Investigating Urban Regeneration and Sustainable Cities Development Nexus in the City of Pietermaritzburg, South Africa

Ndlazi, Sphamandla and Gumbo, Trynos and Makoni, Eric (2023) Investigating Urban Regeneration and Sustainable Cities Development Nexus in the City of Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. LET IT GROW, LET US PLAN, LET IT GROW. Nature-based Solutions for Sustainable Resilient Smart Green and Blue Cities. Proceedings of REAL CORP 2023, 28th International Conference on Urban Development, Regional Planning and Information Society. pp. 465-473. ISSN 2521-3938

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Abstract

The World Cities Report (2016) states that cities are the drivers of economic growth and development, but they also face numerous challenges such as urban decay which can hinder growth and negatively impact the quality of life for residents. Urban decay refers to the deterioration and decay of buildings and older areas due to various factors such as neglect, crime, and lack of economic support. Gordon (2003), as cited in Ndlebe (2017), highlights the same challenge in the city of Pietermaritzburg. The research aims to identify means of regenerating the Pietermaritzburg Central Business District while incorporating the concepts and principles of smart and sustainable cities development. The objectives include analyzing the conceptualization of smart cities, sustainable development, urban decay, and urban regeneration concepts and evaluating their impact on the urban environment, assessing the current state of the Pietermaritzburg Central Business District through urban decay and regeneration, determining the potential of community and public participation in planning for urban regeneration, and establishing a smart and sustainable regeneration strategy. The research methodology used in investigating the regeneration of the Pietermaritzburg Central Business District (CBD) is a qualitative descriptive case study approach, which enables multiple perspectives on the issue of urban decay and regeneration in the city to be incorporated. The research findings suggest that successful urban regeneration requires a planned, team-based strategy that includes community engagement and stresses social inclusion, open space, and environmentally friendly transportation. The case studies of successful regeneration programs in Singapore and Kwa-Zulu Natal highlight the importance of having a clear goal and being adaptable to changing circumstances. The study's results show that 30 municipal officials who were interviewed in October 2022 in Pietermaritzburg are aware of urban decay in the city center and suggest enforcing council ordinances, carrying out ongoing clean-up projects, raising public awareness, fostering local economic development, and coordinating between various municipal agencies as potential solutions. The officials believe that smart and sustainable city growth is necessary for urban regeneration in Pietermaritzburg, but it requires a concerted effort from multiple stakeholders. In conclusion, this study highlights the feasibility of urban regeneration in Msunduzi but underscores the need for a concerted effort from multiple stakeholders to achieve sustainable and smart city growth.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Urban decay, Urban Regeneration, Smart City, Sustainable Development, Spatial Planning
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor H Social Sciences > HM Sociology H Social Sciences > HN Social history and conditions. Social problems. Social reform
Depositing User:	REAL CORP Administrator
Date Deposited:	03 Oct 2023 08:44
Last Modified:	04 Oct 2023 17:41
URI:	http://repository.corp.at/id/eprint/1006

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