Goedehoop : a case study for Urban Renewal

Abstract

Why Goedehoop as a case for urban renewal? Since the first black location, Skoolplaaz was established in 1875. The so-called area 'Goedehoop' has remained "frozen", unaffected by the bustling growth of Pretoria in an easterly direction. It is an area of great political controversy and one rich in culture, history and symbolism. Associated with 'coolies' and 'kaffirs' the Steenovenspruit served as a border between white Pretoria Central and Goedehoop. Considered as an hygienic threat to Pretoria Central, Goedehoop - once a bustling commercial and residential area, was cleared in the 1960's, serving up to date as a derelict buffer strip. Marabastad is the only surviving history in the area, rich in flavour of the culture and community that once thrived in Goedehoop. In light of the recent political changes in South Africa, the opportunities for Goedehoop to act as a cultural integrator and the Steenovenspruit as interface between 'black' and 'white' has far reaching political symbolism. The re-development of the derelict area of Goedehoop can achieve this and span the lost generation between the Apartheid city and the post-Apartheid city. Situated in the heart of the New Capital of South Africa, it will stand as a model for the whole country. Why develop in the Goedehoop area? In physical terms, there is a breakdown in the spatial continuum from east to west. Goedehoop not only acts as a buffer strip between Marabastad and Pretoria Central, but also between Pretoria West (a white residential area) and Pretoria Central. Districts are therefore isolated, and detached from the main CBD. If spatial and cultural integration are achieved, improved circulation and a wider range of opportunities for the individual will be realised. For this to happen, the infill of the Goedehoop is required. Economic viability for re-development of Goedehoop Prior to the clearing of the area in the 1960's, Goedehoop was a hive of small business activity and informal trade. By the tum of this century, the only solution to South Africa's run-down economy will be this type of commercial activity. In these terms, Goedehoop presents itself as an ideal opportunity as a catalyst for business: the availability of open land, competitive land prices in comparison to an over-crowded and expensive market in the eastern suburbs, provides the opportunity for larger businesses to locate in the area, with smaller businesses and informal trade benefiting from their presence. If a move to a more compact urban environment is the only answer to dwindling energy supplies and limited access to resources, the open area of Goedehoop provides a good opportunity for development. If one considers that the workforce of South Africa, both black and white, are separated from their workplace in the cities (situated in suburbs and townships on the city periphery), and considering increasing transportation costs, the need to re-introduce a strong residential component into the city is justified. Goedehoop can fulfil these demands where a strong residential component supports commercial activity in an otherwise 'dead' CBD. The re-introduction of a 'people component' to the city centre will also promote a genius loci and return sense of community, something that is much needed in Pretoria City. How should Goedehoop be re-developed? The success of Goedehoop as a commercial and residential area, before it was cleared in the 1960's, and the continued commercial success of Marabastad today, is the fine textured, compact and small block size of the development. Allowing a great degree of permeability or access to facilities, they worked well at a pedestrian level and this was of benefit to the small busniessman. Part of the failure of Pretoria Central as a CBD is its mega-block that prevents a high degree of permeability and pedestrian access. If we acknowledge that small business and informal trade is the key to economic wealth, and their success is dependant on the pedestrian, then we can tum to Marabastad as precedent. In these terms, the existing grid of Marabastad can be extended over Goedehoop, promoting in the future, an environment that works well at a pedestrian level, and fits into the existing city structure. At the same time, there should be a mixed-use function, buildings serving residential, commercial and office needs. There should also be a sufficient number of catalysts or large commercial stores. Acting as natural generators of people and the wealthy, the small businessman and informal trader can benefit from their presence. The incongruency of scale between Pretoria Central and the Pretoria West residential area can be met with a 'step down' approach in Goedehoop, taking place from east to west. The opportunity of the Steenovenspruit as a seam between two previously isolated districts, should be realised where it can be redeveloped as a waterfront and natural corridor. Its importance as a city boundary will then be realised in the process.