Waterfront revival : a case study of urban rehabilitation at the Cottonera waterfront

Abstract

Cottonera is an economically deprived area. The Census of housing and population indicate that most of the dwellings were constructed at the immediate aftermath of the Second World War and that today a high number of dwellings are left vacant. Most of the residents at Cottonera benefit from social remuneration and thus they cannot afford better housing. The Cottonera Waterfront Revival Project aims to economically regenerate the area and seeks to ameliorate the housing stock at Cottonera by attracting foreign residents. The influx of these foreigners together with middleclass residents should promote gentrification in the area. However, gentrification at Cottonera though not dependent on urban rehabilitation would be greatly aided if the existing dwellings were to be rehabilitated. The degree of urban rehabilitation at the waterfront is mapped to study the extent to which dwellings at the waterfront were restructured. The Cottonera Waterfront is undergone no rehabilitation, most of the dwellings utilise aluminium as part of their fa9ade furniture, which is not compatible with the historical surroundings. Dwellings that have been rehabilitated are very infrequent along the Cottonera Waterfront. Urban rehabilitation at the waterfront would serve as a catalyst for the regeneration of the three cities such that the area would become once again attractive to developers and local businesses. The Cottonera Waterfront Revival Project seeks to promote gentrification however, it will not be as successful as is desired if urban rehabilitation does not occur along the waterfront before the completion of the project. Urban rehabilitation at the local level would also reduce displacement once the Cottonera Waterfront Revival Project is completed.