The controversial ‘Alive After 5’ festival will be scrutinised by municipal authorities.
Strategic Executive Director of Development Planning and Human Settlements, Nokuthula Thusi said Council would analyse the cost justification, once figures and a local business survey were finalised.
However, she added the municipality was not yet in a position to comment on the matter.
“We were however encouraged by the response (from) the majority of the community, that something needs to be done to attract people to our CBD, and we will be continuing our efforts to support business in the area.”
Addressing the benefits of hosting the summer festival, Ms Thusi pointed out the responsibility of each city in the world, to ensure its ‘engine room’, i.e. the CBD, stayed productive, drove growth, reassured business and investors, and promote social cohesion.
The aim of the event was to spark rejuvenation of the CBD, she said.
“Over the years, we have seen a decline in economic activity in the CBD, and a decrease in foot traffic to businesses, which resulted in many businesses moving away from the CBD.”
Ms Thusi explained Alive After 5 was earmarked to restore confidence of business and investors, indicating Newcastle as a city had taken note of their concerns.
She said it had also served to draw in consumers over the festive season.
“The benefit of events such as this one is to let communities know the CBD is a key driver of the city, economically.”
The festival was used as a platform to promote local vendors, with an opportunity to showcase, sell and promote products and to ensure holidaymakers and tourists saw Newcastle as a destination for their future holidays, she said.
Ms Thusi also addressed questions as to the head count of attendees at the festival.
“We have to say that the response from the public was overwhelming, especially for day one, despite the disturbance by the rain. (On) day three there was a huge turnover from the community of Newcastle.”
The official statistics indicated on day one, ‘conservative estimates’ showed around 1 000 people attended the festival, before it was called off, and an estimated 1 500 residents were present on day two.
On the final festival date, Ms Thusi said more than 3 000 residents turned up.
Despite the elaborate justification presented by Newcastle Municipality, members of the community distanced themselves from the event.
Alex Liu, Chinese Chamber of Commerce Chairman, was one of them.
Stating his organisation was not impressed by Alive After 5, Mr Liu claimed the event had evolved into a money-grab, and had ensured the Chinese community was not involved with the festival in any way.
On social media, others slammed organisers for poor planning.
A resident called the festival a shambles, berating Newcastle Municipality for not seeking assistance from experienced events planners.
“A real waste of R5-million,” she stated emphatically.
