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September 2015
News
W
ork started in February 2014
with the blasting of giant
boulders on site before con-
struction could begin.The first phase
includes three multi-storey apart-
ment blocks comprising 71 units, at
a cost of R31 million.
The one and two bedroom rental
units offer sea views and are in close
proximity to employment opportu-
nities, key transport routes, social
amenities and schools in the sur-
rounding area.
“The project will provide safe, liv-
ing space for Hangberg residents and
provide subsidised rental stock for
qualifying beneficiaries. The project
includes children’s play areas and a
landscaped environment,” says City
of Cape Town Mayoral Committee
Member for Human Settlements,
Benedicta van Minnen.
“Without the support from the
community, we would not have been
able to make much progress. There
were delays due to vandalism and
New rental units in Hangberg
Construction of the new Community Residential Units (CRUs) in
Hangberg, Cape Town, is nearing completion.
theft, but we are really proud of what
we have achieved so far.” She says,
“Hangberg remains a top priority for
the City and we will do everything in
our power to increase service delivery
in this area. We have towork together
to ensure a better life for our residents
in Hangberg and others residing in
the greater Hout Bay area. We will
do all that we can, to assist with the
safety and security,” said vanMinnen.
D
urban is characterised by its
eclectic mix of people, cul-
tures and lifestyles, and this
atmosphere of diversity is particularly
evident in the heart of the Durban’s
central business district
The city centre is only now begin-
ning tomakes strides to recover from
serious urban decay.
“Durban’s CBD suffered as up-
market shops and offices started
relocating to more attractive shop-
ping precincts and office parks in
outlying suburbs. With street trading
out of control and traffic congestion,
the formal retail and investor sector
began to bear the brunt of the drop
in economic turnover in the city
centre,” says Craig Allsoppof the Raw-
son Property Group, Durban.
However, a real effort has been
made to revitalise the city centre,
and projects like theWest Street pilot
project, Warwick Junction and The
Point development, offer creative
solutions to improve the aesthetic
appeal of the CBD, its functionality
and is user-friendly.
According to Allsopp, this rejuve-
nation includes tax incentives that
have already increased demand for
property and investor confidence.
This bodes well not only for the CBD
proper, but also its surrounding ar-
eas. Allsopp acknowledges, “Savvy
investors and first-time buyers are
snapping up budget buys.”
CBD properties sell from R100 000
upwards. With new life being injected
into the city there is unlikely to be a
shortage of tenants any time soon.
All predictions point to the fact
that the rejuvenation of Durban’s CBD
will breathe life and vigour into more
than just the city centre. Investors
would be advised to explore com-
mercial and residential opportunities
and to take advantage of growth.
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Durban city centre