I'm writing this post because last week I saw that it has been turned into a China Mall. I couldn't believe it. First they removed the ferris wheel off the front of it, and now this?! I was horrified. I went to see it, and it made my heart ache. All the awesome history and feeling and richness of its interior has been removed so that is looks cheap and tacky. The shops are all scabby and sis and the level with the Chinese shops on is like a warehouse - no decor at all, just big white rooms.
It saddens me in ways I can't express when places that are so rich and unique and beautiful get reduced to this sort of cheap, synthetic, fickle commercialness. The same can be said about many other areas in Durban. I wish people would honour the history of these places more.
The pics below are from the movie level on the top floor, which still looks mostly the way I remember it (apart from the manky "sports bar" in the corner).
I couldn't even find any info on it online apart from the quote below... Maybe no one else really cares, maybe it's just me that has so much feeling for this structure.
Either way. It is. So sad.
Oh wow, haven't been to the Wheel in over a decade. It had potential. There was something of a carnival feel, smack bang in the middle of the city. Loved it; especially the cinema - you're so right about the decor.. very whimsical.
ReplyDeleteWe can start a "Save the Wheel!" petition.. only, there is no wheel :(
Oh my, that is soo sad. I also get mega bummed when they change Durban's last few iconic places
ReplyDelete:( Takes me back. Sat nights, me and my mates getting dropped off at the cimema by the folks. Trying to sneak into PG 15 movies. Movie usually followed by ice cream/waffles at Milky Lane. Those were the days.
ReplyDeleteOh wow, haven't been to the Wheel in over a decade. It had potential. There was something of a carnival feel, smack bang in the middle of the city. Loved it; especially the cinema - you're so right about the decor.. very whimsical.
ReplyDeleteWe can start a "Save the Wheel!" petition.. only, there is no wheel :(
:( Takes me back. Sat nights, me and my mates getting dropped off at the cimema by the folks. Trying to sneak into PG 15 movies. Movie usually followed by ice cream/waffles at Milky Lane. Those were the days.
ReplyDeleteYes, a carnival feel! It was kind of theatrical. *Sigh*
ReplyDeleteMe too. Guess it's all about who's paying the highest price to get the space in the end :/
ReplyDeleteI don't even remember going there that much, but the few times I did, it made a big impression on me. Wish I'd experienced it more!
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteIt's really a shame to See the change of so many places since 1990.
loved to go to the cinema, walking around doing windowshopping and go to the Restaurant "the gangplank ".
I worked at a Company in Pintown and had a flat at the Marine sands.
Still, when I look through the old photos, i'm a kind of homesick.
Miss it all.
Best wishes from Germany
Andrea