The overriding aim of this research will be to explore urban management and regeneration strategies at play in contemporary South African urban landscapes, with a specific focus on inner-city districts. A case will be made throughout this study to justify the importance of the city centre.
Introduction
THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK ON RELIGIOUS CONVERSION
Introduction
The aim of the research is to investigate the dominant challenges evident in the inner city and urban landscape, the causes of their growth, their different paths and the impact they have. For these reasons, the research aims to examine the implementation of such strategies and the challenge, displacement or benefits that arise from this.
Theoretical Framework
This is a neglect of the powerless and marginalized as those who have power and wealth are in control. The complex development issue raises questions about the future of the city in the region.
Research Methodology
To achieve this, a number of interviews are conducted, creating a holistic picture of the research situation. The research is mainly based on background literature and research into recent debates on urban patterns, processes and factors that influence change. The study also included the analysis method proposed by Ulin et al (2002) and Hayes (2000).
This study made use of the Newtown Cultural Precinct as an example of the implementation of theoretical city. As a result of using the case study method, the research made use of non-probability sampling as a fixed number of people were involved in the project forming a fixed. The choice of people to be included in the study was not due to random selection, but rather deliberately specifically targeted.
This method allows the research to acknowledge shortcomings or limitations and recognize errors and potential imperfections, which in turn leads to holistic, fair research. The research involves the use of contextual scoping, which involves gathering relevant information from a range of public domain sources.
Context setting
These problematic events were explored in detail in the previous chapter, but include the growing slums, increasing crime and pollution, and the general decay of the urban landscape. While, by comparison, office vacancy rates in the CBD areas have increased dramatically in all leading cities across the country [within a period of just ten years]: Johannesburg over 25%, Durban 20%, Pretoria 17% and Cape Town 15 %" (Harrison; 2003, p. 7). Only in the last few years has South Africa seemed to be developing against this trend.
Unemployment rates are incredibly high in South Africa, which highlights that large groups of the population are not included in the benefits that these relatively successful offer. Inequalities still entrenched in the country, from institutionalized imbalances of apartheid, prevented large-scale opportunities from being created for all. Many are employed in the informal retail and service sectors, a trend that is increasingly becoming the norm in urban areas.
Large groups were forced to move to urban areas in search of employment, particularly evident in the large groups of miners in transient accommodation, particularly in Gauteng. Many left rural areas hoping to improve their lives and opportunities in the cities, but these populations were denied access to permanent status in urban areas (Beall et al; 2002).
Themes and findings
The ICO is institutionalized to form the Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA), the main development implementation agents in the city. This resulted in large-scale difficulties, challenging transitions and increased responsibilities for city structures. This has a major impact on the perceptions of potential investors, as well as residents' confidence in the city and its future.
This policy aimed to rectify the problems that emerged during the transition period and to overcome the imbalances in development and services throughout the city. Building partnerships with different stakeholders was prioritized to achieve effective, long-term growth in the city. This policy led to the creation of 'Joburg 2030', which set out the details of the city's development strategy.
Through development, increased investment and other practices, the city would benefit greatly, helping to improve the conditions of the population. The inner city is the symbolic, economic and cultural heartbeat of Johannesburg and is strategically important to the city as a whole.
Themes and findings: case study specific
The area is one of five development sites in the city centre, aimed at revitalizing the city centre. In what way do we need to engage with the really complex set of issues that exist in the inner city [which have become priorities]." (Interview with Sarah Charlton; 2006). The City of Johannesburg has expressed a long-term commitment to the inner city region.
This reflects JDA's great commitment to the area and to the development of the inner city. The general housing institutions that provide housing in the inner city are also not really able to target particularly poor people." (Interview with Sarah Carlton; 2006). There is a gap in housing options, as the inner city must be able to house a range of socio-economic groups.
The area is not designed for the daily functional use of the average local residents in the city center. As a result, the area sits empty due to a lack of use due to this apparent disconnect between the area and its offerings and the needs and demands of the population using the city core. So it never had the same intensity of development that the rest of the inner city had." (Interview with Melinda Silvennan; 2006).
A long period of incremental growth is needed before Newtown can make a clear difference to the surrounding area and the rest of the city center.
Reflections
Johannesburg's approach to local development: The city initially rushed into development processes without sufficient foresight, leading to a financial crisis and problematic development disparities that emerged across the city. Realizing mistakes due to severe mismanagement, the city underwent a transformation, with an emphasis on the role of an active economic development factor in the urban environment. If agents are focusing on specific areas for upgrade, including enhanced capabilities and rapid development, then it is essential that they provide additional development services in other areas as an alternative.
It is essential to simultaneously make connections between development strategies within each node, and take into account surrounding areas and their needs, to help enforce sustainable, effective growth across the urban landscape. In order for the NID to function optimally and to adequately respond to local needs, it is essential that a local team of practical implementation staff is present. In combination with implementation structures at the grassroots level, it is necessary to have balanced macro policies and institutionalized strategies for support at the holistic level.
Clearly, there is no single remedy or strategy for implementation to achieve success. In ten years' time, Johannesburg's city center will no longer be distinguishable from the city of today.
Conclusion
It is clear that public sector strategies tend to remove these conflicts to some extent, and often fail to implement systems that ensure a balance of priority interests; primarily that marginalized groups are not neglected in favor of the resource-rich interests of the private sector. This imbalance is evident in Newtown, as priority has been given to attracting private sector-led rapid development and reinvestment. Primarily high-income cultural consumers are prioritized in Newtown, and thus fail to provide sufficient space to accommodate poorer or more marginalized groups who work or live in the area.
The urban poor, commuters or average day dwellers in the area, informal workers and other such groups have been neglected as facilities and development schemes have failed to create suitable or affordable features for these groups. This creates great tensions, visible in the dispute over informal activities and their presence in the inner city, the problems of forced evictions and numerous negative consequences. During the democratic transition of governance in the early 1990s, it was only fitting that a local government in Johannesburg with severe resource and capacity constraints sought the help and services of the private sector.
It is clear that all urban development agents must act now to counter negative effects, actively work together to limit contradictions, contradictions and tensions present within urban environments. It is essential for positive future growth to establish processes and programs to balance these problems. This is the beginning of a process that aims to bring together all the actors present in the city center and create a comprehensive list of actions to eliminate problems and imbalances that occur in this region.
Bibliography
Questionnaire
Part B: Urban management and urban renewal, with a special focus on inner cities What are the current problems facing urban landscapes, especially in inner city areas. Which leading factors help contribute to the creation of a good urban environment and landscape. What strategies are used to achieve these goals, and how do they do so?
History and insight into the project; allows for a better understanding of the project What were the original intentions of the project: what goals and objectives were desired. What lessons can be learned from the project with regard to urban intervention and development, especially intervention strategies in inner city areas.
Leading developments in Newtown
Redevelopment and takeover of 11 Diagonal Street: now the head offices of First National Bank and ABSA Bank. Many new restaurants and clubs have opened in the area, including Moyo, Gramadoelas, Kippies, Nikki's Cafe, Fuel Cafe and many others throughout the area. Many new developments have combined retail, office and residential uses together to maximize the use and diversity of the area.
Adjacent to Mary Fitzgerald Square, the museum is housed in the old fruit and vegetable market, which dates back to 1913. The Newtown Music Centre, run by the Music Industry Development Initiative (MIDI), provides performance venues as well as training and recording facilities. . Associated is the foundation of the African Cultural Center, behind the theater, an arts center that focuses on arts development and education for youth, including a resource center and a year-round education program.
Numerous restaurants and clubs throughout the area help serve not only as commercial and retail establishments, but also add to the cultural appeal of the area. Many function as trendy music venues and popular social spots, adding to the cultural atmosphere of Newtown.
