gentrification — English

The process of revival and rejuvenation of old and decayed urban neighbourhoods. Gentrification seems to be part of the normal development history or cycle of large cities all over the world. Usually it is the old, historical, original city centre and central business district or CBD (see “central business district”), old harbour and wharf areas, and the oldest residential districts that fall into disuse, decay and dereliction. The homeless, drug pushers, addicts, and prostitutes often occupy such areas, and consequently vice and squalor thrive. The schools and churches also fall into disrepair since most of the people have moved out to the newer, more modern and affluent suburbs relatively far from the old CBD. However, at a certain stage the private and professional sectors of a city’s economy as well as the most affluent of its population, often in co-operation with the urban officialdom, decide to renovate the derelict CBD. Old buildings are restored and turned into up-market residential premises and prestigious shops and offices, while many old houses are restored and fitted with modern and expensive amenities. The very rich, the celebrities and the most reputable professionals move their business and their residential and recreational pursuits back to the now very posh, rejuvenated CBD and wharf areas. There are many examples of such urban developments all over the developed world. In South Africa, the Waterfront in Cape Town, the docklands in Durban and the old CBD of Johannesburg are typical examples, although the rejuvenation (or gentrification) of the Johannesburg CBD is still underway.

Afrikaans     Sesotho sa Leboa     isiZulu    

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