Inner city regeneration : a case study of Albert Park.
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Date
2001
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Abstract
The purpose of this study is to uncover the extent, causes, and to find solutions to the
decay in the inner city neighbourhood of Albert Park. The Albert Park area is at a stage
where appropriate intervention is required to prevent the area from deteriorating further and
to improve the quality of life for the people that live and work in the area.
The sources used to carry out this study entailed researching various publications such as
planning related books and journals to understand the dynamics of the inner city; urban
renewal theories; and political and socio-economic theories. Newspaper articles and interviews of role players also informed the study.
The research methods entailed a detailed study of the area where the researcher
investigated the physical characteristics of each building in detail. These were defined as
buildings in good, fair and poor condition. A systematic stratified sample was used to interview thirty residents from each building condition.
The physical study of the area found that the area is presently experiencing a small pocket
of decay. This is surrounded by buildings in fair condition, which are beginning to
deteriorate to a state of disrepair and will soon become decayed if no intervention takes
place. The questionnaire survey found that people throughout the area share similar
requirements for the physical and socio-economic regeneration of the area.
It was concluded that although the economic characterictics of the residents residing in
buildings matched the physical condition of the building they occupied, the residents
themselves were not responsible for the decay of apartments. The Albert Park area is
being targeted mostly by poor people for residence close to employment opportunities. The
decay in the area is the result of exploitation, by landlords and managers, of tenants as
minor and major maintenance is not undertaken.
The recommendations for Albert Park entail a holistic approach to the area's future
development. The area is experiencing a cycle of change. This change is important for the
area's residents and needs to be accommodated rather than stopped. The change in the
area is allowing poorer people access to inner city housing which is limited at this time. It
is also possible for people of different income groups to live together. This can be achieved
through improving the physical condition of buildings and the area in general. The
apartments in the area need minor and major renovations. It is also necessary for social
planning as there is a high level of apathy among residents. There is also a need for crime
to be stopped and more community facilities to be opened in the area.
Description
Thesis (M.T.R.P.)-University of Natal, 2001.
Keywords
Inner cities--KwaZulu-Natal--eThekwini Metropolitan Area., City planning--KwaZulu-Natal--eThekwini Metropolitan Area.--Albert Park., Theses--Town and regional planning., Urban renewal--KwaZulu-Natal--eThekwini Metropolitan Area.