Durban's Stables Market set for revitalisation with multi-million rand investment

After years of dereliction, the Stables Market, once a buzzing hub of activity in Durban’s Umgeni area, is poised for transformation in the coming months.

The new Stables Lifestyle Market will reignite the life in the community with a multi-million rand investment that marks the beginning of an expansive redevelopment project aimed at rejuvenating the iconic site adjacent to the rugby stadium.

In 2020, traders were forced to move out after the company that managed the Stables, lost a court battle against the eThekwini municipality. This was to make way for a new soccer academy, which was announced in 2012.

Spearheading the development of the Lifestyle Market is Private Park Enterprises (Pty) Ltd, with Hoy Park Management (Pty) Ltd acting as the master precinct leaseholder.

The project, representing the first phase of the Stables Sports & Lifestyle Precinct, aligns itself with key municipal goals, including sports development, urban regeneration, heritage preservation, tourism activation, and inclusive local economic growth.

Attorney Tashya Giyapersad, on behalf of her client Yaser Nasef, head of Glen Eden Trading, the company that previously managed the Stables, said the closure of the Stables destroyed the lives and livelihoods of informal traders, some of whom will never recover.

"The new lease holders were adamant in driving out the traders and the management of informal traders. Hoy Park took over the precinct by use of threat and often force and there was no way that the Stables could have traded under those conditions," said Giyapersad.

Giyapersad said according to her client, the traders are keen to come back and trade.

"As a firm, we still get calls from traders seeking assistance in re-setting up the fleamarket, but our client cannot do anything until the municipality agrees to re-negotiate the lease with it.

"The City has behaved badly in the manner in which the traders were ousted from the flea market. It has destroyed the market and existing infrastructure, leaving an ugly trail of destruction, a white elephant in what could have been a tourist landmark and spot to visit. The initial traders ought to be given first preference," said Giyapersad.

This week a call for vendors went out on social media stirring curiosity among residents eager to learn when the once-popular gathering spot will reopen its doors.

Subasen Naidoo, project director for the Stables Lifestyle Market, said the project represents the adaptive reuse and revitalisation of Durban’s historic stables, transforming a long-dormant heritage asset into a vibrant destination that supports sport, culture, tourism and local enterprise.

The Lifestyle Market is envisioned as a multi-use, family-friendly space, featuring an array of curated food, craft, and retail offerings, along with event spaces and cultural programming. This development promises to activate the precinct while complementing the long-term vision centred around sports initiatives.

Approval from the KwaZulu-Natal Amafa and Research Institute, the provincial heritage resources authority, has paved the way for the refurbishment of existing structures.

Naidoo said eThekwini Municipality is a key strategic partner of the redevelopment.

He said the Lifestyle Market is expected to accommodate over 200 curated vendors, with a strong emphasis on local and emerging businesses, and youth and women empowerment.

He added that the redevelopment is being implemented in phases, with the majority of current works focused on refurbishment and adaptive reuse of existing heritage structures rather than extensive new construction.

"Refurbishment works are currently underway and are expected to continue over the coming weeks in line with approved heritage processes and ongoing planning and safety compliance requirements."

Naidoo emphasised that the Stables Lifestyle Market will only open to the public once all statutory, safety and operational compliance approvals are fully completed and formally signed off, including building, fire, health, heritage and operational certifications.

He said in the near future there will be an extended phase that will link to the Market, namely the SME Business Hub, vertical aeroponics facility, and wellness-related elements.

According to the developers The Stables Sports and Lifestyle Precinct remains centred on sports development, with soccer development forming a key focus of the overall precinct vision.

"As the first phase, it activates the precinct, generates economic activity and creates a vibrant public environment that supports sports and soccer development initiatives through tourism, job creation and community engagement," said Naidoo.

According to the eThekwini Municipality the site in question is privately managed and the City is not part of it.

SUNDAY TRIBUNE