Facelift for CBD gets green light
2008-09-04
Anne Kruger
THE Drakenstein Municipal Council has approved the rezoning of the central business district of Paarl to kick-start a process of redevelopment in the Lady Grey Street area between Main Street and Verster Street. This urban renewal proposal envisages the possible closure of sections of Lady Grey Street, New Street and Fabriek Street at night in order to create pedestrian arcades. The Paarl CBD redevelopment area extends from Van der Lingen Street in the south to Bethel Street in the north and includes the redevelopment of the southern section of Patriot Square (corner of Van der Lingen and Derksen Street) for retail purposes. A shopping centre of 4 400 square metres, with flats and underground parking, is proposed on this site. The application for rezoning to “Special Zone for the Paarl CBD” submitted by Jan Hanekom Partnership comprises a blanket rezoning of all the properties falling with the redevelopment area as a facilitating step in a concerted effort by landowners and the Municipality (a public-private partnership) to revitalise the Paarl CBD. The scheme is based on the premise that Paarl’s CBD is underutilised but viable, and needs to be repackaged as a modern shopping mall. The proposed development comprises the upgrading of the existing physical environment of the rezoned area as well as the redesign of public and other spaces to improve linkages, security and the grouping of businesses within the CBD. The proposal, first submitted in 2004, should not be delayed any further, officials said in their motivation to the municipal council. The conditions include that an environmental impact study be undertaken, that further traffic studies be done, that pedestrian traffic be taken into account, that sufficient parking be provided, that no road widening be allowed in the sensitive historic area, and that access for public service vehicles be ensured. In addition, a master plan of the development proposals, a detailed site development plan for each phase and a landscaping plan must be submitted before development commences. The permanent closure of sections of Lady Grey, New and Fabriek Street or any other road portions will only be supported should the Traffic Impact Assessment comment favourably thereon. According to Johan Pauw of AnyTime Investments, roads will not be closed permanently, due to objections from the public, but bollards could be used to limit vehicle access after hours. “The redevelopment of the public spaces will make the CBD more attractive, especially for patrons of restaurants at night. “We also hope to centralise informal street traders under one roof. “If the first phase of the redevelopment is a success, it could be extended all the way down to the Berg River.” * According to Len Raymond, a spokesperson for the Drakenstein Heritage Trust (one of the objectors), they are considering exercising their right to appeal to the Premier against the Council decision, because of the impact if could have on an historic area of Paarl.
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