URBAN FRAMEWORK

Urban Development Frameworks are plans formed by Council which reflect the problems facing communities and the solutions that would be implemented in line with the Inner City Regeneration Programme.
The second phase of the Fordsburg and Mayfair Urban Development Framework kicked off to an excellent start at the meeting held in the Grosvenor Recreation Centre on 26 February 2008.This phase required the consultant forming the proposed framework to meet with the residents, as well as community leaders and ward committee members, in order to introduce the framework - and get feedback from them on issues affecting the two areas. Annemarie Loots was contracted by the City Of Johannesburg Metropolitan Council’s (COJ) Development Planning and Facilitation Directorate, which has embarked on a process to form Development Frameworks on areas in need of urgent upgrades.Annemarie described the phases required for the formation of the Framework and its characteristics, as well as encouraging people to air their concerns.The first phase involved the compiling of information by Annemarie from council records, onsite inspections and communications with local government officials. Once that was completed, the second phase required the involvement of the communities of Fordsburg and Mayfair which falls within Region F, under the wing of Ward 58’s Councillor Juned Pahad – hence the meeting at Grosvenor.
Fordsburg and Mayfair enjoy a prime location near the Inner City and offers unique opportunities for regeneration and revitalization, without negatively influencing the rich history of these areas.The principle purpose of the project is to develop spatial plans that will guide future development in a planned and co-ordinated manner. It is envisaged that the Framework will also consider how the areas may integrate and contribute towards the proposed Inner City development strategy, as well as influencing the surrounding areas.
The two areas have experienced major decay in the past and is characterised by older industrial, business and residential sectors, as well as degraded buildings and land.They are further characterised by the following conditions that need to be addressed:
Economic stagnation and subsequent decline
A lack of development and investment
Increased vacancy rates and lower rentals; abandoned properties, illegally occupied properties, etc.
Deteriorating and decaying public environment, lack of maintenance and management, crime and grime, and declining number of visitors and users
Social problems are the root cause of decay and are becoming more intense with time.

At a broad level, the Framework will aim at promoting the following:
A common vision for both areas to which the community can relate to
Creating a safe and secure environment
Economic regeneration of the area
Densification, diversification and intensification of land uses
The integration, efficiency and upgrading of the areas, also related to traffic and pedestrian movement
The development of a range of housing options
Consolidating and extending the social facilities in the area
Linking to an appropriate urban management system promoting a quality urban environment
Preservation of heritage sites and landmarks such as the Old Fire Station, Fordsburg Square, Sacks Hotel, Villa Mayfair, etc.
Even though those present spoke about their concerns for the two suburbs, they all agreed that the Framework would be given the support it needs, so that solutions could be found to improve the quality of their beloved communities.
The end result of the Fordsburg/Mayfair Framework will be a well-researched, community-involvement initiative that would bring positive major changes to the areas that will support the current strong character of existing buildings, yet conform to the general trend towards preparing for the 2010 World Cup that is expected to make South Africa a world-class country.
The final draft is expected to be completed in May 2008 which will then be reviewed for the financial budget that would be required to implement the Framework.