1. Introduction

With the increasing emphasis in South Africa on urban regeneration special focus should be given to such available opportunities which exist in our towns. The following pages will provide the reader with one of the best opportunities yet in Knysna to implement this concept.

Some definitions of Urban Regeneration are as follow:

“the re-use or redevelopment of decaying or run-down parts of older urban areas to bring them new life and economic vitality” (1)

“The revival of prosperity and improvement of the environment in declining and run-down, usually older, parts of the built-up area” (2)

“Bringing about development and other physical changes within the existing urban areas whilst respecting the existing built heritage and other valued environment assets, in order to create economic and social opportunities and improve the quality of life” (3)

The old industrial area is situated in the Lower Central Business District (CBD) of Knysna and is a prime example of such a great opportunity for redevelopment. The proposal area is substantially indicated by the diagram to the top right.

Euro Construction (hereafter referred to as “the Developer”) successfully purchased Erven 1331, 2944 and 3556 Knysna, all of which are located in close proximity to each other and within this lower section of the old industrial area, and wishes to redevelop these current “brown field” sites into a high quality mixed-use development, which will be appropriate for the excellent location of these properties. Their focus not only lies in their own development but also in that of the general community and therefore they propose to assist in redeveloping Erf 1339, owned by Knysna Municipality, into a public park, which at the same time will form an inherent part of the development and the redevelopment of the area. This public facility will be delivered on public land using private funding and will be subject to Heads of Agreement between the Developer and the Municipality. The proposal will also include the upgrading/landscaping of Tide, Union and New Streets.