Capetonians have until the end of March to submit comments on the proposed redevelopment of land in Pinelands for affordable housing and commercial opportunities.
The City of Cape Town’s Economic Growth Directorate held a public meeting this week on the proposed redevelopment of the King David Mowbray Golf Course (KDMGC) and the land on which Clyde Pinelands Football Club is situated.
The City envisions a mixed-use development which may include a range of commercial and housing opportunities such as low cost housing.
The vision
The City said the area presents an opportunity to create a well-integrated, sustainable urban precinct that balances development with public benefit. It said the "mixed-use development approach seeks to support sustainable growth, enhance accessibility to housing near employment hubs, and foster an inclusive urban environment".
Releasing this underused public asset would enable urban development, and create employment opportunities. "In addition, it will allow for strategic reinvestment into essential services and infrastructure while ensuring that development aligns with the broader needs of Cape Town’s residents, the City said.
"We are currently at very early stages of a lengthy process and public participation will play a vital role in shaping the final proposed development concept for this site. Various specialist professional studies are also under way, which will help inform the proposed concept for this site," said James Vos, the City’s Mayco member for Economic Growth.
Public concerns
- Traffic, Environmental Impact and Infrastructure Capacity
Comprehensive traffic and environmental impact assessments, as well as a bulk engineering services study, will be undertaken. These studies will assess potential congestion, green space preservation, and infrastructure capacity to ensure responsible and well-planned development.
- Approach to affordable housing delivery
The final development mix, including the proportion of affordable housing, will be guided by:
- Socio-economic studies assessing community needs.
- Property market research to ensure viability.
- City planning policies promoting integrated and inclusive development.
The City aims to strike a balance between affordability and long-term economic sustainability, ensuring the project benefits a diverse range of Cape Town residents.
- Golf and soccer activities
Existing golf and soccer activities will continue in line with the current lease agreements with the City, while the investigation is undertaken.
As part of the broader planning process, the City is assessing the long-term feasibility of retaining golf course and soccer field usage within the study area.
- Property values in the area.
Well-planned mixed-use developments typically enhance property values by improving infrastructure, introducing modern amenities, and fostering vibrant, well-integrated communities. The City remains committed to ensuring that any redevelopment benefits both current and future residents.
- Community facilities
The current demand for educational facilities and other community facilities in the area will be assessed as part of the studies currently being done and will be taken into consideration in the planning process. The City remains committed to ensuring that any redevelopment will provide for adequate community facilities for both current and future residents.
- Planning and decision-making process
This project is part of the priorities identified in the 2022-2027 Integrated Development Plan (IDP) framework, which guides the City’s implementation programmes. To move forward with any sort of development, various land use applications and municipal approval processes will need to be activated. Redevelopment and land use applications of this nature require extensive upfront planning and involve a variety of statutory processes that can be time-consuming. The City is committed to conducting a thorough and transparent process while optimising efficiency to ensure timely completion. Currently no final decision has been made on the future use of the site.
For information and updates on more upcoming public participation opportunities:
- Visit the City’s Have Your Say page: http://www.capetown.gov.za/haveyoursay (it will direct you to Infinity’s website)
- Visit the service provider’s website: www.infinity.capetown/mowbray
- For help, email [email protected], call 021 834 1602 or WhatsApp 060 524 7676.
- More information on this project can be found on the Property Development Webpage: https://www.capetown.gov.za/Departments/Property%20Development%20Department