THE CONSTRUCTION of Wilson's Wharf next to Maydon Wharf as a harbour waterfront project is set to commence, following the appointment of Ampros as the developer.
The R307-million nautical theme project is set to become Durban's first waterfront development, heading off the much publicised Point Project which has yet to get off the ground. Wilson's Wharf, until now a small craft area and boatyard, will include a permanent small-craft centre and a variety of specialist shops and restaurants. It abuts both Maydon Wharf and the Victoria Embankment.
The much-hyped 60 ha Point development has been moribund since being announced several years ago. A land lease agreement was due to be signed at the end of March between the Malaysian company Renong who are putting up most of the finance, and local company Vulindlela and Portnet, which is intended to add a further 7 ha, including the north portion of the harbour entrance, to the project.
Developers say it will take a further two years just to sort out all the legal and statutory requirements before builders can move on site.
On the other side of the harbour entrance yet another development has been proposed - a R360-m 5-star hotel and waterfront which would turn a disused area at the foot of the Bluff into a tourist attraction and unique gateway into both the port and city.
With no road access, one of its more unusual features is that special ferries will have to be introduced to grant access to the hotel and other attractions. The area above the site is a military base and the only road access is through a high-security oil tank farm area at Island View.
By Terry Hutson
