 |
| |
In
this issue: Claremont - a work in progress | From the Executive Manager's desk | Claremont's upgraded taxi rank now in operation | Cavendish Connect: Taking Claremont to the next level | Orbis spotlight – A finger on the pulse of Claremont | Focus on Food: Tantalise your tastebuds | Claremont boasts its own Barista
|
|
| |
n view of the major public infrastructure improvements that are happening in Claremont Central, the CIDC is appealing to all the users of Claremont’s Main Road and adjacent streets to be patient and understanding over the next 6 to 9 months, as roadworks go ahead on the much-anticipated Claremont Boulevard. Further adding to traffic disruption is the continued construction work on other developments in the area. The impact of this congestion is likely to be far-reaching with retailers feeling the pinch as Claremont shoppers choose alternate options further afield while the current traffic impasse exists. According to Anthony Davies of the CIDC, the short-term inconvenience will be well worth it, as the improved road system, when completed, will greatly enhance traffic flow in and out of Claremont to the benefit of all. “Truly” says Anthony, “the CIDC in partnership with the City are making Claremont a better place for all, however, long term gain is preceded by short term pain.” |
|
Groundwork preparation has begun on the Hawthorne Road to Newry Street portion of
Phase One of the Claremont Boulevard
|
Main Road traffic is severely congested and with the temporary rerouting of buses and other vehicular traffic, commuters will face a host of new traffic directives, road closures and the like, aimed at easing disruptions during this construction phase. A comprehensive traffic management plan, drawn up between Golden Arrow Bus Services, the Roads Branch of the City, the CIDC and the Traffic Branch, involving the rerouting of taxis, busses, private vehicles and pedestrians, has been implemented to ease the flow of traffic in the area. Clearly identified signage has been placed around the construction site to facilitate movement. Motorists are cautioned to look out for this new directional signage indicating road closures and alternate routes. Traffic officials and law enforcement officers have also been urgently requested to ensure that the new directives are adhered to.
Phase I of the Claremont Boulevard (Hawthorne Road to Stanhope Road) was awarded and handed over to Civils 2000, the construction company responsible for the Claremont Boulevard, in June this year. Due to delays in the completion of the new taxi rank, contractors couldn’t be handed the completed site and were thus only given the portion from Hawthorne Road to Newry Street (next to Werdmuller Centre). Initially, only limited construction could take place as several major electrical cables feeding the Claremont business district had to be relocated. When the new taxi rank officially opened on 1st August, the portion from Newry Street to Station Road was handed over. The remaining portion of Phase 1 of the roadworks, from Station to Stanhope Roads, is still being held in abeyance due to a legal dispute between the City of Cape Town and the local hardware store currently occupying a portion of this land.
The scheduled completion date for Phase 1 (Hawthorne Road to Stanhope Road) is 15
December. Leon Bester, of HHO Africa, Civil Engineering Consultants on the project, says: “ I will certainly give it my best shot to ensure that the completion date is met and that all parties involved, work together to achieve this”. Phase 2 from Hawthorne Road to Main Road, next to the Newlands Southern Sun Hotel, is scheduled to commence in January 2008 and is expected to be complete by mid-year.
|
|
|
| |
Dear Colleagues
Since last writing in our April issue, I have been out of office for twelve weeks as the result of Coronary Artery Bypass surgery performed on 16th May, which I am pleased to report has been a great success, so much so that I am feeling ten years younger! My thanks first of all to Chris Drummond for standing in for me and writing this column from his Chairman’s desk and to all my colleagues for their excellent work and support during my absence.
You will have read in our lead story on the previous page an appeal to all the users of Claremont Central to be patient and to understand that Claremont is indeed a work in progress, needing much patience from all our users. Whilst traffic congestion is a major concern, this problem on the Main Road, especially during the morning and evening rush hours, could be greatly relieved if traffic police were deployed to assist us at peak periods by directing traffic on the street. Despite numerous appeals to their senior management, I regret to report that these have apparently fallen on deaf ears as this serious
problem continues unresolved. Nonetheless, we are continuing to motivate for a more effective law enforcement presence in Claremont, which is seriously lacking.
|
|
Anthony Davies,
Executive Manager
|
That is the bad news! The good news is that when the new Bus Interchange behind Shoprite and Phase One of the long awaited Claremont Boulevard is completed, which is expected to be before the height of the festive season, the traffic congestion on the Main Road should improve markedly.
Again, I appeal to all our readers to accept our sincere apology for this situation, asking you all to please be patient - the best is on its way! Claremont is indeed becoming a better place for all!
Anthony Davies
Executive Manager
|
|
|
 |
|
| |
 |
|
The mission of the Claremont Improvement District Company
is to support the existing and future environment through
programmes to ensure that the public space is safe, clean,
attractive, exciting, entertaining and user-friendly, ensuring
that various bodies and authorities meet their responsibilities,
assisting wherever possible and thereby protecting and enhancing
the existing asset base and attracting new investment, tenants
and customers.
For any cleansing and security
emergencies or complaints,
please phone 0800-200-597 toll free or e-mail: davies@cidc.co.za |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
On 1 August the newly constructed taxi rank opposite Claremont railway station, capable of handling up to 100 mini-bus taxis, came into operation to service thousands of commuters using taxis serving the Cape Flats. The upgrade is part of a comprehensive plan to improve traffic flow in the area and to provide better public transport facilities.
All minibus taxi commuters in the area have been advised to board and alight at this taxi rank. The area is under cover providing shelter from the elements and also offers greatly improved toilet facilities. Upgraded bus facilities are scheduled for completion, all being well with the construction process, before the end of this year. |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
| |
 |
|
| |
|
|
| |
To blend with the flavour of ‘glamorous construction’, NMC construction workers were issued with specially designed uniforms
for the Cavendish Connect project |
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
The transformation of the old Link shopping centre into the new Cavendish Connect has many shoppers and residents alike waiting for the unveiling in anticipation of this exciting upgrade. Perfectly placed within the stylish, funky and secure Cavendish Precinct, the redevelopment of the centre will create a destination for sophisticated living and shopping.
Whilst Cavendish Connect construction is entering into phase two, involving the construction of the pedestrian walkways and upgrading of Dreyer Street, shoppers and residents may look forward to a scheduled completion date in late November. The refurbishment includes a comprehensive upgrade of the building’s external envelope and re-organising the centre’s internal circulation. Two pedestrian bridges over Dreyer Street are in the process of being built creating walkways between Cavendish Square and Cavendish Connect.
As part of the Cavendish Connect project, the Dreyer Street informal trading market will also be upgraded. This includes the creation of an ‘activity spine’, which will establish café-style shops on the ground floor. With the transformation of the old Link into the new centre, the value of the retail environment within Cavendish Connect will be of a consistently higher standard. Shoppers may look forward to coffee shops, restaurants, hair salons, clothing boutiques and stores, designer jewellery outlets and a wellness centre.
“When opened, Cavendish Connect aims to be the destination of choice for local residents and families, offering them the right mix of tenants. As we are also ideally located for the many new residents in Claremont Central, particularly those from surrounding apartment blocks such as The Claremont, Intaba and Paramount Towers, our goal is to be an extension of their homes and we welcome all new residents to our centre,” commented Brenda Bibby, Cavendish Square Centre Manager.
Confirmed tenants at Cavendish Connect include: Gloria Jeans, Osumo, Mullers Optometrists, Fairlady Coiffure, Edgars, Wayne’s Sports, American Swiss, Galaxy Jewellers, American Clothing, Shoe Emporia, Musica, Cardies, Zahava, Lulu, Mozart Icecream, Vodacom, PDA – Zone, Swish Silver, Ocean Basket, Gourmet Burger, United Colours of Benetton, Keedo, Reggies, TeNo, Wellness Warehouse, Old Mutual Bank, Geox, Attitude, Michaelangelo Handbags, Edge for Men, Slate, Life, Old Khaki, India Jane, Capello, Occhialli, Pulsate, Tarocash, Vernon White, Timberland, Cosmic Candy, Earth Child and YDE. |
|
|
|
| |
Sophisticated incident tracking and manage-ment software, Global Vision (GV) Chase, is being utilised by Orbis to help them in their fight against crime in Claremont.
“Information is key in the deployment of our patrol staff and in implementing our strategies to address the security challenges facing us”, says Orbis Managing Director, Mark Sangster. “GV Chase helps us to do that. It is a comprehensive risk management tool, which enables us to log and track criminal incidents, analyse data and identify trends, manage cases and investigations. It allows for real-time reporting so that accurate and automated reports may be created in seconds and shared with other parties via email, thus greatly enhancing our ability to react and allocate resources as required.”
Charl Brooks, The CIDC’s Operations Manager, reports that it is a great boost to their crime-fighting efforts, as it reduces the time spent doing manual tasks and allows them to spend more time on the core security functions that really count. “We are able to make pro-active decisions based on qualified information”, says Charl. “A further advantage, he adds, “is that we are able to keep track of practical matters, such as street signs and refuse bins needing replacing or repair. The programme allows us to report such matters to the relevant City department for follow-up action.” |
|
Charl Brooks, CIDC’s Operations Manager |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
A mouthwatering selection from
Obento’s menu |
|
The opening of Obento Korean Restaurant, at no 8, The Claremont on Claremont Main Road, two months ago has brought a unique culinary offering to the area. Korean cuisine is all about harmony and balance, expressed in the preparation and enjoyment of the meal and is characterised by the philosophy of mixing and sharing. The only thing served individually at a Korean table is the bowl of rice. Everything else is shared, from the numerous side dishes to the big bowl of stew in the middle of the table. Rice is eaten simultaneously with soup and various side dishes, so that one mouthful can contain five or six different foods!
The foods used in Korean cooking are based on natural tastes, both strong and light, fresh and spicy, offering a wide array of tastes that are distinct from the flavours associated with Chinese and Japanese cuisine. “One of the main ingredients in Korean cooking”, says Kay Lee, owner of Obento, “is the various seasonings or spices used and often it is the mix of spices that defines the dish. They are the building blocks for creating the diverse tastes of the dishes. Typical Korean dishes like kimchi, bulgogi and bibimbap all consist of ingredients and seasonings that are mixed together just before eating to create a harmony of tastes. “
Vegetable dishes feature prominently on Obento’s menu and are incorporated into most other dishes using an impressive range of cooking methods (parboiled, steamed, sautéed, stir-fried, pan-fried, deep-fried, simmered, braised, and pickled) and almost all the oils, spices and sauces used are made from vegetables.
Embark on a culinary adventure at Obento and you will not only enjoy the full blend of flavours, but you’ll also experience the community of a Korean meal.
|
|
|
| |
 |
|
| |
Coffee lovers demand the very best from their coffee – from the selection and grinding of the beans to the final preparation of their beverage. This is precisely what the World Barista Championship is all about - searching for the ultimate coffee experience. The term barista is derived from the Italian word bar, similar to the word café.
The 8th World Barista Championship, held in Tokyo this year, hosted 45 competitors from every corner of the world. Attending the WBC as a spectator was Ishan Natalie, Beverage Technology Manager at Woolworths – many may remember him as the previous manager at the Woolworths Café in Cavendish Square. He started as a waiter and barista with Woolworths in 2000 and over the years has steadily worked on improving his skills, perfecting his barista technique and style. His skills earned him 2nd place in the first ever South African National Barista Championships held at the Good Food and Wine show earlier this year and led to sponsorship of his attendance at the international event, helping him to learn as much as possible about the art of coffee making. |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
The competition is based on espresso-based beverages that contain no alcohol, but have a minimum of 14 grams of coffee. A pump-driven espresso machine yielding 9 atmospheres of pressure is used in the preparation of the beverage, giving it its special espresso characteristic. Each competitor is given 45 minutes, broken up into 15 minutes set up time, 15 minutes to make 4 espressos, 4 cappuccinos and 4 signature beverages and 15 minutes to clean up their workstation and equipment. There are 7 judges in total: 4 sensory judges to evaluate the beverages, 2 technical to evaluate the Barista’s technique and a Head Judge to evaluate the competition and judge’s scoring. Although Ishan did not participate in the competition itself, his role was to make coffee for the judges during the pre-competition phase where the judges were coached on what to look for in a winning beverage. This helped him enormously in terms of the feedback he received for improvements to his technique. He also developed a Raspberry Cardamom Royale as his signature beverage, which he used for his National Competition.
“I have never lost my passion for coffee. I love what I do and never think of it as a job”, says Ishan. “With coffee, every day is a learning experience and each day is fun and different and having brought back new techniques and tips, my goal is to ensure Woolworths’ reputation as the best coffee supplier in the country”. One of his best students, Patricia, works as a barista at Woolworths Café Cavendish. One thing is certain – local coffee connoisseurs can look forward to the best of the brew at Woolworths’ Café Cavendish Square. “Certainly”, says Anthony Davies of the CIDC, “Woolworths Honey Nut Latte is the best coffee I have tasted in Claremont!” |
|
| |
|
| |
| |
 |
|
Claremont
Improvement District Company
Upper Ground Floor, Stadium on Main
PO Box 24063, Claremont 7735
Tel: (021) 674-0639 Fax: (021) 674 1533
Executive Manager: A H V Davies E-mail: davies@cidc.co.za
|
|
 |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
This newsletter
has been compiled and produced on behalf of the CIDC by
The Executive Connection (021) 671 4297 / 082 2241 222 E-mail: executiveconnection@iafrica.com
If you have any comments or suggestions, please e-mail claremontcentral@iafrica.com
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
