Windhoek to revive dying CBD

The City of Windhoek is embarking on a strategy to revive the central business district, which has lost some of its pizazz, as evidenced by a drop in rent market income when compared to other parts of the city.Driving the initiative is local businessman Matthews Hamutenya, who is a landlord in the CBD; Broll Namibia, which is the owner of several properties in the city; and the municipality.The proposed changes aim to emulate the appeal of other CBDs, Cape Town in particular.Setting the tone, City of Windhoek CEO Robert Kahimise said: “The CBD is a vital hub for business activities and the plan to develop the CBD is in cohesion with resident property owners.”A legal framework is being put in place for an 'improvement district', which would need a management committee of property owners, a board and a budget management committee. The envisaged changes are aimed at reducing crime, increasing business activity and raising the demand for property by means of creating an attractive, safe, and affordable CBD, Derick Bock explained. Bock was instrumental in the establishment of improvement districts that have sought to revitalise interest in the Cape Town CBD.Sharing his experiences, he said: “In Cape Town, it took about three years before interest in the CBD was revived. Property values in Cape Town improved by about 6%. In the Voortrekker Road Corridor Improvement District between 8% and 9%, by about 10% in the Cape Town CBD and 12% in the Bellville CBD. This means more money is coming into the coffers of the City Council.”According to Bock the establishment of an improvement corridor would require levies to help fund a steering committee.The committee would see to it that the look and feel of the CBD is maintained and improved by providing services similar to those provided by a typical municipality, such as the removal of litter and provision of security services.Said Bock: “I have never seen a CBD as clean as Windhoek's. You've got a great opportunity here.”His comment was reiterated by Hamutenya, who owns a high-rise building on the boundaries of the CBD. “I am sure all property owners will agree with me, we want a clean CBD, a safe CBD, an attractive CBD.”Hamutenya was part of a steering committee that is driving the revitalisation. The goals include preserving and enhancing the heritage of the CBD, improving accessibility, increasing foot traffic into the CBD and promoting business activities within the CBD.Once established, the envisaged CBD business improvement management committee will collect additional levies and use the proceeds to improve the look and feel of the CBD.The CBD runs along Robert Mugabe Avenue, thereafter, it turns right into Lazarett Street before proceeding into Edison Street on the south-western boundary. On the north-eastern boundary, the CBD is sandwiched between Bismarck and Uhland streets. OGONE TLHAGE

Windhoek to revive dying CBD

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-04

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Windhoek to revive dying CBD

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-04

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