Durban’s inner city is undergoing major rejuvenation and this area is leading the way. With arty office space, edgy hotels and funky retailers galore this is the place to be.
Durban inner city has undergone considerable rejuvenation recently. It has become Durban’s “cultural revival spot”; bright, clean, edgy and saturated with that delicate beachfront light, Rivertown Precinct is the place to be.
Initiated by the eThekwini Municipality as part of the Catalytic Investment Projects aiming to make Durban Africa’s most caring and liveable city by 2030, the rejuvenation of the Rivertown Precinct started in 2014 managed by Propertuity.
With long-term plans to redefine Durban’s inner city landscape, Propertuity set out to acquire and redevelop three and a half blocks of property (stretching between the ICC, the Hilton Hotel and the Beachfront).
Propertuity rolled out its “Beach.City.Life” concept in an attempt to bring people back into the city to enjoy the world-class beaches, the landscape and the climate that Durban offers.
Three years and 23 developments later, Propertuity is showing its mettle. Clean and safe (there’s 24/7 security and an Urban Improvement Precinct is being established), the precinct is buzzing thanks to collective input from a host of noteworthy Durban creatives, with vibrant artworks, fresh pops of architecture and design tastefully combined with Durban’s Art Deco heritage.
“We love art,” says Luke Maurel, general manager, Propertuity Durban. “Christian Mugnai has just completed the first phase of the Rivertown Mural on Hunter Street and started the second. Stephen Hobbs designed the dazzle on East Brick Lane, Resoborg will soon surprise us with one of his masterpieces, and keep an eye out for Mthobisi Maphumulo who is part of the Amasosha Art Movement.”
Besides art, the buildings are looking vibrant too. Fully refurbished, the pansy-pink Ambassador House is home to the Curiocity Durban “poshtel” (a posh hostel), three storeys of office space, a roof garden, and a spa. Sunlight breezes through its inner quad, quirky bar, and innovatively decorated rooms.
“The Golden Mile is just three minutes away. On foot! Who needs Zanzibar when you can have Durban,” says Megan Nortje who lives in Ambassador House and manages Curiocity Durban. “We generally have 60% occupancy and an equal mix of local and international tourists.”
Nearby, residential revamp Pixley House is fully occupied by tenants, Pioneer Place is home to small fashion and clothing businesses and former warehouse 8 Morrison Street offers serviced office pods, informal meeting spaces and a communal kitchen.
“While no one wants to be the first to come back to the city centre, we already have a line-up of blue-chip tenants and more knocking on our door,” says Luke. “With upbeat, commercial office space available from as little as R75/m2, it’s a no-brainer. Watch this space!”
I’ve been living here since August 2016 and consider this a great move. I love it! I feel as if I’m on holiday every day and it’s opened me up to different pastimes like cycling in the city and even surfing.
-Megan Nortje, resident.
Dine out:
- Bon Bon’s Bake n Take: for delicious baked goods
- The Spice Emporium: for a variety of spices
- Four Square Eatery will soon be at Ambassador House
- Curiocity Durban: for Wednesday night braais
- The Golden Mile: for everything from bunny chows to teppanyaki
Things to do:
- Enjoy sundowners at Bar Curio in Ambassador House.
- Walk, cycle, or Segway along the The Golden Mile.
- Participate in surf excursions through Curiocity.
Work in Rivertown Precinct:
- Ambassador House
- 8 Morrison Street
- East Brick Lane
This article originally appeared in Neighbourhood, Sunday Times.
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