PCB Blog - Developments
Developments |
| 2011/05/04 |
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Melanie Veness - PCB CEO Speaking to some developers from Johannesburg a little while ago, I was surprised to hear them say that it’s is too difficult and too costly to get developments off the ground in KZN. According to them, the processes are laborious and it just takes way too long – time is money, and so it is costly too. Having spent some time with developers brave enough to persevere, I am beginning to understand what Gauteng developers are saying. Take for example, the proposal for the development of a new Superspar in Hayfields in Pietermaritzburg. I walked the site with the developers on Friday, and this is what I observed: The area around the proposed site is evolving into a commercial node – it is opposite a major shopping centre and several residents appear to be running businesses from their homes, including a security company, physiotherapists, a beauty parlour, and so on. The developers propose an upmarket facility that certainly will raise the tenor in the area. Smart new developments typically prompt competitors to up their game, and residents can look forward to a generally upgraded environment. The new development also bodes well for property owners. The value of their properties is almost certain to increase, given the natural trend towards commercial use. The development means an estimated 300 new jobs, and will create numerous opportunities for local business. From what I have seen, the developers have tried to be accommodating of all the issues raised by residents, and in some instances, have gone beyond what is expected. I know that change is uncomfortable – most people would prefer to maintain the status quo, but some of the objections probably need to be revisited, while a number of concerns could probably be addressed in an open discussion. Of concern is senseless objection to development by residents in an effort to frustrate developers and in the hope that they will give up. Perhaps one needs to look at the whole picture, because it affects us all. Without economic growth, our city is not sustainable. We need to create employment so that more people are able to pay for services, and improve the sustainability of the city. It’s worth noting that government a times too is guilty of holding up development for ideological reasons. One of our local hospitals currently has an application for development being held up by government for reasons not entirely understood. In an ideal world, development shouldn’t upset anyone, but our current situation is far from ideal. We need to strike a balance between doing the right thing for growth and sustainability, and accommodate the concerns of affected parties, including citizens of the city. That may not always be possible, but dialogue between developers and residents is, and that's always a positive start. |
| Tags: Developments(1) Developers(1) Economic Growth(1) (7) |
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