THE concept of eThekwini looking more and more like a construction site, in a good way, is slowly becoming a reality with the city currently undergoing several major upgrades, with the latest being the Rivertown Precinct project.

Bounded by Stanger, Sylvester Ntuli, Monty Naicker, and Bram Fischer streets, this precinct includes the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (Durban ICC) and the beachfront. Gugu Sisilana, eThekwini Municipality spokesperson, said the area’s historical and cultural significance, as it once was home to the Rivertown Beerhall, gives it the potential to once again become a viable place for entertainment.   She said, “By building on this historical value, the City now aims to make this precinct a cultural and entertainment hub that embraces the Durban beachfront lifestyle that brings a lively vibe.”

Also Read: Construction to start at Rivertown Precinct

The upgrades include having street and outdoor spaces which will be transformed to exciting open-air galleries and stages for performance, while addressing safety in the precinct. According to Ward 26 Councillor Sbusiso Lushaba, the area is being used as a thoroughfare between the beachfront hotels and the Durban ICC, making it ripe with opportunity to turn it into a “world-class” entertainment hub. He said the City saw the opportunity to upgrade the area and introduce a new precinct that can be enjoyed by tourists and locals alike.

“The City began upgrades to the area in 2021. This involved an upgrade of the existing sidewalks with new paving installed and the closure of certain through lanes, including John Milne as well as the rationalisation of parking throughout the precinct. Nibs at intersections to improve pedestrian safety and the introduction of a series of islands along Hunter Street for safe pedestrian crossings were also implemented. This upgrade is the first phase of further plans to turn the area into a hub of opportunity for small businesses. The vision is to build on the historical context of the precinct and create opportunities for catalytic development to happen,” said Lushaba.

Sisilana said a further R3.8 million budget has been made available to upgrade the area further by planting trees and the installation of murals as well as the installation of wayfinding signage, seating, and security kiosks. “The establishment of an arts and craft market with food stalls, entertainment and other attractions is also on the cards as a future project. The City aims to incrementally upgrade the area until the full vision is realised,” added Sisilana.

To complete the revamp of the precinct, the City, however, needs the input of residents, ratepayers and other stakeholders. Sisilana said the City is calling on businesses and other stakeholders in the area to engage with eThekwini Municipality and provide their input into the development of the precinct. Interested stakeholders can email: Kamalen.gounden@durban.gov.za, to have their say on the upgrades.

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