INDUSTRY FOCUS for a node, such as uMhlanga Rocks, where various businesses will carry similar features that identify them as parts of the collective node and its specific brand. The look and feel of the experience and product they want to offer is consistent, down to the tenant mix and type of events to be held in public places.
INDUSTRY FOCUS for a node, such as uMhlanga Rocks, where various businesses will carry similar features that identify them as parts of the collective node and its specific brand. The look and feel of the experience and product they want to offer is consistent, down to the tenant mix and type of events to be held in public places.
Before drilling down into the nuts and bolts of how the UIP model operates, it’ s worth noting that the model is now being replicated in Ballito, and notably Florida Road in Morningside, Durban. Urban MGT also manages greenfield precincts in the form of Bridge City, Cornubia Industrial and Business Estate, Riverhorse Valley Business Estate and most recently Sibaya. The precinct management entity is termed a management association and works very much like a UIP, except that it has a stronger influence on aesthetics and development controls.
Once considered one of Durban’ s hottest night spots, Florida Road had also fallen prey to the cycle of urban decay, with unregulated car guards and a growing number of dangerous criminal incidents threatening to make a ghost town of one of the city’ s landmarks. Thanks to the combined efforts of concerned community members, business owners, residents and the municipality, Florida Road has once again become a hive of activity, with its sidewalk cafes, famous restaurants and historic architecture.“ Aside from cleaning up the neighbourhood aesthetically, security is obviously a major consideration. In addition to eradicating illicit car guarding and begging, we try to introduce opportunities where employment opportunities are offered instead,” adds Wright.
So what is Urban MGT’ s role in the UIP model? Wright explains that the company is driven by the desire to create open, accessible spaces for the public to enjoy. A UIP is an all-inclusive urban project encouraging diversity and engagement.“ Our organisation drives and manages the process: we help the community members establish a non-profit organisation run by a non-remunerated board. Having a credible entity allows you to raise additional funding from property owners because they’ re confident that it’ s going to be spent where it should be, that the process will be transparent and that the board will be held accountable.”
Wright sees tackling the northern coast and Florida Road as just the beginning.“ We’ ve got to build the urban renewal momentum in Durban, starting on the beachfront, which has incredible potential, and then beginning to push back