Revitalising the public open spaces in the CDB of Pietermaritzburg to immortalize a great place

Abstract

Pietermaritzburg has the potential to be a great city. It has been the capital city of three governments and is currently the capital city of KwaZulu-Natal. Its prime location has been partially responsible for this because it is a commercial, social and economic node with a rich cultural heritage and a CBD that is the administrative central authority of the province. It’s internationally acclaimed competitions and sports give it global appeal. Great cities are also made by great public places. Msunduzi Municipality embarked on a project to regenerate the CBD of Pietermaritzburg and restore it to its former glory by using the Freedom Square Precinct as a catalyst to inspire further development and upgrading. In the heart of Pietermaritzburg is Freedom Square Park. It has been transformed from being the Market Square for social gatherings, sales and political demonstrations in the fight against political oppression. By virtue of its history it it has all the ingredients and features of a Great Place. However, parts of the changes are due to a trend towards the privatisation of urban space through projects to revitalise the inner city and enhance its tourism and investment potential. Public open spaces provide an area for communities to, amongst other things, relax, learn, exercise, enjoy nature and socialise with others. Their design and quality is important in creating cohesive societies because they welcome people from different cultures, incomes and age groups. They provide the platform for society to exercise their democratic rights which is important for the new political dispensation that accommodates diversity. When some of these characteristics or uses are, however restricted or threatened the ability of the square to be a great place that enable tolerance and social cohesion or act as a platform for democratic activities is questioned. This paper discusses the transformation of the Greater Freedom Park Precinct and the specific public spaces within it. The changing nature and function of the public open spaces within this precinct was understood by documentation review for historical and spatial analysis, site observation on the use of space and selected interviews. It shows how this urban space has changed and highlights the implications for urban planning and design. Interesting questions are raised for intellectual debate around creating environments that promote inclusive societies and the role of history in creating great places. Although this project is just at city centre scale, within a particular precinct, valuable lessons can be learnt as to how a great place can be transformed and perhaps immortalised.