The Rejuvenation of a Historical Neighbourhood in South Africa

Abstract

In South Africa, many cities have retrogressed over the years. Disinvestment in the inner cities and the flight to suburbs in the 1980s and early 1990s by business and retail was propelled by the manifestation of deteriorated buildings, an increase in slums and crime and a shabby, poorly managed urban environment. Central Hill, Port Elizabeth, as in many other cities in South Africa, was unable to escape this phenomenon. There have been efforts to revive the area abounding the central business district (CBD), however, those efforts have often overpowered by the overwhelming challenges that are associated with Central Hill, such as a lack of resources, the prevalence of drugs, prostitution and general crime. Twenty interviews were conducted with individuals from different backgrounds both professionally and socially to determine the challenges faced by Central Hill, the causes of the challenges, and possibly, a solution to the challenges. These included residents, business people, built environment professionals and property developers closely affiliated with Central Hill. The salient findings show that drugs, prostitution, poorly managed buildings by landlords and residents, security and crime are major challenges in Central Hill. Conclusions include that there is a need for a new meaning, plan and vision for Central Hill that it can be identified with, and carried forward. Recommendations include the development of a strategic plan incorporating all stakeholders to carry the vision of a rejuvenated Central Hill forward, in addition to interventions such as law enforcement, and incentives for landlords.

Sineke, C. and Smallwood, J. (2015) The rejuvenation of a historical neighbourhood in South Africa In; Gorse, C and Dastbaz, M (Eds.) International SEEDS Conference, 17–18 September 2015, Leeds Beckett University UK, Sustainable Ecological Engineering Design for Society.