RIPOA SBT
2.3 ECONOMIC NODES IN THE CITY
The identification of economic nodes and corridors is to help provide an effective distribution network for a range of economic opportunities and to identify areas which may serve varied catchments of people for different purposes. The hierarchy of investment nodes as identified in Fig 13 below has a range and variety of functions to achieve the accommodation of community needs and services. The following type of nodes are identified in the Spatial Development Framework;
Fig 13 Key Priority Investment Areas
2.3.1 METROPOLITAN NODE – DURBAN CBD AND INNER CITY
The Metropolitan node is the key economic centre where all of the varieties of economic sectors are prevalent and perceived to have good potential to be further expanded on. The nodal area is visibly linked to high accessibility areas with existing bulk infrastructure and relatively high population densities which would both contribute to the economic expansion and benefit from interventions in these areas.
2.3.1.1 SCALE OF NODE
2.3.1.3 CHARACTERISTIC OF NODE
• Offers a wide variety of mixed uses including recreation, formal and informal residential, businesses, tourism and its CBD role Also characterized by port operations and associated transport activities which service the region and beyond as a multi-modal transport hub. The Metropolitan Node is the CBD and Inner City Areas and fall within the PIC
2.3.2 SUB-METROPOLITAN NODE – UMHLANGA AND PINETOWN TOWN CENTRES
Sub-metropolitan nodes provide accessible day to day business, transport and social services for existing and future local communities. These nodes serve sub-metropolitan areas of large districts and are well connected to metropolitan public transport systems and to their adjacent residential areas. They are generally situated on mobility spines supported by mobility roads and have access to urban freeways offering a full variety of higher order uses with a sufficient mix that may be in tight competition with other such nodes.
2.3.2.1 SCALE OF NODE
• These are nodes of a sub-metropolitan significance
2.3.2.2 ACCESSIBILITY
• accessible at a metro-wide and local scale
2.3.2.3 CHARACTERISTIC OF NODE
• provide economic support at a metro wide and local scale
• nature of these nodes can vary from having a variety of mixed uses (residential, retail, commercial, business public transport interchange, specialize logistics services and have potential for densification opportunities
2.3.2.4 EMERGING SUB-METROPOLITAN NODES Dube Trade Port
2.3.2.4 POTENTIAL SUB- METROPOLITAN NODES Shongweni , Cornubia
The sub metropolitan nodes of Umhlanga, Pinetown and the Emerging and Potential Sub Metropolitan Nodes of Dube Trade Port, Shogweni and Cornubia are all within the PIC.
2.3.3 URBAN NODE
Urban nodes are existing and new and are well located lower order nodes serving the needs of local areas. These nodes are located at transport interchanges and or at the intersections of development spines. Their role is to provide essential ‘day to day’ commercial needs and social and commercial services to immediately adjacent communities.
2.3.3.1 SCALE OF NODE
• These are lower order nodes serving the needs of local communities
2.3.3.2 ACCESSIBILITY
• Are easily accessible by high order transit, a good road network
• New urban nodes ideally to be located at transport interchanges and / or at easy access or intersections of major public transport
2.3.3.3 CHARACTERISTIC OF NODE
The nodes provide essential ‘day to day’ commercial needs, social and commercial services to immediately adjacent communities.
• These local nodes are varied in activity mix and are determined by the thresholds which they serve.
• Contain a mix of low, medium and high residential densities
• Characterized mainly by pedestrian activity
• Non-Motorised Transport should be prioritized in these nodes
2.3.3.4 EXISTING URBAN NODES WITHIN THE PIC
Verulam, Tongaat , KwaMashu Town Centre , Phoenix Town Centre, Bridge City, Umlazi, Amanzimtoti, Isiphingo/Prospecton, Cato Ridge Village, Cato Ridge (Town Centre)
2.3.3.5 EXISTING URBAN NODES OUTSIDE THE PIC
Newlands Town Centre, Inanda Town Centres , Cragieburn , Chatsworth, Malvern, Westville, Musgrave and Glenwood/Berea, Hillcrest , Botha’s Hill, Kloof and Waterfall , Kloof (neighbourhood Node) , Waterfall (Neighbourhood Node)
2.3.3.6 POTENTIAL URBAN NODES
Illovo , Clermont/ KwaDabeka , Molweni Node , Mpumalanga Town Centre
2.3.4 INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY AREAS
Description Investment Opportunity Areas
• These areas provide opportunities for new investment
• These areas need to be supported by public investment
• Must be targeted for the encouragement of private sector involvement.
• Must have or be easily accessible to major public transport routes
• Available infrastructure capacity needs to be investigated in these areas
Investment Opportunity Areas in the PIC are as follows:
Cornubia, Inyaninga, Springfield Park, Isipingo/ Prospecton, Umbogintwini industrial area, Mpumalanga, Hammarsdale, Shongweni, Cato Ridge, Ntshongweni Industrial and Logistic Park, Umlazi
further detailed in latter parts of the BEPP.
2.3.5 RURAL SERVICE NODES
2.3.5.1 DESCRIPTION: RURAL SERVICE NODE
• These nodes provide local level services (social and economic activities, traditional structures, facilities etc.) for surrounding communities
• Must be centrally located for easy access to surrounding rural communities
• Must have easy access for pedestrians
Rural Service Nodes in the Municipality are:
Zwelibomvu, KwaNgcolosi , Ntshongweni , KwaSondela , Buffelsdraai , Cottonlands , Adams/Folweni , Matabetule (new) Senzokuhle (new)
2.3.6 RURAL INVESTMENT NODES
2.3.6.1 DESCRIPTION : RURAL INVESTMENT NODE
• Rural Investment Node have potential to provide support Services (Business, Agriculture, Tourism and Environmental issues and opportunities for local economic development)
• Must ideally be located within easy access to major transport routes
• Ideally must be located where there is already an existing accumulation of activities
The Rural Investment Nodes for the Municipality are:
uMgababa/ uMnini , Umbumbulu , Inchanga , uMzinyathi , KwaXimba
All of the nodes described above indicate potential for investments, and have a differing role to play in the spatial transformation of the city. The Nodes identified in the SDF translate to the following in the BEPP as per Fig 14.
Fig 14 SDF Development Nodes and the PIC