The focus is on evaluating the comprehensiveness of the urban regeneration project focusing on the Point Waterfront urban regeneration project. As a result, apartheid planning, along with social and economic segregation, is simply repeated in the Point Waterfront urban regeneration project.
Introduction/Background
As part of the broader strategy, the municipality has established a long-term vision that extends to 2030. The municipality envisions that by 2030, eThekwini will enjoy the reputation of Africa's most caring and liveable city, where all citizens live. harmony." Their vision has been adapted to ensure alignment with key strategic documents, namely the National Planning Vision and the Provincial Growth and Development Strategy.
Problem statement
Broad aim of this study
Specific Objectives
The main research question and subsidiary research questions
Rationale for the study
This research will contribute to knowledge production on the nature of urban regeneration projects and inclusivity within the city of Durban, as well as to the debate on whether the city's urban regeneration regime is contributing to the intended cultural cohesion. It will be useful for the eThekwini Municipality and the Durban community at large as they will see whether these types of projects play a role in reversing apartheid planning.
Research Methodology
- Data Sources and Collection
- Sampling procedure and Research Process
- Data Analysis
- Indicators
- Limitations
This type of data was obtained from the Waterfront Precinct Development case study in the eastern part of the eThekwini Municipality's urban core (see Map 1, site map), where an urban regeneration project is being implemented. In addition, this method made it possible to use the camera to capture the action in the field.
Chapter outline
The socio-economic profile of the study area is also presented in this chapter, together with the spatial planning. The chapter began by providing the background to the study, briefly introducing the concept of urban regeneration and the challenges facing South African cities, with specific reference to the city of Durban.
Introduction
Conceptual framework
- Urban regeneration
- Globalisation
- Competitive Cities
- Integration
- Inclusiveness
- Accessibility
Linked to the notion of competitive cities and regional competitiveness is the concept of urban renewal, which is believed to reverse urban decline through economic, social, environmental and physical intervention (Lang, 2005). Nowhere in the literature is the concept of integration clearly explained and the underlying factors and consequences described.
Theoretical framework
- Looking at the surface of neoliberal theory
- The road to Neoliberalism theory across the globe
- The common principles of Neoliberalism theory
- The Neoliberal Perspective to Planning
- Looking below the surface: Critiques of neoliberal theory
- The implication of Neoliberal development approach into Point Waterfront Development
Dominant to the critique of neoliberalism is the rejection of the neoliberal argument that the liberalization of the market is synonymous with democracy. Considering this, the main principles of neoliberalism - economic growth and economic integration improve the conduct of the study.
Setting the scene for new urbanism theory
- Unpacking the origin and development of New Urbanism theory
- The tenets of New Urbanism approach
- Pinpointing the gaps in New Urbanism Theory
- New Urbanism and Point Waterfront Development Precinct
Having outlined the emergence of the new theory of urbanism, this section now considers the tenets of the theory. 27 | Ellis (2002) once again argues that New Urbanism ignores the social and economic realities of the modern world.
Urban Regime Theory (URT)
- The historical roots of Urban Regime Theory (URT)
- The common principles of Urban Regime Theory (URT)
- The limitations of Urban Regime Theory (URT)
- The applicability of Urban Regime Theory (URT) into the study area
If the conventional model of urban politics is that of social control (with its elitist and pluralistic variants), then the one proposed here can be called the "social production model." It is based on the question of how, in a world of limited and distributed authority, actors work together across institutional lines to produce a capacity to govern and deliver important public outcomes”. Having said that it can be argued that this view of power shaped a paradigm shift in urban policy studies.
Conclusion to Theoretical and Conceptual Framework
The link between this theory and the study is the coalition between the public sector and the private sector. In terms of decentralization and shifting of responsibilities, Waterfront Development is characterized by shifting of responsibilities to the extent that construction was undertaken by the private sector (Harding, 2000). That said, it can be argued that this theory is considered particularly relevant in the analysis of urban renewal in the Point Waterfront Development, where political and business coalitions have been shown to be active.
Introduction
- Understanding Urban Regeneration
- Urban Regeneration and inclusiveness
- Urban Regeneration and Planning
- Important of Urban Regeneration
- Arguments against urban regeneration
According to Steenkamp, the goals of urban renewal can be to encourage businesses and new businesses and help existing businesses grow stronger. However, Mehdipour and Nia (2013) argue that the practice of urban renewal attempts to achieve multiple goals. Alternative mechanisms that focus on the competitive sectors that provide employment opportunities for local residents should be explored as a dimension of urban renewal strategies.
Urban Regeneration lessons from international projects
Canada, Toronto (West Don Land)
The bid for the 2008 Summer Olympics from 1999 to 2001 increased the government's interest in the waterfront of the city of Toronto. This policy is called "the 2002 Waterfront Revitalization Corporation Act", and it guides the development of the West Don lands. According to the Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Corporation Act of 2002, the TWRC "shall take into account the Official Plan of the City of Toronto in carrying out its purposes" (TWRC).
Brazil, Rio de Janeiro (Porto Maravilha)
49 | P a g e Figure 3.11: Map showing the location of the Porto Maraviha urban renewal project in the city of Rio de Janeiro (Source: Amsler, 2011). A key feature of the Porto Maravilha redevelopment is that it stimulates new development in the public transport hub of the greater Rio urban area. The additional homes promoted a better quality of life for the area's current residents and for those looking for housing options in the central part of the city.
Urban regeneration practice in South Africa
The end of the war was associated with the collapse of physical structures and economic inactivity. The Western Cape Department of Transport and Public Works, together with the City of Cape Town, launched the Central City Regeneration Program (CT-CCRP) in 2010. Cape Town is the oldest city in South Africa, a 'mother city' that encompasses a range of different cultures.
Conclusion
BACKGROUND OF THE POINT AREA
- Pre 1990: The Beginnings of the Point
The point represents an important origin in the development of the city and port of Durban. Sadly, this began what eventually became a steady decline of the Point as a trade, and subsequent port activity left the Point. Throughout the seventies and eighties, the urban blight had emerged as most activities associated with the Port moved away from the Point.
The Socio-economical Profile of Point
Another interesting feature of the population in Point is that there are more women (53.54%) than men (46.46% in the area (see Table 3).
Land use Planning and built form in Point Waterfront Development
- Land use in Point Area
Admittedly, some of the proposed development plans for the Point's waterfront are still to be completed. There are several developments that remain under construction and some have been completed. The Spatial Development Framework (2015) noted Point Waterfront Development as catalytic investment projects, however, specific issues are not specified regarding the inclusion of low-rise housing in terms of integration.
Conclusion
Introduction
Point Waterfront development and eThekwini Municipality’s city vision 2030
- An accessible city
- Creating Sustainable Livelihoods
- An Environmentally Sustainable City
- Creating a Safer City
It is important to note that most of the developments that have been completed in Point Waterfront Development are apartment blocks or apartments. During fieldwork in the Point Waterfront district, the researcher observed the myriad economic processes that take place in the area on a daily basis. A unique feature of the Point Waterfront development was the construction of a canal that winds through the center of the southern section.
How does Point Waterfront development result in greater inclusion and of integrated use of the
One of the homes owned by Point Waterfront Development was quoted saying, “It is unsafe to have to drive through the Point area with congestion and high crime rates.” This raises questions about how the city creates a safer environment if people don't feel comfortable driving around. How does the development of Point Waterfront result in greater inclusivity and integrated use of the city? One of the responses from the planners was that Point Waterfront Development has resulted in integration with the downtown by making it more accessible on foot.
The character of the area
83 | p. the buildings that existed in the area were in poor condition and much of the area was characterized by historic buildings that were abandoned. One of the most important things that has changed the area aesthetically is the way buildings interact with water. The security guards are there to keep the area a safe and crime free zone, making it even safer when compared to the rest of the Point area which is known as the notoriously dangerous area in the city of Durban.
Understanding the Influence of Point Waterfront Development on the area’s level of accessibility
To understand the extent to which the Point Waterfront regeneration project has affected the level of accessibility of the area, planners were asked how the regeneration of the area affected the above three factors of inclusive development. In addition, the construction of the Point Promenade, still to be completed in conjunction with the construction of Section 5, will make this area easily accessible (Figure 5.23). In addition, they argued that the completion of Point Promenade would also allow for public amenities, including toilets and a cloakroom.
Opportunities and challenges caused by Point Waterfront development
- Challenges
- Opportunities
He claims that north is essentially because it is a "transit" point. The restriction of development in the northern part of the Point area has a significant impact on the development of the Point Waterfront. Point Waterfront is the hub of the country's cosmopolitan crowd, drawn to its fun, lively and relaxed atmosphere.
Inclusiveness of Point Waterfront Urban Regeneration Project
The Point Waterfront Urban Regeneration project is an embodiment of neoliberalism and is used to reposition the city of Durban within the competitive global landscape by focusing on their images and their enhancement, as explained in Chapter 2. In the Point Waterfront Development project, the findings, however, show that while the City of Durban has spent large sums of money on efforts to improve local competitiveness, it has not made the Point area sufficiently attractive to private capital. Similarly, as discussed in 5.5.1, the development of Point Waterfront faces a number of challenges from the perspective of New Urbanism theory.
Conclusion
As mentioned in the literature (chapter 3), the city of Durban can learn a lot from the city of Toronto and Rio de Janeiro because their project is inclusive in a way that it creates a mixed urban community of people of different ages, backgrounds, and social and economic status. 94 | Bly argues that the Point Waterfront urban regeneration project is strongly embedded in neoliberal economic approach, and it is used to reposition the city of Durban within the competitive global landscape, focusing on its image and improvement, rather than focusing on its upliftment of the majority of the population of Durban.
Introduction
Main Findings of the research
The research noted that rental prices at the Point Waterfront Development start at R5000 per month and this means that the low income group, which is the majority of Durban's population, is not included in this project. It is undeniable that when it comes to the perspective of modes of transportation, Point Waterfront Development is inclusive as it caters to various modes of transportation to accommodate the variety of people who want to use it. Unfortunately, the Point Waterfront Development has remained exclusive to the dilemma of the urban poor who want to stay there.
Recommendations
98 | P a g e Furthermore, developers must stop viewing the city in terms of its exchange values as a profit-making center for local real estate developers and not in terms of its use value, thus systematically excluding those who cannot afford products developed by such a scheme. In planning the future urban development of the city of Durban, social and historical elements must play a significant role more than exclusive economic growth. In that sense, it becomes important to promote urban interventions and policies that see the city as a social space more than a consumption space.
Conclusion
Urban Renewal: A Comprehensive Strategy for Creating Space for Innovative Economies,” Urban Renewal: A Comprehensive Strategy 41st ISoCaRP Congress. Housing Development Agency, 2013, Revitalizing our inner cities: social housing and urban regeneration in South Africa, HDA, Johannesburg. Urban Renewal Experiences in Brazil: Historical Preservation, Tourism Development, and Gentrification in Salvador da Bahia.
A Summary of Interviews Respondent’s Answers
The main problem with the Point Waterfront Development is that the role of the site, in terms of Durban's overall problems, has been misunderstood. The spatial context of the Point Waterfront Development in relation to the CBD, which potentially holds the key to unlocking the site's potential, has not been adequately considered in the plan. The main factor in the downfall of the plan has been the desired role it should have within the city.
Interview Questionnaires for Point Waterfront Residence
Straight Observation Checklist
Interview Questionnaires for Iyer Urban Design
Interview Questionnaires: Inner City of eThekwini Regeneration and Urban
Interview Questionnaires: Durban Point Development Company Official
Interview Questionnaires: eThekwini Municipality Urban Renewal Department
