The VIBE TheVibeMagazine_170727 | Page 7

Florida Rd is unlike any street in South
Africa , it is Durban ’ s melting pot of eclectic tastes allowing for a truly multicultural diversity of foods . We hope to see artisan markets as a permanent fixture on the road giving creative foodie & craft entrepreneurs the opportunity to trade in Durban ’ s Hot spot .”
Sandesh Rampersad – Roti And Chai
Urban Lime are incredibly excited about Florida
Road and our main objective is to see that the street thrives both day and night . So alongside the nightlife , bars and restaurants we are encouraging new and interesting shops and concept stores as well as fashioning exceptional creative work studios and office spaces .”
Jonny Friedman - Urban Lime
Holdens Kwikspar has been part of the
Florida Rd fabric for decades . During this time , we have enjoyed incredibly positive times , and have had cause to question our location , but at no point have we been as confident in the transformation of the road since the inception of the Florida UIP . Not only has the general safety and cleanliness of the road improved but the emphasis has been pushed back onto community , one of the real strengths of this beautiful area .”
James Arbuthnot - Holdens Kwikspar
If we cultivate the right businesses , attract the right niche restaurants , coffee shops and boutique stores , Florida Rd will again become the high street in the city , one that is supported by the City , quality investors and a caring community who have made it their business to look after this place .”
Ross Rodgers – Olive Tree Church
This is the home of the Zulu – passionate , proud and energetic , and Florida Rd is the perfect place to showcase this . Local food , drinks , experiences and vibe , we have more than enough talent and offerings in our city , we need to make our mark and own this space as a tourist node that captures all that is Durban .”
Laurence Dinsdale – Dropkick Murphys
Who doesn ’ t want to be on Florida Road ?
For many years , this has been such an iconic road for Durban and we believe that with the regeneration and investment on the road the timing is great and we look forward to many happy years in Florida Road .”
Emil Venter – Afros Chicken
In 1999 when we opened Butcher Boys , Florida
Rd was probably the “ safest ” destination on the Berea / Morningside with a variety of restaurants and a real vibe ! Around 2005 the decline of the road began and by 2012 urban decay had all but claimed the road . Since the establishment of the UIP and the collaborative efforts of property owners and businesses , Florida Rd has improved tremendously , and while more work lies ahead , it is steadily making its way back to being a top destination in Durban .”
Alan Lazarus and Derryck Myers – Butcher Boys
Funky , fabulous and fantastic - where old world charm and modern day vibes meet . To experience Florida Rd is to experience Durban and this is where we need to position the future of the road .”
Martin Kruger – St Leger & Viney
There is no doubt that Florida Rd the road is safer and cleaner and more cared for than it has ever been , so it is more than ready for vibrancy ! It can ’ t just look good it must feel good too and we need to bring in businesses , people and industries that bring the place to life outside of the boundary walls .”
MAGDALENE Reddy – African Art Centre
The revival of Florida Rd and a new confidence with investment , renovation and creative businesses moving in has excited us and it ’ s why we decided to take an office here .”
Paul - elephantsbelly
Florida Road was the obvious choice for our first studio in Durban . In addition to the electric street atmosphere and central position , Florida Road is evolving as a trend based street that is aligning itself with the progression of popular culture , art , fashion and food .”
Deanne Roodt – School of Makeup Artistry ( SOMA )
Individual shops and a high-street feel are always more interesting . Discerning shoppers know this and tourists will seek it to try and capture the authenticity of a place - Florida Rd can play this role in Durban .”
Dean Gorrie – Mark Gold Jewels
THE / VIBE | 07