Isipingo CBD set to become a dynamic Commercial Node

Posted On Wednesday, 24 April 2013 09:23 Published by Commercial Property News
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Upgrades and infrastructure projects are intended to transform the node by guiding development, improving the built environment and restore business confidence in the area.

The multipurpose area of Isipingo is to see itself transformed into a business and public transport hub.  Upgrades and infrastructure projects are intended to transform the node by guiding development, improving the built environment and restore business confidence in the area.

Isipingo town centre (CBD) has strategic value within the city, serving as both a key business district and an important public transport node for Durban’s Southern Corridor.

eThekwini Municipality is calling this venture The Isipingo Town Centre Renewal Programme. The first phase of which is to upgrade portions of Watson Road as well as Kajee and Jadway Streets in the Isipingo CBD. This will include the resurfacing of roads, improvement to sidewalks, parking, lighting and landscaping.

The Isipingo town centre has grown over the years, becoming one of the Durban’s largest intermodal transport points with both formal and informal business activities. Sadly the lack of a supportive or approved framework to guide development has resulted in the town centre’s decay.

An initial framework plan in 2004 began outlining a vision and conceptual framework for the CBD as well as looking at some key proposals. One such proposal that emerged from this framework was the redevelopment of Old Main Road running through the centre of Isipingo.

An action plan was developed in 2010 which tagged key projects, their anticipated budgets, time frames and the necessary municipal departments for taking the projects forward. Linked with this, some smaller projects were undertaken: a key informal taxi rank on Old Main Road between Alexandra and Church lane was formalised; a taxi shelter constructed and the public area was upgraded and spruced up for a more pleasing aesthetic experience for all, as well as for functionality.

The knock-on effects for the future of retail and commercial developments is very important. Potential retail and commercial value in the area has immediately bounced back. Further investigation into commercial and retail development is being investigated by eThekwini with the relevant land owners.

An early result of studies has been the proposal of a multi-use complex with retail opportunities on the ground floor and taxi rank activities accommodated on the upper level. This would be a partnership between eThekwini and the current land owners of Erf 2255.

Accommodating all the role players in the Taxi industry is going to be of utmost importance in the reconfiguring of Isipingo as a multi-modal transport hub. The multiplicity of taxi rank sites currently will have to be taken into serious consideration.

eThekwini is quoted as stipulating that: “The importance of Isipingo as a multi-modal public transport hub means that its renewal programme should aim to cater to all users.” This includes motorists and pedestrians. “- in particular with regard to ease of access and linkages in and around the CBD.” The quote goes on to say.

It is anticipated that this process will improve the logistical movement of goods and services as well as commuters in and around the CBD, which in turn will revive Isipingo as a viable commercial node for mixed use developments and encouraging a revival of retail and commercial property values. 

Last modified on Monday, 20 May 2013 11:17

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