Despite the fears of many Gqeberha residents, it appears all is not lost in the city’s historic Central district. In this column a few weeks ago I reported how the old Newspaper House on Baakens Street is being used as a leading training academy for the manufacturing sector.
This is just one example of some fantastic initiatives in this area that may be going unnoticed.
One such programme is being run by a residents' body called the Central SRA (Special Rating Area). Based on a fundamental need to improve the district, the property owners applied for the registration of an SRA for the Central area. In the spirit of ubuntu, and the tenets of inclusive growth, the SRA is managed through the establishment of a non-profit company.
The creation of the Central SRA ensures that the residents of Central achieve a unified and cohesive voice. This coupled with an independent budget allows for a proactive and aggressive approach to improving security, cleanliness, and maintenance within the Central area.
It also allows for better cohesion in working towards complementing the various urban renewal services and infrastructure projects being implemented by government and its various agencies.
The Central SRA held its inaugural AGM in March 2020 and started to gain traction in 2021 with the onset of levy receipts from the municipality. The primary focus has been on improving security with dedicated armed response patrols and installation of multiple AI cameras.
All vehicle movements into the area are monitored with number plate recognition cameras to proactively prevent crime. Since implementation, there has been a marked reduction in reported crime when compared to other Metro areas.
The other key focus area has been on improving cleanliness. The Central SRA successfully collaborated with the Metro waste management team to improve the appearance of Central. They have also subcontracted a top-up cleaning team to clean the streets daily.
While much has been achieved, there is still a lot of work needed to make the Central area a desirable area for people to live, work and play in. One of the main questions of course relates to ownership of the buildings.
Dublin-born Ken Denton is the biggest property owner in the history of Port Elizabeth. An international property investor and self-confessed introvert, Ken first visited PE in the 1990s when he fell in love with the region and its people.
He has since gone on to buy up some of Central’s most historic buildings — many of which appear to remain derelict.
Since arriving in the Bay I have wanted to interview Mr Denton. The opportunity I was waiting for arose, unexpectedly, a few weeks ago.
Despite the negative press surrounding Ken Denton, I am a great believer in giving people a platform to explain their position.
And that’s precisely what he did when we spoke on my Algoa FM Frontier Land podcast which is now available. It certainly makes for an enlightening listen.
Ken’s passion for Port Elizabeth is clear. While defining himself as an investor rather than a property developer, he speaks of the acronym ‘HOPE’: The ‘Heart Of Port Elizabeth’.
He’s keen to explain that official barriers have been placed in his way over recent years and despite his battles with the municipality, he remains determined to restore the buildings in Central that he has acquired over the years. “It will just take time,” he says.
Evidence of what he has achieved can be seen in the Donkin Village quarter (in the vicinity of the Heritage Café — also his property). Arguably, despite accusations to the contrary, this development demonstrates his appreciation of heritage and quality workmanship.
“The challenge with any heritage building in the city”, he explains, “is that local bureaucracy continually blocks the path of redevelopment”. This remains to be seen.
Whatever your thoughts on the matter, I am thankful though that Ken Denton, a fiercely private man, allowed me to interview him at a time when passions run high in our Bay. Dialogue is the key and this could be the start. As Central SRA has surely demonstrated, only by working together can we turn things around for the better in our wonderful city.
Dr Dean Allen is a best-selling author and keynote speaker. He is writing a book about the history of wildlife tourism in the Eastern Cape. www.deanallen.co.za