When Durban’s almost-forgotten and dilapidated areas were revamped some years ago, Station Drive Precinct received a much-needed injection of creative flair, booming businesses and lifestyle hubs.
Nowadays, the positive energy at Station Drive is brimming with entrepreneurship, good vibes and hope as vendors plying their trade here are paving the way for a bright future in this formerly desolate part of town. What is truly remarkable is how this community has pulled together to help each other find their feet – and the pride for their local products and services is palpable.
What can you expect to find here? Everything from co¬ffee shops and beer breweries to bespoke clothing stores and traders of leather goods. Expert craftsmanship is a golden thread that runs throughout the neighbourhood, and renovated workshops and studios are home to artisans, manufacturers and shared workspaces alike. It’s a modern space with plenty of options for productive and creative minds.
And there are plenty of happenings to partake in too. For example, at Open Plan Studio, Sunday mornings are dedicated to The Morning Trade – a bustling market of fresh produce and yummy meals; the Renegade Kitchen (the popular mobile food company); homemade pastas and sauces; artisanal cheeses; The Cold Press Juice Co; and more.
Another highlight on the monthly calendar here is First Thursdays – expect some seriously good live music, lovely movies, moreish food and drinks and plenty of retail therapy with a creative twist.
Cutting-edge cuisine
Fortune Cafe: coffee & cake
Parkside Cafe: lovely lunches
031 Bar and Restaurant at Distillery 031: craft beers and quirky cocktails
S43: refreshing craft beers
Shisanyama Shandisi: South African cuisine at its best
Just Peachy SA: sublime baked goods and desserts
Momenti Artisan Gelato: traditional gelato the way Mama makes it
Shopping highlights
Tempracha
Ooh Khamba
Mindovermatter clothing
Disorder
Lightship Tattoo Gallery
Incense Wear
S’Bhekile Jewellers
Krag Drag
Scout
Con Amore
Savior Brand Co
Holmes Bros
Shoppe
Don’t miss this!
Walks along Lilian Ngoyi Road and all the funky antique shops.
The impressive Moses Mabhida Stadium – and the SkyCar for mesmerising city views!
The Golden Mile – and Durban’s world-class beaches, of course.
The wonderful vibe at the Morning Trade on Sunday mornings.
Durban’s unique art scene at First Thursdays.
Resident’s view:
“Station Drive is an amazing model for urban renewal. It has grown organically with many small businesses contributing to the growth of the precinct rather than one big developer owning it. For the first time in Durban, there’s a space for creative businesses to live side by side. It feels like we finally have critical mass and Durban’s creative revolution has started!” Andrew Rall, The Foundry
Words: Riekie Human | Images: Micaela De Freitas and Stephen Pilbrough
