Abstract:
Throughout the developing world, cities experience an increasing influx of
migrants in search of opportunities. This inward migration poses particular
challenges for the municipalities concerned in that socio-economic development
and ecological considerations are central to integrated development planning
to achieve sustainability in urban development (and re-development). In the
case of the Strollers Overnight Accommodation and Business Facility in Durban,
which forms part of the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal, a
unique socio-economic development project was launched in 1998. This research
paper addresses the following aspects in relation to the particular project: Urban
socio-economic re-development is placed within the context of local government’s
developmental role. Furthermore, urban re-development issues are discussed in
the context of peoples’ socio-economic needs where land (spatial) management
aspects should be integrated to match sustainability criteria. In many cases, fatigued
urban areas (referred to as brownfields) could be considered for locating innovative
revitalisation projects. Finally, five categories of performance issues are suggested
in terms of which projects such as the chosen case study might be administered to
optimise its success potential and sustainability.
