Plans to upgrade the beachfront have started. This is a bittersweet move by the City as much loved restaurants and entertainment establishments closed this year, to make way for new developments. The new “upmarket developments” will form an integral part of the city’s Proactive Land Release Strategy.
Head of the City’s Real Estate Unit, Thapelo Mmusinyane said the strategy, adopted in September 2021, enables the municipality to achieve its developmental objectives, stimulate economic activity and black economic empowerment, as well as promote economic transformation in the property sector.
“In the period between May 2021 and November 2022, a total of 25 properties were advertised and 10 awards were made to new lessees,” said Mr Mmusinyane.
“All 10 awards were made to companies that are 100% owned by historically disadvantaged individuals. On the beachfront, properties that have been affected are Circus Circus, Bike and Bean, and Minitown. These developments do not just affect tourism, but they accelerate economic empowerment through job creation.”
He added that Bike and Bean will transform into North Beach Lifestyle, a restaurant that has seen a R300 000 investment injection. By the time the revamp is completed, about 15 jobs are expected to have been created.
The popular Circus Circus, Mr Mmusinyane said, is currently being renovated to a fusion of Africanism and Art Deco that will be the Durban Beach Café. The vision of this establishment is to create an iconic tourist destination restaurant while capturing the spirit of the city, he said. The anticipated opening for this venue is October 2023 and will create 45 jobs after construction, including absorbing the current staff employed by Circus Circus.
The cherished Minitown, which housed miniature replicas of Durban’s iconic buildings, was a valued tourist attraction for 54 years. It closed its doors on May 1. There are four Minitowns in the world and this one was the only Minitown in South Africa. It will undergo a total transformation, with a mixed-use hotel development which will encompass arts and crafts, kiosks for small businesses, retail spaces, a salon and spa, dining, and others, said Mr Mmusinyane. He added that this will create approximately 150 jobs with a R170 million investment by the lessee on a 30-year lease.
