Durban North

Durban North is an area to the north of Durban in the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Durban North lies between the N2 freeway and the eastern seashore, with the Umgeni River forming its southern boundary. Its residential suburbs are some of Durban's most affluent[1] . It is flanked by La Lucia in the north.

Durban North
Umgeni Park on the north bank of the Umgeni River's Blue Lagoon
Durban North
Durban North
Coordinates: 29.8°S 31.033°E / -29.8; 31.033
CountrySouth Africa
ProvinceKwaZulu-Natal
MunicipalityeThekwini
Main PlaceDurban
Government
 • CouncillorShaun Ryley (DA)
Time zoneUTC+2 (SAST)
Postal code (street)
4051
PO box
4016
Tower blocks of Prospect Hall north of the Blue Lagoon

History

In 1927 the Durban North Estates Company, a property development company, bought a large tract of land north of the Umgeni River known as the Prospect Hall Sugar Estate.[2] Plans were laid out for the development of the land into a residential suburb, and roads were built, beginning with Northway, to be the main arterial through the new suburb[2]. At the time access to the land across the Umgeni was limited to the Connaught Bridge further upstream. In November 1927 the company completed the iron girder Athlone Bridge across the Umgeni River to link the new suburb at Northway to the established area of Stamford Hill in the South[3][4]. Following the completion of the bridge and enhanced access to the city, Durban North rapidly developed, followed by Virginia in the 1950s, and Glenashley in the 1970s.[2]

Location and Suburbs


Briardene, Red Hill and Glen Anil are its main industrial areas. Its more affluent residential suburbs include Glen Anil, Glen Ashley, Glen Hills, Virginia, Greenwood Park, Effingham and LaLucia. Park Hill, Umgeni Park, Avoca, Kenville and Sea Cow Lake are further South of Durban North. Chris Hani Road is the main industrial arterial in Durban North, abutting Briardene and Glen Anil industrial areas.

The M12 Kenneth Kaunda Road/Umhlanga Rocks drive links the western suburbs of Durban North to the Umhlanga Ridge. The Ruth First Highway (M4) connects Durban North to the city and Umhlanga Rocks along the coast. Virginia Airport is situated along the northern shoreline.

Recreation Facilities and Nature Reserves

Durban North's beaches, including Beachwood, Virginia and Glenashley beaches and Dave's beach stretch from the Umgeni River mouth to the suburb of Glenashley. The Beachwood Mangroves Nature Reserve conserves the shoreline north of the Blue Lagoon.

The Umgeni River Bird Park is located on the banks of the Umgeni River in Umgeni Park. Virginia Bush Nature Reserve is located in the suburb of Virginia,[5] while Seaton Park Nature Reserve is found in Park Hill. Durban North has a municipal swimming pool[6] and a number of parks serviced by the Ethekwini municipality, including the Durban North Japanese Gardens.

Education

There are a number of independent and government schools in the area. Independent higher education provider Varsity College has a campus in Durban North.[7]

Government Schools

Private Schools
  • Oakridge College
  • Our Lady of Fatima Convent School
  • Hamptons High School

Sports clubs
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References
  1. "SA'S BEST SUBURBS: Leafy and gated". Financial Mail. Retrieved 2016-09-23.
  2. City of Durban Report on the planning of Durban North - C.G. Hands City Engineer, Durban, March 1975
  3. "Athlone Bridge, July 1929. The opening of the Athlone Bridge across..." Getty Images. Retrieved 2020-07-20.
  4. "What happened in Durban 50 years ago 1966 – Facts About Durban". www.fad.co.za. Retrieved 2020-07-20.
  5. "Virginia Bush Nature Reserve". www.durban.gov.za. Retrieved 2016-06-22.
  6. "Durban North Swimming Pool on Kznkids". Kznkids.co.za. Retrieved 2016-06-22.
  7. "Varsity College Durban North campus". www.varsitycollege.co.za. Retrieved 2016-05-20.
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