The vision and concept of the Dube TradePort Aerotropolis
Research has shown that, traditionally, transportation infrastructure acts as a key driver of growth. Demand for land, and specific land uses, clusters around transportation infrastructure.
As our world is becoming more globalised, the role of airports as attractors for investment and growth is increasing. This concept, known as the aerotropolis, airport region, or airport city, essentially recognises the role of airports as drivers for growth.
In light of Dube TradePort’s commitment to leverage growth and investment of the project, Dube Tradeport developed a regional plan, outlining the various land uses that, based on international research and examples, are known to be in high demand within the region of an international airport. The key objectives of the regional plan are as follows:
- Provide a framework that assists to direct national, provincial and local government spending to maximise growth opportunities;
- Attract foreign direct investment to grow the manufacturing, logistics, commercial, industrial, transport and tourist sectors;
- Attract national and local investment through growth of new business rather than relocation of existing business;
- Provide a framework that encourages and facilitates co-ordinated, aligned and sustainable regional growth.
A number of key strategies and principles underpin the land uses. In short, these are as follows:
- Grow freight and improve logistics and multi-modal port functions
- Grow the number of passengers with international and domestic business and tourist functions
- Increase connectivity and integration
- Develop integrated living, working and recreational environments
- Promote sustainable development
Being a greenfield site surrounded by a largely undeveloped area creates the opportunity to put in place a plan that responds and capitalises on the location of the airport.
