|
The Bluff Headland marks the north-eastern
extremity of the Bluff Dune system. At its
highest point, these dunes rise to some 80
metres above sea level. The Headland marks the
eastern seaboard gateway to Durban and occupies
a highly central and visible position in the
metropolitan area.
 |
Historical background
The Bluff
Headland features prominently throughout
Durban's history. The first human
settlement in the Durban area was by the Luthuli
Tribe on the Bluff. The strategic importance of
the Headland has led to the development of
various military installations dating back to
the Crimean War as well as the Anglo Boer War
and 1st and 2nd World Wars. Much of the Headland
area is cordoned off as an active military base
including modern and sensitive military
technologies. The Headland is riddled with
redundant military infrastructure including gun
emplacements, bunkers and other artefacts of
historic interest. Durban's Whaling
industry was also based at the Bluff Headland as
was a 'quarantine station' for
indentured Indian labourers.
Public access
Public access to the Headland area
was phased out in the 1970s, with nationwide tightening of
security around military installations, especially those
situated in urban areas. In closing the Bluff Headland to the
public the people of Durban have been denied access to, and
appreciation of, some of the most important heritage in the
region. One positive aspect of restricted access has been the
undisturbed development of a rich biodiversity on the
Headland. Restricted access has, however, constrained
development of 'must experience' tourism attractions on the
Headland, the need for which has been identified in a number
of recent planning and research projects.
Development Plan
|
Establishment of Bluff Headland Heritage
Park - 10 Point Action
Plan |
|
1) Report to the Metro Economic
Development and Planning Steering
Committee.
2) Formation of
a Bluff Headland Heritage Park Steering
Committee.
3) Appointment of consultants and formation
of a Planning and Design Technical Working
Group.
4) Production of a Visitor Brochure
including facts and information regarding the
Headland, its history, and the joint initiatives
between the SANDF and Metro
Council.
5) Preparation of a Detailed Development
Framework Plan for the Bluff Headland Heritage
Park.
6) Plan, preparation and approval of a
pilot project for a park and ride facility to
selected View
Sites.
7) Delineation and formalisation of
leases necessary for development of view sites
by Council.
8) Clarify the coordination of management
and maintenance functions and establish an
Operations Working
Group.
9) Budget preparation, approval and
implementation of Pilot
Projects.
10) Preparation of suitable legislation
giving recognition and protection to the Bluff
Headland. Consideration to be given to World
Heritage Site status, National Monument status,
Natural Heritage Site status, and Sensitive
Coastal Area
status. |
The
absence of a planning and development framework
for the Headland, coupled with private sector
interest in the area, prompted the Council to
prepare a Bluff Headland Outline Development
Plan in liaison with the Public Works Department and
Portnet. This plan was approved by Council in 1997.
Negotiations in the latter part of 1998
between the Urban Design Branch of the North and
South Central Local Councils and the Officer
Commanding of The Bluff Military Base took place
with a view to establishing an Action Plan for
the rapid development of basic public facilities
and access to specific attractions on the Bluff
Headlands. Further discussions and subsequent
meetings with stakeholders held in February 1999
resulted in the acceptance of the principle that
certain areas and features of the Bluff Headland
could be opened up on a controlled basis to the
public and tourists.
Heritage Park
The proposed establishment of a
'Bluff Headland Heritage Park' is based on an approach of
'phased development' of facilities. This will place emphasis
on the preservation and show casing of the areas special
features, artefacts and places of historical and ecological
importance and interest.
|
