After years of uncertainty, public objections and eventually council approval for a mixed-use gap housing development at the former Star Seaside Children’s Home in North Beach, the future of the prime beachfront property has once again been thrown into doubt.
The developer appointed to transform the vacant Playfair Road site has indicated that it will no longer proceed with the project after withdrawing from the tender, citing discrepancies with the eThekwini Municipality.
The latest development has raised fresh concerns among residents and Ward 26 DA PR councillor Sharmaine Sewshanker, who was the first to be informed of the developer’s decision.
Sewshanker said the withdrawal means the property will now have to be returned to the municipality for a new tender process, with fresh development proposals expected in future.
“This creates uncertainty for both residents and the city. We had finally reached a point where there was clarity on what was going to happen on this strategically located site after a lengthy public participation process. Now we are back to square one,” she said.
The former children’s home became the centre of controversy when demolition of the buildings began before many residents believed they had been given a fair opportunity to participate in the public consultation process.
Hundreds of objections were lodged amid fears that the development could become student accommodation, increasing pressure on infrastructure, traffic and safety in the North Beach area.
Following months of engagement between residents, the developer and the municipality, amendments were made to the proposal. Council subsequently approved the development as a mixed-use project incorporating gap housing, while residents who had initially objected agreed to support the revised plans.
Sewshanker said she believed the approved development struck the right balance between addressing the city’s housing challenges and protecting the interests of the community.
“Gap housing is something Durban desperately needs. It would have assisted many working families who earn too much to qualify for subsidised housing but cannot afford private property. It would also have contributed to economic growth and investment in the beachfront precinct while ensuring this prime site did not remain vacant,” she said.
