Neighbourhood 4 MARCH 2018
PROPERTY & LIFESTYLE
Water wise Why the chilled beachfront lifestyle of the Durban Point Waterfront continues to attract homebuyers, page 2
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SUBURB FOCUS: DURBAN POINT WATERFRONT
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PROPERTY STATISTICS
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BUSINESS Q&A
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PROPERTY NEWS
4 MARCH 2018
Neighbourhood
Suburb focus
Durban Point Waterfront Here’s what’s happening in property in the area WORDS: ANNE SCHAUFFER IMAGES: STEPHEN PILBROUGH & GOOGLE MAPS
T
he Durban Point Waterfront covers the area from Bell Street to the harbour entrance and from the Beachfront to Mahatma Gandhi Road (formerly Point Road). Included in the precinct is uShaka Marine World, one of the
city’s biggest tourist attractions, and its world-class aquarium. The precinct has been the neverending story of the Durban Point Development Company, a 50:50 joint development between the eThekwini
*Map not to scale
Municipality and ROC Point, owned by the Malaysian-based property development company, UEM Sunrise Berhad. The intention is to create a global mixed-use development that will change the skyline and face of Durban and stimulate growth, employment and tourism. However, it seems as if the innumerable obstacles hindering progress have been moved aside, unlocking the estimated R35bn development, with R300m earmarked for the first project – the Promenade.
Property
There’s always been mixed reaction to the idea of living at the Point Waterfront, but not from those who
actually live there; they love it. The area has good security, great views (nobody is guaranteed views, but for now many have them), a chilled beachfront lifestyle and the sea and watersports on your doorstep. The concern is largely around access along Mahatma Gandhi Road. Although the future plans include restoration of the surrounding area – rerouting of roads, relocation of facilities and a major inner-city revival – the plans and timeline haven’t been clear, but word has it that 2018 is the year. Cecily Deetlifs of Tyson Properties is not only based at the Point Waterfront but has been living there for 10 years. “There’s a sense now that the imminent construction of the Promenade is the true start of the Point Waterfront
development,” she says. For many years now, the precinct has had a range of apartments, townhouses and loft/penthouse developments, and a few new developments have come on to the market in the past months and are selling well. Bond Square, on the corner of Albert Terrace and Browns Road, has only two of its 10 residential loft units remaining. Like most Point Waterfront developments, Bond Square is a mixed-use facility with residential units on top of retail and office space. Cecily says prices here vary, but generally start around R2,25m for a three-bedroom apartment, R1,5m for a two-bedroom apartment and between R8m and R9m for a penthouse. Some of the apartments are owned by investors who say that rentals are picking up nicely. “Generally, you’ll pay between R15,000 and R20,000 (per month) for a three-bedroom apartment and around R20,000 for a freestanding unit,” Cecily says. Cecily has also seen an increase in enquiries for commercial space, which she can’t meet. “We’re near the harbour and it’s an ideal position for shipping companies. We need development.”
I adore the sea, and we can hear it, see it, smell it from our apartment. Living here is like living on an island; it's peaceful and private.
Explore
The Durban Point Waterfront precinct not only has its own canal where residents can enjoy a stroll or hire a gondola, but also has easy access to uShaka Beach (one of the few dog-friendly beaches), the existing promenade from uShaka to Blue Lagoon and the Point Watersports Club.
CAROL STEIN, RESIDENT
Numerous watersports clubs – the Durban Undersea Club, Durban PUBLISHED BY BLACKSTAR PROPERTY PUBLISHING Unit G04, Old Castle Brewery Bldg 6 Beach Road, Woodstock Cape Town, 087 828 0423
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4 MARCH 2018
Neighbourhood
PROPERTY NEWS
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Ski Boat Club, Point Yacht Club and Durban Paddle Ski Club – were previously situated at Vetch’s Pier and recently moved into new, joint temporary premises overlooking the harbour entrance and next to the sandpumping station at the North Pier. The clubs’ disagreements with the powers that be (and each other) have been a major obstacle to construction of the new Promenade, but today all clubs share the temporary facility. There are plans for permanent premises for the watersports clubs under the new Promenade as part of the development. Penny Steyn, a regular at the Point Watersports Club, says, “We love to come down here – it’s our weekend escape. It’s sociable, it’s relaxed and it’s very Durban. There’s always something exciting on the go and we love taking our dogs for a frolic in the ocean, as it’s the only dog-friendly beach.” The new Promenade will start from uShaka (Moyo Pier) – it’s a continuous elevated structure, reaching the northern harbour entrance channel. Residents and visitors will be able to walk down to the harbour entrance.
SEE:
The Promenade will include changing rooms and ablution facilities, restaurants, an amphitheatre and parking for clubs and the public.
Schooling
The Point area is well known for having one of Durban’s oldest schools, Addington Primary School (alongside Addington Hospital) and Clare Ellis Brown Nursery School. The nearby suburb of Glenwood has numerous easily accessible schools, such as Glenwood Junior Primary, Preparatory and High schools. George Campbell School of Technology further north is also a popular choice. As expected around the harbour and sea, the area features nautical schools like the Offshore Sailing Academy and post-matric tertiary institutions like the SA Maritime School and Transport College. Artists and art students know Studio 3, in South Hampton Street, off Mahatma Gandhi Drive. “I sign up for a number of art workshops at Dee Donaldson’s studio. The space and place is entirely conducive to creative work,” says artist Belinda Davies.
For sale
• uShaka Marine World’s attractions: Sea World, Wet ‘n Wild, uShaka Beach, uShaka Village Walk and uShaka Kids World • The Promenade: for cycling and walking • Surfing schools: for affordable lessons • Surfing and skateboarding competitions
EAT: • Cargo Hold at uShaka Marine World: for dining with a view of sharks • Robsons Real Beer: for craft beer tastings and pub meals • Moyo uShaka: for a unique African dining experience • The Chairman: for drinks, good food and live jazz • Ciao Bella Cafe: for Italian-style cafe meals
SLEEP: • Holiday apartment rentals at the Durban Point Waterfront • The Waterfront Hotel and Spa • The Sails on Timeball • The Happy Hippo Accommodation
For rent
Median asking price:
Median asking price:
R2,2m
R13,750
Monthly bond repayments
For a typical property (two-bedroom apartment)
R3,63m
R2,34m
In a complex
For an apartment
For a typical property (two-bedroom apartment)
For a typical property in this area You’ll pay
R21,596
R20,000
R14,450
In a complex
For an apartment
per month
Property Type:
Property Type: Based on
94%
apartment
6%
complex
R2,2m
90%
median asking price
over a period of 20 years at 10,25% prime
apartment
10% complex
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PROPERTY NEWS
4 MARCH 2018
Neighbourhood
My business neighbourhood A Little Magic Entertainers provides real-life Disney characters for kids’ parties and events WORDS: TIVANIA MOODLEY IMAGE: SUPPLIED
SEE FOR YOURSELF: A Little Magic Entertainers 071 351 0716 facebook.com/partyentretainers
L
ike most little girls, Demmi Meek grew up wanting to be a Disney princess. Her dream led her to embody the characters she grew up loving in order to spread a little magic to children with her business, A Little Magic Entertainers. Q: How did your business start? A: It all started when my mom, who owned a party shop at the time, had a client who asked me to be Belle at her child’s party due to the likeness in looks. I was always a fan of Disney princesses and wanted to be one when I was younger. I also wanted to pursue studies in child psychology, so it was the perfect job for me. I really enjoyed being around the kids and from the comments I received from the party, it seemed I had a knack for it. I saw a market for young, authentic and relatable princess entertainers and turned my passion for children into a business. Q: Why did you choose this area to set up shop? A: I’ve been fortunate enough to work from my home in La Lucia with regards to admin, as most bookings are made via email and calls. This frees up my time for part-time studying and au pairing. I, however,
also share space with the Balloons Inc store on Mackeurtan Avenue. When clients come to purchase balloons, they have the option to consider my service as well. This is a relationship that works well – we bring clients in for one another. The location is perfect because Mackeurtan Avenue is always busy with people as there are lots of shops, hairdressers, restaurants and a school. It’s also convenient as Checkers provides a lot of parking. Q: How did you find your premises? A: My business was small to begin with, as it was only me working as a princess for parties. So working from home was ideal, as it didn’t cost me anything. When my business expanded and I got the opportunity to have a space with another party service provider, I jumped at it as I could now store my costumes and entertainment goodies in a place where my entertainers could fetch and drop them off efficiently. Q: Why are the premises ideally suited to your business? A: There aren’t many party service providers in the area. I have a good relationship with my neighbour, Balloons Inc – we work well together.
Q: Who are your neighbours? A: Balloons Inc, which is run by Michelle Meek and does balloons for functions, birthdays and corporate events in and around Durban. Q: What are the shop rental/ sales prices like in this area? A: A s I work from home, I’m fortunate enough not to pay rent. I have a great deal with Balloons Inc, as I only use a small area of the store as storage for collection by entertainers and my flyers and business cards can be found at the front desk.
Jack Sparrow, Spiderman and popular soccer players to my current offering. We’ve also introduced mascots and are always eager and excited to add new characters upon request. As I’m going on to further my studies in child psychology in Cape Town, I’m considering expanding my business to cover Cape Town as well, as the market there for new and exciting ideas is promising and welcoming.
Q: How many people visit your business each day? A: I have on average six bookings for events per month.
Q: Do you operate online as well? A: I have an active Facebook page that promotes the services I offer and shows prospective clients photos of parties I’ve done and what characters are on offer.
Q: Do you have any expansion plans? A: I’ve already introduced boy-themed party characters such as Captain
Q: What’s your most popular service? A: Our Disney princesses are the most popular.
18823
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