminded that in the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king.


David Rorke is Managing Editor, Ski-Boat and Flyfishing magazines

[dysan1]

Zenprop joins Bonatla in Durban

Business Day 31 January 2007

In a deal worth R140m, unlisted property fund Zenprop will become an effective joint venture partner with listed property company Bonatla Property Holdings in the Durban Point Development.

Niki Vontas, a consultant to CDA Property Consultants, which asset manages Bonatla, said yesterday Zenprop and Bonatla would jointly own a 50% interest in the waterfront development.

He said the Durban Point Development required “huge financial resources and development expertise in order to bring about a R5bn-R6bn development” and that Zenprop had these requirements because of its track record.

Business Day reported last week that Bonatla, assisted by former director Niki Vontas, was on the verge of signing a deal that would see it effectively buy half the shares in the development, allowing Malaysian company Renong to withdraw from SA. The deal would cost Bonatla R200m.

The sale agreement, in Business Day’s possession and dated January 8, shows the deal was structured in such a way that Renong would sell its entire investment in Renong SA, whose main asset is 80,4% of a company called Rocunion, to Bonatla.

Rocunion owns 100% of Rocpoint, which in turn owns half of the Durban Point Development.

[dysan1]

Here are some of the relevant sites regarding protest against the new marina and information on its construction and eia. many of them seem to be merely propoganda machines

http://www.savethewaves.org/vetchies.asp
http://www.zigzag.co.za/site/awdep.asp?dealer=6364&depnum=17793

Here are all the EIA reports on the Development plus background information on the impetus for the whole point development

http://www.pravinamar.com/reports.htm

[SA BOY]

I remember when the diary pier was built (around 87ish) and there was a huge uproar by the surfers and fishermen etc, next thing its creating amazing surfing conditions at both Diary and wedge and the fishermen love it cos they can fish in peace, simmilar thing here me thinks

[Mo Rush]

I dont like the "durban is not monaco or dubai" view, thats certainly not how we move SA cities forward.

[Umhlanga]

^^ But the author doesn't mean the Monaco & Dubai comparison in a marketing or tourism sense, Mo. His point is the geography - i.e., South African cities have waterfronts more exposed to rougher seas than found in the Mediterranean and Persian Gulf. No one can argue that South Africa's seas are comparatively rough.

[Durbsboi]

I still think for the Point to be a success, it needs to have this craft harbout, yes the sea is much much more rough, & it will be praticaly in the worst of it, but Im sure adequate tide breakers will be put in place. Honeslty most of the buyers that are buying up units in our project are looking forward to this & if it doesnt happen, its going to be a bing stink up!

[Umhlanga]

I agree that the smallcraft harbour will be a good selling point. (ha ha ha) A well-built breakwall can handle almost any wave.

[romanSA]

And almost in response....

Wonder how a small craft harbour would handle such conditions? At minimum, I think the boats would be tossed around pretty badly.

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

Big waves hit Durban

Related Content
PHOTO GALLERY: Big waves hit Durban beachfront

Unusually big waves pounded Durban’s beachfront this weekend, flattening sand sculptures and washing sand and sea water onto the lower promenade.


ER24 paramedics found a lot of sand and sea water on the lower promenade on Durban’s beachfront last night while conducting routine patrols in Durban’s city centre last night.


We investigated further and found the waves to be abnormally large and water was coming over onto the paving area, said ER24 Durban operations manager Neil Noble in a statement..


He said shops and government departments had placed sandbags in front of their doors to prevent flooding into their offices.


"We are not sure what the cause of this high tide is and whether it had something to do with the lunar eclipse, or the cyclone further north up the African continent," said Noble.


"We interviewed the sand sculptors, who are well known to the beach front, and they confirmed that the waves had been battering the beachfront all day, wiping out their work."


He said police had put cordon tape on the piers to prevent people from going out and potentially being washed away by the big waves and strong currents.

Sunday Times Online

http://www.sundaytimes.co.za/News/Article.aspx?id=403288

[Mo Rush]

dysan, roman..so what now? are there any cost efffective measures that could be implemented to minimize the impact on the point?

[SA BOY]

OMG this is classic "We interviewed the sand sculptors, who are well known to the beach front, and they confirmed that the waves had been battering the beachfront all day, wiping out their work."

wow must be the only place where the sea washes sandcastles away

[dysan1]

The new marina is the last available place to build a marina on the east coast of SA. It will be well protected by the new breakwater for the harbour mouth and by vetchies reef, so it will be alot more portected than u think. Also it cant be built in the harbour for the present problem is more space in the harbour is needed for cargo and trade. also the NPA are sick of the small boats getting in the way of the large ships and it can take 2 hours for a yacht to get out the harbour due to preference for the large ships.

This new marina will solve many problems while advancing the city. its gotta happen

[Umhlanga]

OMG this is classic "We interviewed the sand sculptors, who are well known to the beach front, and they confirmed that the waves had been battering the beachfront all day, wiping out their work."

wow must be the only place where the sea washes sandcastles away

No, the 'damage' was worse than that. The water came up to the North Beach Wimpy. Clearly these were some large waves.

But that's why we build breakwalls.

[Umhlanga]

I'll be interested to see who wins. If the legal arguments are summarised correctly in this article (http://www.int.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=14&art_id=vn20070306060841867C107020), then the marina wins. The Ski Paddle Club folks have a good argument. But the marina folks have a pretty good respone: 'Yes, your argument is valid as to almost every other part of SA's coast. But a subsequent Act of Parliament means our argument is even more valid as to this particular bit of coastline.'

It will be interesting to see whether the marina developer's interpretation of the 1959 Act are upheld in court.

Legality of new marina questioned
Tony Carnie
March 06 2007 at 10:23AM

The legality of the controversial yachting marina at Vetch's Pier in Durban has been cast into doubt, with reports that the developers have no authority to buy up a part of the sea to create luxury flats and a hotel resort.

The Durban Paddle Ski Club, one of several groups that have objected to the proposed Point Small Craft Harbour, said this week that it had received legal opinion from Cox Yeats Attorneys, which challenged the legality of plans to create a new resort hotel on the southern section of Vetch's Pier and an exclusive residential zone adjoining the new North Pier alignment.

Both of these proposed developments are part of the Indian Ocean and would have to be filled in with rubble and sold to the Durban Point Development Company by the National Ports Authority or Transnet.

The Durban Point Development Company confirmed earlier this year that it was negotiating with the National Ports Authority to buy and reclaim part of the sea around Vetch's Pier as part of the Point Development and proposed small craft harbour.

The company declined to comment on reports that the ports authority wanted R55-million for the reclaimed land, but said that it was negotiating to acquire reclamation land.

However, in a formal letter objecting to the findings of the draft Environmental Impact Assessment, the Durban Paddle Ski Club argued that selling part of the sea and a public beach to allow commercial or residential buildings would be a violation of the Seashore Act of 1935 and could not be authorised without the consent of parliament.

Cox Yeats Attorneys, acting on behalf of the Durban Ski Boat Club, suggested that the coastal zone of South Africa was public property and could not be alienated.

"Accordingly, the Durban Point Development Company has no jurisdiction to propose a development within this area."

This was because the area below the low-water mark and sea bed were held in trust by the state and could not be developed or alienated without the approval of parliament.

The club's attorneys also referred to other legal provisions in the National Environmental Management Act and the recently published Integrated Coastal Management Bill, which reinforced the principle of the coastal zone as a public property zone.

Ski Boat Club Chairperson Johnny Vasillaros also complained that apart from depriving the public of free access to the beach at Vetch's Pier, his members and other watersport clubs would only be able to park their vehicles and boats on a commercial basis.

"The effect of charging fees for parking results in Vetch's becoming a pay beach," said Vasillaros.

However, Durban Point Development Company project director Neels Brink said on Monday that he believed the points raised by the Durban Ski Boat Club were a "non-issue".

"We are not denying anyone access to the harbour or beach," he said.

However, Brink told The Mercury in an interview in January that part of the residential development (which is part of the sea) would be off-limits to the general public because it was intended for the exclusive use of residents.

Brink said on Monday he believed this was a "minor issue".

Regarding the legal status of the reclamation proposal, Brink said the development company had received legal opinion from attorneys Norman Brauteseth and Associates that an amendment to the Sea Shore Act in 1959 had transferred ownership of the sea and seashore within ports and harbours to the old Railways and Harbours Administration (which later became Portnet).

In a letter dated February 26 2006, Brauteseth advised Brink that the ports authority did not require the permission of a minister to sell or let parts of the sea or seashore under its control. Brink said the National Ports Authority's legal advisers also supported Brauteseth's opinion.


This article was originally published on page 2 of The Mercury on March 06, 2007

[Durbsboi]

They should have a "PUBLIC" Poll, to decide whether to new Pier should be built, is they claim that this is "public property". I still think its a bunch of bull shit, these guys are willing to better their facilties & still they complain, I know its been there for ages, but you got to have change in order to move forward! & change is not always bad, look at how the change from white leadership to black leadership changed our country, mostly positives came out.

[dysan1]

know i have these paddle ski club doos's emailing me all the time cos i told them that they are being pathetic, narrowminded and self orientated and are in no way worried about the development of the city but their own personal fifedom

[Durbsboi]

Tell me about it, I saw a bakkie on site the other day with a bumper sticker saying "save vetch's from development" so I choon the guy, you a developer urself, so what u on about "saving vetch's" I could see he wanted to moor me for saying that.

So I told him, how it will help Durban & bla bla bla, he knew I was right, but was just being stuborn about it.

[Durbsboi]

OMG this is classic "We interviewed the sand sculptors, who are well known to the beach front, and they confirmed that the waves had been battering the beachfront all day, wiping out their work."

wow must be the only place where the sea washes sandcastles away



No, the 'damage' was worse than that. The water came up to the North Beach Wimpy. Clearly these were some large waves.

But that's why we build breakwalls.

http://i15.tinypic.com/43z8gg4.jpg

http://i18.tinypic.com/4046p8m.jpg

http://i19.tinypic.com/2qnmbnt.jpg

http://i17.tinypic.com/42i3247.jpg

http://i17.tinypic.com/2nqzfx3.jpg

[Umhlanga]

I couldn't find an uShaka thread, so I'm posting this here.

source: http://www.int.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=124&art_id=vn20070307062346438C680367

Council gives uShaka Marine World a life line
March 07 2007 at 01:15PM
By Xoliswa Zulu

For how long will the eThekwini Municipality keep uShaka Marine World afloat? According to Deputy Mayor Logie Naidoo, for as long as is necessary.

The theme park opened its doors three years ago, but last year the municipality subsidised it to the tune of R75-million to ensure its immediate future. Among the problems were a diminishing number of visitors especially in off-peak seasons, high ticket prices and a lack of marketing of the park, which cost R730-million to build.

"This is one of the region's most valuable tourism jewels and needs all the support we can give," said Naidoo.

It was a big project with a large capital investment, so the city did not expect to see financial gains for the next six to 10 years.

"This is a long-term investment that provides an additional tourism attraction.

"The city will provide funding to uShaka to service its loan for as long as necessary and it will take time before they have paid a substantial amount of their loan and before they can make a profit."

Bongani Xaba, uShaka's newly appointed Chief Operating Officer, said new marketing campaigns were planned.

Among the pressing issues he would have to address were the concerns of tenants. These included high rentals, small numbers of customers and a lack of marketing and advertising by the park administration.

He expected between 750 000 and 800 000 people to visit the park during this financial year.

xoliswa.zulu@inl.co.za

This article was originally published on page 4 of The Mercury on March 07, 2007

What's really discouraging is that the article mentions 'diminishing number of visitors[.]' (Specific numbers would be nice, but we shouldn't expect journalists to ask too many questions, now should we? :lol:) Have visitor numbers actually declined over the years? That's sad.

I'm afraid that, until the city can give the Point and beachfront a full makeover, visitors won't go, and the ratepayers will be on the hook for uShaka year after year. Durban has so much riding on the Point, the ICC, and the beachfront. Unfortunately those areas are so close to absolutely awful neighbourhoods. Yet the city stupidly decided to compound the problem by routing the new 'tourist-friendly' buses along the backside of the beachfront buildings, through seedy and filthy streets where some more French tourists were mugged (http://www.int.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=&art_id=vn20070306100649810C637046) a few days ago.

Again, if the city aren't willing to absolutely crush crime and grime in the tourist areas, then tourists won't come, and all these city investments will go down the drain.

[Umhlanga]

Awesome pictures!

[romanSA]

Cool pics! Seems surreal.

[romanSA]

Letters
Cyclonic conditions are proof enough
March 07, 2007 Edition 1

With reference to the article "Durban is not Monaco or Dubai" (The Mercury, February 23): hopefully, all interested parties and developers of the small craft harbour have been enlightened by the sea conditions, as the effects of Cyclone Gamede were felt along our coastline.

This should be evidence enough that we are not Monaco or Dubai, and that the alternative location for the small craft harbour needs to be seriously considered.

By the way, non-club members, including Neels Brink, do have access to Vetch's beach by parking at uShaka.

Greg Illing

Morningside

http://www.themercury.co.za/index.php?fArticleId=3717979

[dysan1]

I couldn't find an uShaka thread, so I'm posting this here.

source: http://www.int.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=124&art_id=vn20070307062346438C680367



What's really discouraging is that the article mentions 'diminishing number of visitors[.]' (Specific numbers would be nice, but we shouldn't expect journalists to ask too many questions, now should we? :lol:) Have visitor numbers actually declined over the years? That's sad.

I'm afraid that, until the city can give the Point and beachfront a full makeover, visitors won't go, and the ratepayers will be on the hook for uShaka year after year. Durban has so much riding on the Point, the ICC, and the beachfront. Unfortunately those areas are so close to absolutely awful neighbourhoods. Yet the city stupidly decided to compound the problem by routing the new 'tourist-friendly' buses along the backside of the beachfront buildings, through seedy and filthy streets where some more French tourists were mugged (http://www.int.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=&art_id=vn20070306100649810C637046) a few days ago.

Again, if the city aren't willing to absolutely crush crime and grime in the tourist areas, then tourists won't come, and all these city investments will go down the drain.


Not try pull cotton wool over anyones eyes, but i did a major study of the effect new developments have on the number of tourists visiting a city and all the research i found also showed that new facilities like ushaka (and gateway, sibaya, sun city...) all get great numbers in their first full year of operation and then numbers are lower than that year for at least 2 years thereafter, when they start to rise again.

Ushaka also needs the surrounding area to be the tourist magnet it will be. so until the hotels are up and running, retail stores thriving and people in the apartments, business will not reach it full potential and thats a fact anywhere in the world. What needs to happen is that one needs to be patient and hence why the city should subsidise until those facilities reach critical mass.

Regards the mugged tourists. Once again they did not heed warnings of even people on the street telling them not to go there. if you see it looks dodge...DO NOT GO INTO THAT AREA. They even said so themselves that they felt fine in the wheel, but once they left it to point road they felt bad. so why go?

Not defending crime, just people must use their head and gut feel.

Yes the area needs a clean up. The point is well on its way, south beach will in my mind always be a bit dodgy

[Durbsboi]

Oh god, this is the first time I can remember us having waves like this, whether is was caused by the lunar eclispe or the cyclone, & Ive been living here for 21 years! How is this once in a life time event be enough 'proof' for not building the craft harbour? please to that lady, get your freeken facts straight, thats like saying "dont build skyscrapers cause terrorists fly planes into them".

[dysan1]

i do remember them being this bad at least once before. the alignment of the earth, sun and moon only takes place 20 something march. thats when they expecting really big waves. this one was due to the cyclone in mozambique

[SA BOY]

No, the 'damage' was worse than that. The water came up to the North Beach Wimpy. Clearly these were some large waves.

But that's why we build breakwalls.

Ive lived in Durban for 25 years and I have seen that perhaps 10 times in that time. Once watched a cop car get slammed by a wave through the window of the north beach police station. Waves crashing opver the end of the pier. Water washing around the back of Wimpy into the rear carpark etc. Once I can recall a ship getting pounded and all the containers being washed off and they came ashore at Addington

[SA BOY]

i do remember them being this bad at least once before. the alignment of the earth, sun and moon only takes place 20 something march. thats when they expecting really big waves. this one was due to the cyclone in mozambique

you guys should have seen 87 when cyclone dimoyna hit Durban , fucking bad with loads of dead people and animals washing up on the beach and tones and tones of debris washing all over the beachfront

[Umhlanga]

Regards the mugged tourists. Once again they did not heed warnings of even people on the street telling them not to go there. if you see it looks dodge...DO NOT GO INTO THAT AREA. They even said so themselves that they felt fine in the wheel, but once they left it to point road they felt bad. so why go?

Very good advice. But as I pointed out, unfortunately the council have made things worse. They've routed the new tourist-friendly buses right down Gillespie Street! In this case, I don't blame the Frenchies. By routing that bus through that area, the council send a very dangerous message to tourists.

[Durbsboi]

Okay so these things do happen 'occasionally' but Im sure the craft harbout will be adequately protected.

[mike2005]

A very brave bloke to be taking his camera out after dark ion the beachfront!!! As for the french tourists thing: I totally agree Mike that they must have been fools to walk round that area: its like going to London and strolling round a council estate in Peckham and wondering why you got mugged. BUT I still blame the city council for marketing that part of the city. Instead they should just be honset and have big signs saying "STAY AWAY FROM THE BACK STREETS BEHIND THE GOLDEN MILE AND STAY AWAY FROM SOUTH BEACH" I know its not great for the city but its a sad fact that those areas are no go areas even in the day. Instead the city makes out they are safe. That is what makes me so cross cos if they make out they are safe they are clearly going to do nothing about the problem.

[mike2005]

on a related matter I note that the police station on north beach looks closed in that picture!!! Does it close after dark?!!!!!!!!!

[dysan1]

To be fair they dont market the back of the beach in the south beach area at all, or even south beach that much. Its ok, dodgy but ok, to walk from south beach to the wheel centre and once inside is fine (as these tourists pointed out). But heaven forbid walking in point road in that vicinity or one of the side streets. If it looks dodgy, why go??? Would you do that in your home town? no.

Moving on...

[dysan1]

The 70 000m2 mall, hotel and office development over the canals is mere weeks from the start of construction. sadly we have not seen designs yet, but i'm informed that work is iminent

[SA BOY]

mike this mall/mixed use development, will it have some height or is it a ground scraper?
Also any news on Skyhomes or any other Point news-wideing of harbour/ beachfront plots/any otehr towers in the tower corridor etc etc. only seem to hear tit bits at the momnet

[dysan1]

ok here goes!!

The Mall will be 45 000m2 in extent over 2/3F. At the Timeball square end there will be a 13F Hotel (yet height is not confirmed). The residential units and commercial space will be above the mall up to a max height of 10F

I have not heard anymore on SHYhomes. seems to have come to nothing.

Harbour widening is underway now. The tunnel under the harbour mouth is complete. The area which is to be dugout is now a public no access area.

The next round of land sales starts at the end of this month according to the DPDC website and will involve 12 sites, 2 being beach sites next to ushaka for hotels. These hotels are not in anyway affected by the Vetchies debate and will go ahead regardless. I presume they aim for a 2010 completion.

No new news on any towers for the precinct, but i do know that 2 adjacent land parcels between spinakker and the mast were sold to a consortium 2 months ago. I'm sure they are finalising their plans and will go public this year.

The Sails, Quayside, Dolphins Whisper and Point Bay are all approaching completion, with Quayside and The Sails looking at June and August respectively.

Shaka's Gate seems to be getting up soon with a fence heading up and S on Timeball hotel seems to be starting in May/june

[SA BOY]

Thanks for the detailed update, seems to be more happening there than in the V&A??
look foward to a pictoral update sometime
cheers

[Durbsboi]

Point Bay is up to level 3 now!

[dysan1]

The Timeball Tower is now up and looking mighty good i might add!! All 44m of it! Jerome i hope you now know how to put pictures up here and hence i hope to see a few nite time versions up soon!!

[Durbsboi]

yeh, put some up, I never see this thing yet

[romanSA]

Zenprop drops Point project
03 Apr 2007 - Inet Bridge -

Intro
Unlisted property fund has pulled out of a potential partnership with Bonatla Property Holdings in the Durban Point Development

02 April 2007
By Nick Wilson

Unlisted property fund Zenprop has pulled out of a potential partnership with listed property company Bonatla Property Holdings in the Durban Point Development.

Zenprop CEO Rodney Weinstein said on Friday that although Zenprop liked the property deal, it was "much more complicated in terms of its structure" than Zenprop was comfortable with.

The proposed timeframe for the development is three years, but "we weren't comfortable that would be achieved because of the complexity of the control structure of the deal," said Weinstein.

Niki Vontas, a consultant to Bonatla, said Bonatla had established a "major KwaZulu-Natal-based empowerment relationship which will be disclosed very soon".

As far as the Durban Point Development was concerned, Vontas said Bonatla was "going to structure the deal in such a way that we will put substantial up-front capital in place to secure the transaction".

"We also simplified the original transaction. Transactions of this nature are inherently complicated and you have to use some financial innovation to make them work because there is so much competition."

Vontas said there had been five major local and international players bidding for the Durban Point Development.

Bonatla also said that a letter of intention had been signed with a "substantial listed property company". This company had "expressed its willingness, subject to certain conditions," to acquire 50% of the entire issued share capital of the Durban Point Development Company for R150m. This would be achieved through a special purpose vehicle which would be jointly owned by the parties.

Bonatla said further information would be released in due course.

In January, Bonatla announced that Zenprop would become an effective joint venture partner with Bonatla in the Durban Point Development.

Bonatla said there was R5bn to R6bn worth of development potential on the site.

Prior to the Zenprop announcement, Bonatla said that it would be signing a deal that would see it buy effectively half the shares in the Durban Point Development. This would allow Malaysian company Renong to withdraw from SA.

The sale agreement showed that Renong would sell its entire investment in Renong SA, whose main asset was 80,4% of a company called Rocunion, to Bonatla.

Rocunion owns 100% of Rocpoint, which in turn owns half of the Durban Point Development.

Meanwhile, Bonatla said Carolyn Douglas, the owner and director of CDA Property Consultants, which is the asset manager of Bonatla, had resigned with immediate effect from Bonatla's board of directors because of a possible conflict of interest between Bonatla and CDA Property Consultants.

Business Day

http://www.eprop.co.za/news/article.aspx?idArticle=8684

[dysan1]

and your pics jerome???????

[romanSA]

Just got back from Kenya a few hours ago (just arrived in Durbs a few minutes ago). Will get down to it, promise!!

[Mo Rush]

Just got back from Kenya a few hours ago (just arrived in Durbs a few minutes ago). Will get down to it, promise!!

how was kenya? might be visiting there at a friends house later this year on my way home from europe.

[romanSA]

Only went to Nairobi.

Nairobi is more developed than any other East African city but still not comparable to SA's major metros. Roads are in need of upgrades but there are some interesting highrises in the city. Parts of the downtown are dangerous so avoid if possible. The Windsor Golf Resort is very pretty but roads there are not the best. The city has too many casinos (apparently about 15 or more) which makes none of them 'must see, must do' attractions. If you get a chance, watch the live dance show at the Safari Park Hotel. Some very nice eye candy and stunning dancing.

[Mo Rush]

Only went to Nairobi.

Nairobi is more developed than any other East African city but still not comparable to SA's major metros. Roads are in need of upgrades but there are some interesting highrises in the city. Parts of the downtown are dangerous so avoid if possible. The Windsor Golf Resort is very pretty but roads there are not the best. The city has too many casinos (apparently about 15 or more) which makes none of them 'must see, must do' attractions. If you get a chance, watch the live dance show at the Safari Park Hotel. Some very nice eye candy and stunning dancing.

well so far the only exciting part is travelling around in a helicopter...

[GregPz]

Yeah, there's not much to do in Nairobi but the coastline is idylic. Best way to get there is on the train from Nairobi to Mombasa which is like going back in time to the early 1900's. Then head for somewhere like Watamu between Mombasa and Malindi but avoid the big glitsy resorts and go for the basic local hotels. Things don't get more relaxing, guaranteed!

[Mo Rush]

Yeah, there's not much to do in Nairobi but the coastline is idylic. Best way to get there is on the train from Nairobi to Mombasa which is like going back in time to the early 1900's. Then head for somewhere like Watamu between Mombasa and Malindi but avoid the big glitsy resorts and go for the basic local hotels. Things don't get more relaxing, guaranteed!

staying with friends so not sure ill be branching out much, trying to cram too many cities into two months in nov/dec/jan

[dysan1]

Timeball Square - As seen from Quaywest

http://saprop.b1.co.za/propimages/1106450_001.jpg

http://saprop.b1.co.za/propimages/1105644_001.jpg

The canal - from Point Bastille

http://saprop.b1.co.za/propimages/1106443_001.jpg

[romanSA]

I can report that Heritage Square has been totally sealed off from the road by a fence. Methinks construction might be imminent. About time too, if you ask me.

[romanSA]

Oh, and that my sister borrowed my camera for an out of town visit. That means no pics of the tower in the next week, unfortunately.

PS - nice pics there of the canal.

[dysan1]

I can report that Heritage Square has been totally sealed off from the road by a fence. Methinks construction might be imminent. About time too, if you ask me.

gosh that development has taken ages to materialise. but it is dealing with listed buildings (many of them) and hence i understand approvals with them take alot longer than other builds. Its gonna be a great hotel!

[Durbsboi]

the canal looks nice,

[dysan1]

^^ take a walk along it sometime soon. you get a very good feeling when walking its length. will have a great atmosphere when the stores start opening

[romanSA]

There's an interesting article about the delay behind Dolphin Whisphers (involving court action). I can't post it here because the Sunday Times has barred unauthorised republication of its work.

For the article, see:

http://www.eprop.co.za/news/article.aspx?idArticle=8705

[dysan1]

yeah it was a shoddy cheap ass contractor they used. leading to bad quality and long delay

[romanSA]

But he won his case againt the owners! Wonder how this is going to pan out. Imagine how uncomfortable this working relationship will be until the project is done!

[SA BOY]

if you think cheap , you get cheap. When will developers learn you never go for the cheapest, its a rule of thumb

[Durbsboi]

^^ Exactly, we saw many getting shot in the foot like that, go for the avg, this guy will prob carry on work at site like his the boss now, & prob do what ever he feels like, doubt the end product will be good, expect to see bad workmanship on this 1, Im sorry to say that but thats how things normally pan out, Ive seen it happen before.

[dysan1]

Durban holds its breath by Justin Clarke


(Comment) IN a storm of publicity in 2003 it was announced that Durban would eventually get its waterfront, and an ambitious six billion rand world class waterfront scheme was launched to the public. The Point development would capitalise on the uShaka Marine World project, and the vision was to create a mixed use city within a city, a place on every tourists map as a “must visit”.

Shopping, offices and prestigious residential apartment blocks would surround navigable canals, and small boats could snake their way into the open ocean, via a system of locks and into a 200 berth small-craft harbour located where Vechies Reef now stands.

But the last few months have had Durbanites holding their breath. There has been little coming out of the Durban Point Development Company and the question on everyone’s lips is has the storm blown over, or are we in the eye of the vortex. Is the Point really going to happen?

I have been excited by the possibility of the re-development of the Point for more than a decade, and am still confident that the Point Waterfront will not only be the catalyst that puts Durban on the Map, but that it will rival Cape Towns V&A Waterfront. We may not have a mountain, but our location has much more to offer.

After the initial launch almost 182 000m2 of bulk was sold to 17 developers, and eight of those buildings have already been completed. Spectacular structures like “The Quays” and “Quayside” have changed the skyline of Durban forever. Investors and end users have bought 75% of the estimated 1 200 apartments already launched at rates of up to R30 000 per m2 and the current average selling price is in the region of R18 000 per m2, which shows market confidence.

Much of the R1,8 billion budgeted for infrastructural investment has already been ploughed into the ground, and the massive harbour widening project is now underway, to be completed by 2009. The entire South point has been horded off and a new service tunnel has been built under the harbour entrance. The landmark restaurants, including Thirsty’s and the Fish Company, that welcomed ships into port for the last decade are being swept into history.

The Malaysian based Rocpoint group, who are at present a 50:50 joint venture partner in the project with the eThekwini Municipality, are in the final throws of selling their stake to locally based Listed Bonatla Property Holdings group. You can be sure that the new investors, who are local property specialists, will ensure their investment is profitable and forges ahead.

Much still hinges on the environmental impact assessment (EIA), which is still being considered. The DPDC are confident that they will be in a position to make an announcement within the next few weeks, and the finality around the EIA will unblock progress.

If the EIA gets the thumbs up, the blockage, which has been frustrating progress will blow out and a storm of activity will follow. The Superblock will be released and the next wave of developments will start to happen.

With the right leadership and commitment from the role-players the Point will be the catalyst that will transform the whole of Durban into a top World class City.

Justin Clarke
Executive Chairman
Private Property Group


Submitted: 07 May 2007