Name: The Stevedores
Location: Durban Point
Use: Mixed Use
Floors: ?

New life for Durban's stevedores

Architects Rodney Choromanski, left, and Steve Reynolds,
(Residential) A year ago one of the most historically significant sites of the whole Durban Point redevelopment area was going to be demolished. The demolition permits were already in place and the red brick buildings originally built to house the Point stevedore workers and the dockworker barracks were to be no more.

A critical component of Durban’s maritime history dating back to the early 1900’s and part of the historic Bamboo Square (that incorporated the original site where the original timeball was erected on a sand dune between 1860 and 1880) was deemed expendable to the frenetic developments surrounding it.

And then a development company, Realtyworks, and architects Reynolds and Vidal Architects and CNN Architects took a close look and agreed that not only was this attitude of abandonment “ludicrous” but that its historic and strategic situation could be galvanised into serving a far broader purpose within the Point. In short, the retention of the basic framework of the old buildings, re-designed around a modern, mixed-use theme would not only serve Durban’s and the Point’s architectural ethos but also substantially enhance the usage of the entire Point redevelopment.

“The development will add value to the Point’s Urban Framework Plan, as it forms a significant precinct node encompassing three city blocks and a well defined public square. The project is the first to incorporate public space as part of its design, which will become part of an integral space within the city,” said Rodney Choromanski of CNN Architects

Using Sydney’s ‘Rocks’ and London’s ‘Dockland’s’ mixed-use developments as precedents, the ‘Stevedores’ development plan was passed this month by the Point Design Review Panel (DRP), a six-month long exercise that effectively endorses what is widely considered a highly creative fusion of old and new.

But the Stevedores development is not simply a study in historical upliftement. As architect Steve Reynolds said the motivation, while certainly reflecting a nod towards the site’s heritage, is driven by an urgent need to provide a dynamic synthesis of upmarket residential living and office apartments, with all the attendant needs of the wider Point area.

These include the provision for an open courtyard for exhibition tennis matches, exhibitions, displays, outdoor dining, fashion shows, launches and the like. In addition, the developers hope to provide a theatre along with various line shops, boutiques and a wide variety of other retail shopping that boasts after hour trade. (Coincidentally, the latter will be housed in another of the site’s original structures, the old Haystore, a two-storey face brick building with ornamental plaster moldings and corner quoins).

“The Stevedores encompasses what we call ‘new urbanism’, a self-contained lifestyle where people live, work and play. While we have made generous concessions to its rough, tough and functional past, the new buildings are treated as modern structures that will have clean lines and materials, contemporary technology and lifestyle,” said Steve.

As for the residential component, 42 loft apartments are being built, all with harbour views, incorporating open plan, double volume living/dining area with bedrooms at mezzanine level. Each has two, undercover lock-up garages.

“It’s strange how things turn out. That something considered disposable can now be considered historically significant while serving such a strategic 21st century lifestyle,” said Realtyworks developer Jeremy Thorpe.

DB...from what you said awhile back you involved on this one...please inform us a bit more..

Jerome this is opposite ur place at marine point...so u wont lose your view!!

I really like the sound of this development and if the renders are decent it may be may favourite development at the point for it will retain the classical elements that will add immense character to the area.

Yes, Mike, I am very happy with this impending development. Was thrilled when I saw it in the Sun paper. It is my immediate neighbour and as it won't be rising any further, my views of the harbour will remain unobstructed. I'm also excited as hell that it will contain retail and entertainment outlets, as well as play host to events. I have visited places like this Vancouver and San Francisco (old buildings near / on the harbour converted to mixed office / retail and residential usage) and prayed that Durban got a place like this. My wish has essentially come true. Now I just wish that it will house a quaint homemade bakery, organic veg store, coffee shop, book store, and wine store. A small boutique or two, plus a small art gallery will complete the picture. Can't wait!!!

can you guys show us a overall plan of the are with this shown as I cant quite picture its location.
Sounds good anyway

Yep this is one of my projects, its dubbed to be the most exciting development on the point, its quite cool, because of the exsisting structure being so solid the architect decided to keep it, & basicaly renovate the place, not changing much, its going to be mixed use development, with lots of shops (maybe woolworths) & offices occupying the ground & 1st floors, there will be an amphitheatre in the center with food courts & a flea market, which will give the complex an exciting vibe, since most of the building will remain the prices of the flats & lofts arnt to expensive starting from R750 000 (thats the latest I heard). The apartments will be the wing towards the harbour which will rise 6 floors, & the boat house will be turned into parking for the units.

Present
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g160/amgosai/b4.jpg

After
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g160/amgosai/AFTER.jpg

sorry thats the best i could do

thanks for that but could you show a entire point map cos I still dont know where it is. Next month when Im back in Durbs for the first time in 3 years Ill understand better

Ack! Did you say parts of it will be rising to 6 floors??

yes the part where the boat house are, will be 6 floors high & its not the "Ack" its the "Ark" :D

I found this on the "internet" ;)

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

Here you go SABOY

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

Thanks, Durbsboi! I take it this render is north-facing? Where would Marine Point be in relation to the computerised render/plan? To its extreme right hand side, I think. If so, is it along the full length of the old building? If so, I suspect that the new 6/7 floor part is going to obstruct some of Marine Point's views.

well the high rise part is facing the inside of the harbour & the other side will obviously face the sea

will be an awesome, close knit dev. i look forward to the little alleys and squares

I hope it turns out as all it suppose to be! I might buy a unit there.

Ok...so no renders yet DB? This one has captured my imagination, and since Heritage square is nearby too it will be a great historic area with little alleys!

Guess whos doing heritage square too? :D
No renders, the architects are still ficing up all the minor nitty gritty designs, but will ask the architects if they have any renders.

^^ thanx buddy! Until i see the renders for this one i will love it. Cos i know how heritage square is being done and i love that one, so quaint...

Believe me, this ones gonna be great!

read a good write up on the dev with a plan for the dev, with renders that showed glass and steel style...u got anything for us DB?

hey DB, since this is one of yours can u tell us what is going on with it? they been quiet

R & V Architects have been rather quite, so have Emmett on Heritage, but I can garuntee you that none have fallen thorugh, maybe these like Pointy Bay are waiting for 80% occupancy before starting? I mean we waiting almost 2 whole years before Point Bay could start & now they almost complete!

surely they need to weigh up waiting for 80% sales and the explosion of building costs?? But even then, this development has not even been released for public sales. there has been no advertising, nothing.

Heritage is underway. they had a mix of problems, especially the heritage status of the buildings. good to see its transforming. Heritage will be one of my favorites, it just has a great feel

I'm please to report that on Friday morning demolition **finally** commenced on certain parts of the building. In short, unless demolition started at arbitrary points (which seems unlikely as entire adjoining walls were left intact), it seems that only certains parts of the structure are being destroyed. DB, do you know if the plans for this have changed?

^^ great news as this one has been draging its feet forever and i loved the initial concept. lets hope they plann on launching to the public sooner..

have you visited the "Beside the point" cafe yet jerome? its opposite this building in albert terrace and is fantastic. the chef is from Manna

No new plans have been sent to us, but Atomic demolishers have been on site since last year. The plan was to try & leave the old stucture & renovate the place, hence the decent pricing of units. If I hear anything on this one, will let you guys know first.

Just took a walk around the site and spoke to someone who said he saw the latest plans. If he is correct, I will be thrilled.

In short, the max height of the new sections to be built will be 3 floors, which would be great as it wouldn't affect the harbour views of the surrounding buildings.

More importantly, and more exciting, the canal between the rows of Edwardian houses (Dockpoint) is apparently being extended INTO the development (it will apparently take up part of the current massive open courtyard) and will be built to accomodate the docking of small boats inside. According to the guy, it will be like "the Point Yacht Club on Victoria Embankment". If this is true, I will be thrilled to bits as there's definitely space for this, it will be a nice extension of the canal system, and will add value to this development. The courtyard is still big enough to accomodate the planned shops overlooking the square. The interesting thing is that the part of the original building that has been domolished is the part directly along the line of the small canal that currently ends at Lamp Road. I am assuming if this guy is correct, the extension of the canal will run under Lamp Rd, as it currently does in other parts of the system that intersect with roads.

I'm suddenly even more excited about this development!!!

DB, will you be able to verify all these changes please???

Yacht mole? lol. Yachts wont be able to get there jerome as the clearance height is very low. but it does sound good

Yes, I really doubt yachts are going to get in there unless there are some major plans that we are unaware of (doubtable). How would they even get into the canal system in the first place unless the canals are linked to the sea? And, of course we know that this still subject to EIA study. I am just excited at the possiblity of extending the canal system into the courtyard. Will really improve the appeal of the whole development. I am also in favour of a bigger network of linked canals so that these alleged plans sound very good from that perspective.

True.

Cant wait to finally see a render for this. they have dragged it out a bit

Yip, picking up the plans today, will ask them to send me new renders of the place to post here as well.

awesome mate

DB, any updates on those plans?

Got them on PC, but havent had time to look at them properly yet, but can confirm the canal does come into the ground floor of this project, & split into a T, & tiny boats can be parked here. Some thing like this, their canal will flow under LAMP Road.

BROWN: Other Plots
BLACK: Roads
DARK BLUE: Main Point Canal
BLUE DOTTED: Canal under Road
CYAN: Stevedores Canal
MAROON: Apartments
LIGHT YELLOW: Retail

& those small triangle square things is boats :D

http://i14.tinypic.com/540m1ye.jpg

I swear its easier to get the recepie for KFC than get renders from R & V Architects :bash:

So my source was right! Looks very exciting! Do you know how high up the development goes?

Thanks for sharing, bro!

thanx db for your artistic flair :)

It rises 6 floor's with the 6th level being double volume so esentialy there is a "7th floor". this is of course if you count ground floor as 1. It rises about 24meters high. The high rise stays exactly the same as the last section I posted here


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

^^ which end is the high end of the building? north or south

me things facing the harbour

^^Correct

Ya but the dev is 100m long and only 20m wide, so i'm wondering if it will be more ushaka way or more opposite heritage square where it is rising, cos either way will be harbour facing. If its close to heritage square it will block marine point views and if ushaka side it will hardly block anything.

Well if u look at my expert diagram there, the red apartment block which is below the canal, that entire part will be in the high rise, the other apartment part which go's up into the L wont.

so DB whats up with this one these days??

Angaaz is the word that comes to mind. no idea whats causing the hold up though, dont worry, its still going ahead.

Maybe the delay is related to all the approvals they have to get: Point Development Company, eThekwini town-planning dept, and Heritage Council (because the building is more than 60 years old)?

Could be, but they already demolished all that was required so it could be a bit late for the Heritage council to step in.

our point residents...and DB who was supposed to be working on this one...whats up. Romansa said a few weeks back that they had started some form of work on it, any more details?

Haven't been in SA for last month so don't know but there was definitely construction taking place when I had left (aside from roof and beams being stripped, new windows and doors had been cut into walls, and new concrete pillars had been erected in corridors).

far as I know, theres nothing happening, been busy with other developments, i.e Seaboard

far as I know, theres nothing happening, been busy with other developments, i.e Seaboard

?? seaboard?

I finally had a chance to take out and post pics highlighting the latest updates of this promising development. I spoke to the owner/developer and he said he hopes to finish the project by Oct/Nov 2009. There are now a number of workers on site and I think they will make this deadline.

Latest update is that part of the harbour-facing side of the block has been demolished. This matches the section demolished earlier on the canal-facing side of the development. The owner said he wants to create a park in the space that has been created by the demolitions. The courtyard area is to be paved.

I am very impressed with this development as virtually every brick has been painstakingly preserved (hence, the long time in finishing the development). The original roof rafters have also been refurbished and fitted back in place, awaiting the return of the original, restored roofs. Doors and windows (including bay windows) are currently being cut, with the doors leading out to soon-to-be-created Juliette balconies. On the harbour-facing side, window-frames and door-frames are already being fitted.

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_4344a.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_4346a.jpg

Window and door frames have now been fitted on the harbour-facing side

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_4348a.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_4354a.jpg

This is taken from where the new section has been demolished. Notice how the original bricks have been preserved and are being stored. Wonder what they will be used for?

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_4355a.jpg

This pic shows the development in relation to the existing Dockpoint townhouses and Marine Point block.

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_4360a.jpg

There is now a clear gap from the Dockpoint canal ending at Lamp Road, right through to the next street. This is the section that is earmarked for a park.

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_4362a.jpg

Here's the same part from a higher elevation

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_4414a.jpg

Windows and doors are currently being cut on Lamp Road side

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_4410a.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_4413a.jpg

Original rood rafters have been re-set, awaiting restored original roofing.

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_4412a.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_4411a.jpg

Thanks mate for the photos/update. Glad this is still going through. But to be honest, nothing really looks that different to when i was there a few months back (i might be wrong however).

I am no pessimist but i really dont see the deadline happening. One thing the Point has tought me is to not get to excited to quickly.

great to see, but i have to agree Nov is totally unrealistic, maybe nov 2010.

That said, it is developments like this one that really excite me about the potential of the area, it has so much heritage, and the squares and stuff look super. will be great to see it done

This baby is back! got a call last night they converting it into a hotel and are busy doing a re-design!

That said, it is developments like this one that really excite me about the potential of the area, it has so much heritage, and the squares and stuff look super. will be great to see it done

Me too Mike, the mix of old and new has really grabbed my attention and imagination.

This baby is back! got a call last night they converting it into a hotel and are busy doing a re-design!

nice! any mention about deadline? What you think of the Nov. deadline?

Nov deadline seems optimistic to say the least seeing that the architects are only starting the redesign now, but what I gather the existing structure wont change much, the big warehouse building will still be allocated to a supermarket retail outlet. From the design changes I would prob be making the rooms smaller & reorganise some of the ground floor to accommodate a reception area. Also I hope the canals go ahead, if not the Piazza will be back on track, but more when I get drawings, no idea when though.

Could this be the potential operator?? As they list it under consideration on their website...

Life Chic Durban Waterfront - 100 bedrooms

http://www.lifehotels.co.za/developments.html

could be, as I said, all I got was a phone call, when they call up meetings we will get more info

I like the hotel idea. Will need a total reconfiguration, though. I wonder how this will impact on the work currently being undertaken on site? A lot of work has already gone into cutting doors, windows etc. For example, the north end of the canal-facing side has already been converted into a loft unit.

The Oct/Nov deadline was given to me by the owner, but this was seemingly before he considered the hotel option. He mentioned retail / offices to me (although he wanted one unit for himself as a residential apartment). However, I think a conversion to a hotel will take longer. If the developers really put their feet on pedals, it is possible this may be done by 2010. Will be nice to have medium size hotel in area.

^^ mmm this is a great. We know very little about what the plans are so its going to be a great surprise to see what the site turns into. I am pretty excited about it. I really really really hope they meet there deadline.

Could this be the potential operator?? As they list it under consideration on their website...

Life Chic Durban Waterfront - 100 bedrooms

http://www.lifehotels.co.za/developments.html

That's an interesting website. Thanks for finding and posting. It states that there's a 15 bedroom hotel opening in Maple Road, Durban in Oct 2009. Maple Road is in Morningside but I can't recall exactly where.

Re: possible 100 bed unit, Stevedores would definitely fit that bill as its size allows for a conversion into that size of hotel development.

Maple road is near the bottom of trematon drive. They also have plans for another quarters in florida road here that i have spoken about before

Getting some hard copies soon, will give you guys the low down soon.

canal is scrapped, retail outlet scrapped, a mini brewery is marked where the woolworths was with a beer garden, a restaurant wich opens onto a deck, lots of parking & 3 floors of hotel rooms.

Cool. Where is the 3 floors of hotel proposed for? On the section currently being renovated or the untouched section closer to Ushaka? The latter is a 3 level structure. The section currently being renovated is 2 levels. They are already re-installing the roof beams so I doubt they are going up on that section. Besides, the owner told me he prefers to restore than break down and build. He also told me he was not planning on building upwards. I just glanced over at the development and there are at least 8 workers on site.

canal is scrapped, retail outlet scrapped, a mini brewery is marked where the woolworths was with a beer garden, a restaurant wich opens onto a deck, lots of parking & 3 floors of hotel rooms.

I knew the canal would be. It would interfere with the exit of Dock Points basement garage.

A mini-brewery??? That sounds very interesting!

^^ indeed...Firkin wanting a new location? They have been planning to move from the Pavillion for awhile now...

How things progressing jerome? still one brick at a time?

havent heard anything as yet, but its still a go.

Work is still ongoing, but slow. Framing of windows and doors is now in progress.

Gasp! I just saw roof tins for the first time at this complex! Seems roofing is imminent!! Am getting pics and will give full update later...

As promised, here's the update...

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

Window frames, window sills, and door frames have been installed.

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_5673a.jpg


Roof beams and balcony beams have been erected on west side. East side is now well advanced.

West side.

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_5735.jpg


East side.

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_5674.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_5736.jpg

Workers carrying the just-delivered roof, which they stored away. The developer told me the roof and finishes would resemple the neighbouring historic DockPoint townhouse. Essentially, this development would be a red brick equivalent.

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_5693-1.jpg

Quite a few workers are not on site, comparative to earlier this year. I counted at least 12, which is double a few months ago.

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_5690-1.jpg

Internal plastering has commenced.

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_5678.jpg

Rooms have all been created, through breaking of internal walls.

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_5679.jpg

Windows wall facing Browns Road have been cut and frames fitted.

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_5700-1.jpg

Window frames and door frames have been completed on west end. Juliette balcony frames have been erected.

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_5708.jpg

View of Stevedores from nearby Heritage Square. Both these historic babies will hopefully be ready within a short period of each other. And with both being hotels and restaurants etc, they will be great additions to the area.

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_5729.jpg

as far as I know work is going on for the revamp of the existing structure the new plans havent been passed as yet

@RomanSA - Have you been to the area lately? If so has there been some nice progress since your pictures above mate?

I got back to town last night. I will try to take some updated pics soon, before I leave again for 5 weeks first week of Dec.

Nice pics... Any idea what company is doing the construction???

HI PP Girls. I don't think it is a company doing the construction. It's just workers who are hired by the owner, hence the slow pace.

Anyway, as promised, here are some updated pics from last week. The roof of the west (harbour-facing) end is now completely installed. It seems as if windows are being installed along the passages. Work has also commenced on the interiors (interior wall cementing is in full swing).

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_6063.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_6064.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_6062.jpg

Updates from last week...


Roofing of east wing virtually finished. Harbour-facing side is complete; sea-facing side nearing completion.

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_6096.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_6065.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_6069.jpg


Roofing of west wing is complete

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_6067.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_6070.jpg

Seems as if the ground floor units will be retail

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc160/ja65sin/IMG_6071.jpg

Thanks for the updates Jerome.

this is a mighty long development (must be 200m??) do we have any idea what is being built at each end?

They hoping to have the hotel complete by June, I dont see it happening....

still haven't received plans as yet so I cant tell you guys anything.

They hoping to have the hotel complete by June, I dont see it happening....

still haven't received plans as yet so I cant tell you guys anything.

well they have contracted the rooms for the World Cup and sold them so they need to be ready or will be in breach

Well they seem pretty calm about the whole thing, as I said my boss just attended 2 meetings so far this year.

ok I got the plans, finally. From what I can make out, its only going to be a hotel. They scrapping the Piazza and putting a parking lot :( i know

they kicked out the brewery and putting in a huge banquet hall/ restaurant, above of which will be conference rooms and above that more hotel rooms.

so rather big hotel? outdoor parking not underground? no piazza? thats not good at all. Who wants to see a big open air parking lot? i thought the rules for the area stipulate underground parking and no open air parking?

its slap bang in the middle, I would post the site plan but might get into trouble

Thats disappointing to say the least.... :(

Work seems to be progressing...dont see it ready by the World Cup though...

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/DSC03871.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/DSC03874.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/DSC03875.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/DSC03877.jpg

Docklands hotel in foreground...Stevedores on left...possibly renamed Life Chic Waterfront? Or is this the Extreme Hotel Waterfront?

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/DSC03883.jpg

Ok, so I was wrong. The whole developement isnt a hotel but half is. Its seperated by that annoying parking lot.

http://i47.tinypic.com/wlaw7q.jpg

White = Hotel
Brown = timber deck for the restaurant
Red = Restaurant & conference venue, with more hotel rooms above
Cyan = Pool
Green = Garden
Peach = walkway
Yellow = Apartments

This is helpful, DB; thanks. Looks like both developments (apartment and hotel) to be fenced off from one another.


Am disappointed that square in the middle is to be parking lot. Is designated in the Point masterplan as a park. Hope that the middle of this square, at miminum, can be grassed, or if the whole square can be paved. Would be better than big tarred area.

Any idea re: timelines? Finished by June 2010? Work on the conference venue is steaming along, with the roof almost completed.

Also, any idea on how many stars the hotel will be, and who will be operators?

^^ Likely to be Life Chic Waterfront or the Extreme Hotel waterfront. Life Chic Waterfront has sold rooms for 2010, so i would imagine that it will fall under that brand...therefore 4 star

I'm also curious about the black block in the middle of the parking between the developments. Would be good if it were grassed or a water feature, or something besides tarred.

It will be a grassed area & used for multipurpose events which could mean a mini flea market of sorts.

Interesting... Anyone knows who is doing the construction?

not sure, but had a meeting this morning with the electrician, he said the site is a mess, guys working with out plans etc...

I can verify that the site is an absolute mess. I will be (pleasantly) surprised if this gets completed by June 2010. Seems to need more than 4 months work to get ready.

More details on this baby. As suspected, it won't be ready by June 2010

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

New hotels soon opening at Durban Point Watefront
25 Feb 2010 - eProp - DPDC

Intro
Durban Point Waterfront, situated at the entrance to the biggest port in Africa, will soon welcome two new world-class hotels to its mixed-use development

The new additions will be primed to host both local and international guests in a secure and energetic environment during the World Cup hospitality boom and beyond.

The Docklands Hotel and The Anchorage Hotel simultaneously began construction last year, with The Docklands Hotel opening in May 2010. The new additions are set to enhance one of Durban’s most iconic locations, which is currently undergoing the transformation from a previously dilapidated precinct into a multi-billion rand investment gem.

“It was a natural progression to have hospitality developments in this re-generation precinct, as a number of nearby attractions and the beaches lend themselves to attracting both leisure and business tourists,” says Alan Vels, Managing Director of Signature Life Hotels.

“The entire node has developed to include a grand mix of business and residential in the area, which offers the further creation of entertainment areas within hotels.” observes Vels. “Also, with some inner city hotels downsizing and downgrading, there was a need for new business hotels on the Durban beachfront area.”

A major draw card of the Durban Point Waterfront is its proximity to places of interest and its prime location, says Mr. Logi Naidoo, Acting Chairman of the DPDC and Deputy Mayor of Ethekwini Municipality.

“Durban Point Waterfront is adjacent the R735 million U’Shaka Marine Theme Park, which is a major tourist attraction. With easy access to the beachfront and Indian Ocean, as well as being within a 10km radius of the Moses Mabhida stadium, the Durban Point Waterfront is a leading location for the influx of visitors expected over the next few months.” notes Naidoo.

The area is also accessible via a range of transportation modes, which include pedestrian, road, rail and sea. This allows for more accessible local, national and international connections.

The Docklands Hotel is a four-star hotel, with 81 designer decorated rooms, a restaurant and four conference rooms, seating a total of 400 people. The hotel, with its estimated value of R110 million, is urban, trendy and modern and boasts stunning views over the Indian Ocean and harbour.

The R60 million Anchorage Hotel, which is part of the Life Hotels brand, has 63 rooms, a restaurant and a conference room, which seats 400 people. The Anchorage Hotel is set to open in the latter part of 2010. The hotels are expected to draw guests from afar, and collectively can accommodate 304 guests sleeping over and 600 in the conference and banqueting suites.

“The Durban Point Waterfront is one of South Africa's most significant and exciting property development and investment projects, and the addition of these world-class hotels is evidence of this.” says Colin Sher, Sales and Marketing Manager for Durban Point Development Company and Managing Director Broll Property Group Kwazulu Natal.

“The hotels have very interesting contemporary designs with unique dining and meeting facilities, and compare to hotels and business spaces one would find in Canary Wharf in London.” explains Vels. “Our vision for these hotels is for them to become the leading city business hotels in Durban, recognised for world class accommodation and meeting spaces”.

In excess of R1.8 billion has already been spent on development at Durban Point Waterfront, with the final investment figure estimated in the region of R6 billion. This prime development, which will include a 44,000sqm entertainment and lifestyle shopping centre, is set to become one of Durban’s most esteemed locations. Phase One of the development is rapidly becoming a reality with its different elements in various stages of completion, planning and construction.

http://www.eprop.co.za/news/article.aspx?idArticle=12247

yip Apartments are being done first.

visited site today, I honestly think this guy hired his maid and garden boys to do the work, theres like 5 guys on site max, and to say its moving at a snails pace is exaggerating! Got loads of pics but with my phone but its got that funny USB out thing & I dont have a cable at the office but will post soon.

Agreed. This has always a project has proceeded, and still is, proceeding at snail's pace. It's more gratifying watching paint dry or counting holes on a teabag.

Anyone knows what the construction company's name is yet?

Ahem, you didnt hear this from me, but the developer has got his own guys to do the work so you can call them what you like :)

Entrance to the development
http://i39.tinypic.com/2z6v5ur.jpg

All windows are being replaced with aluminum windows in a white finish
http://i40.tinypic.com/b628bb.jpg

View of the back of Apartment block 2, there will be a car park for residence at the back
http://i39.tinypic.com/110hwko.jpg

View of Apartment block 1
http://i43.tinypic.com/5jwjyp.jpg

This is how you thumb stuck lighting points
http://i44.tinypic.com/ivfvdh.jpg

Typical kitchen for the unit
http://i42.tinypic.com/2u59fgi.jpg

Back view of block 2
http://i44.tinypic.com/2n6hzl0.jpg

http://i42.tinypic.com/69dcfn.jpg

Front view of Block 1
http://i40.tinypic.com/33manw4.jpg

View of Hotel Block still on hold
http://i42.tinypic.com/14ps3t.jpg

any insider news? this one seems to be bumbling along slowly....

still moving at snails pace, they're still busy with that same block. Still waiting for approval of the Transformer Room from corp, the hotel can start with out that.

Yes, still slowly humming along. On Saturday, a special cement-layer vehicle (looked like a massive scorpion with its long raised tail!) was brought in to cement the 1st floor of the end (north-facing) unit. Some windows have also been installed on the harbour-facing side, while installation of the external ballestrades has commenced.

Who are the contractors for this development?

Yes, still slowly humming along. On Saturday, a special cement-layer vehicle (looked like a massive scorpion with its long raised tail!) was brought in to cement the 1st floor of the end (north-facing) unit. Some windows have also been installed on the harbour-facing side, while installation of the external ballestrades has commenced.

Its a truck concrete pump and boom

Who are the contractors for this development?

Private owner-developed, as far as I know, which explains its snail-pace.

Its a truck concrete pump and boom

Thanks!

Anyone knows how far this development is??? Any pics???

Work on block 2 is in advanced stages, hotel has been scrapped. Full residential now. Restaurant still to be confirmed.

Good to hear that phase 2 is in advanced stages. Haven't visited that end for almost 5 weeks now!

Work on block 2 is in advanced stages, hotel has been scrapped. Full residential now. Restaurant still to be confirmed.

Thanks Durbsboi :banana:

Good to hear that phase 2 is in advanced stages. Haven't visited that end for almost 5 weeks now!

no, block 2, i.e the one infront of your place. Phase 2 is about to begin now.

reason for the cancellation of the hotel?

Problem with the client and find an operator that met his requests. Plus I think he figured this way would be easier.

^^ problem with Signature life? yeah they probably wanted him to do a proper job with the building, not a half assed attempt like they are doing

Yup, could be that.

Here are some renders for the next phases of this development

http://www.raarch.co.za/images/Work%20in%20Progress/new_pix/Stevedores%202.jpg

http://www.raarch.co.za/images/Work%20in%20Progress/new_pix/Stevedores%201.jpg

http://www.raarch.co.za/images/Work%20in%20Progress/new_pix/Stevedores%203.jpg

http://www.raarch.co.za/images/Work%20in%20Progress/new_pix/Stevedores%204.jpg


And here is a video - http://www.raarch.co.za/work_in_progress_stevedores.htm#

holy smokes! thats a massive change to the plans I had!

Like upgrade upgrade? It really does look very appealing. Has a great industrial edgey feel, well keep the traditional heritage buildings.

Wow! That's a radical transformation from its current barracks look! What is it going to be? Apartments? Offices? Retail? Mix? Regardless, I hope the adjacent owner (if he still owns it) is not developing. We'll then only see the end result in 2020, if we're lucky...

seems like it will be a mix. There were mentions of offices, ground floor retail piazza and a hotel.

But a big, more modern departure!

Looks fantastic. Nice and different from other developments in the area.

can point absorb another small hotel?

^^ Currently it only has the Docklands Hotel, which according to all sources is doing very well. I cant see why a second hotel will not work

The orignal was sooo boring compared to this, I guess they found a new hotel group to come on board they made the changes. thats the only explaination seeing as the client was very tight with the cash.