A landmark building on Durban’s beachfront is set for a major facelift, which will cost between R51 million and R71m, according to the eThekwini Municipality.
The site, dubbed the “Joe Cools” building because of the restaurant and bar that operates there, will be redeveloped into a modern-day facility that will accommodate several restaurants, the City said.
The business sector, a tourism body and political parties have all welcomed the redevelopment as a positive move as the City seeks to draw more tourists to Durban.
The City said it had appointed a developer for the long-term leasing and redevelopment of the site. A 45-year lease was awarded.
The City said the award was made after it invited industry proposals through a Request for Proposals (RFP) issued in November last year.
“The redevelopment aligns with the Municipality’s Inner-City Local Area Plan, which emphasises protecting and enhancing the beachfront as a key tourism asset.”
The City added that the project will retain current national tenants under the Famous Brands umbrella, including Wimpy, Steers, Fishaways, and Milky Lane.
“A new Mugg and Bean restaurant will be introduced, with additional tenants to be confirmed as construction progresses. The property will continue to operate during the upcoming holiday season. Construction is anticipated to commence after the Easter holidays in 2025, subject to necessary statutory approvals.”
EThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba said that redevelopment is expected to create approximately 80 jobs during the construction phase. “We are committed to ensuring that all existing jobs are retained and anticipate additional employment opportunities will be created as the new building will be 68% larger than the current structure.”
“This expansion will attract new tenants, further boosting local businesses and job creation. The municipality remains committed to driving economic growth and urban revitalisation through strategic property initiatives. This redevelopment is a significant step toward realising the municipality’s vision of creating a vibrant and thriving beachfront for both residents and visitors,” added Xaba.
DA councillor Welekazi Sibiya, who is a member of the City’s Economic Development and Planning Committee, said the party welcomed the development as they supported any attempt to make the city more appealing to tourists.
“We also support and welcome the prospects of job creation as we are aware that unemployment is the Achilles heel in both the city and country at large.”
Sibiya added that they are, however, cautiously optimistic because of past experiences with projects not being completed on time.
“We will be playing a close oversight role in making sure that all is above board in this particular project.”
KwaZulu-Natal ActionSA leader and eThekwini councillor Zwakele Mncwango said that any development and investment in the City was welcome.
“It’s welcome as we are facing high unemployment, and this will create job opportunities. As we welcome this redevelopment of facilities and buildings, we still have to address the sewage problem. There is still high E coli (levels) on the beachfront, and we can’t have iconic restaurants operating when there is a sewage problem at the beaches. This needs to be addressed just as we are investing money in the redevelopment of infrastructure.”
IFP eThekwini leader, Mdu Nkosi, who is the chairperson of the city’s Trading Services committee, also welcomed the redevelopment of the building.
He added that the City is heading in the right direction.
“Projects like this make the City more attractive for investment and will draw the tourists as they will feel more safe to explore Durban.”
Andrzej Kiepiela, of the KZN Growth Coalition, said that as the business sector, they were appreciative of the leadership that Mayor Xaba is showing.
“The mayor is proactively encouraging economic development. The mayor is also encouraging officials to seek partnerships with the private sector. This development at Joe Cools and other areas on the beachfront is the first development activity since the late 80s when the beachfront was first redone. We hope these attractions are going to take the golden mile back to its former glory and bring tourists and more investment.”
Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa (Fedhasa) East Coast chairperson Brett Tungay said that restaurants and cafes are the heartbeat of any beachfront. He said the redevelopment was “fantastic” news.
He said Fedhasa’s only concern was whether the developer had the necessary experience in the hospitality and restaurant industry.
“But it’s definitely exciting for the Durban beachfront.”