The privatisation of public space: case study of the Durban inner-city coastal area.

Abstract

This research investigates the extent to which public space is privatised in the Durban Inner-city coastal area. Public spaces at Vetch's Beach and the Point Development area are being privatized due to mechanisms of security. Privatization of public space has also occurred through the encroachment of private development projects. Concepts of Postmodern Urbanism refers to this process as the commodification of public spaces. Through the use of a case study methodology, public space users' perceptions, municipal officials of eThekwini municipality and developers of the Point Development Precinct have provided an insight into the privatization of public space. People are excluded from, or have limited access to public spaces showing that people have few rights to protect public space in the case study areas.