After 22 months of investigation and analysis, and an extensive public participation process, the City has finalised its study into the redevelopment of the Athlone power station site.

For more information about the public participation process, click here.

The Spatial Planning and Urban Design Department has presented the pre-feasibility study to the Utility Services Portfolio Committee and the Planning and Environment Portfolio Committee (PEPCO). PEPCO will consider the recommendations in order for the next phase of the study to commence.

The pre-feasibility study determined that development of the site is financially viable, and that a mixed-use type of development will be the most suitable and financially sustainable option.  

The Athlone power station was partially decommissioned in 2003, but the facility still houses equipment used for the transmission of electricity.

The preferred scenario

A significant part of the pre-feasibility study entailed creating different types of scenarios for the redevelopment of the 36 hectare site (about the size of 40 rugby fields). These ranged from no development at all to complete development.

The project team's analysis identified a mixed-use development with the following land use breakdown as the preferred scenario:

• Residential: 22.2%
  
• Retail: 12.3%
  
• Commercial or business: 30%
  
• Public institutions: 21.5%
  
• Light industry: 7.4%
  
• Athlone Refuse Transfer Station: 6.6%
  
  

The above scenario is not final and may change significantly during further planning phases of the project. Another round of public engagement will take place during the next phases of the project, when the necessary statutory processes of environmental investigation, rezoning and subdivision take place.

The Spatial Planning and Urban Design Department is currently in the process of finalising its report on the feasibility study and concluding the consultant’s appointment. It is anticipated that these reports will be ready to table before the relevant Committees for consideration toward the end of this year. This will conclude the pre-feasibility investigation phase of the project and, dependant on the Council decision, work will commence on the next phase of the project.

The historical red brick buildings are to be retained where possible for public use, such as a cultural centre. The existing electricity and wastewater infrastructure will also be retained. Provision is to be made to link the site to future integrated rapid transit (IRT) routes, and there is also potential for building a railway station. Financial analysis of the preferred  development scenario showed that the project is financially viable and should prove attractive to developers.

The next phase

Between November 2010 and July 2011, a project team will prepare the new scope of works for Phase 2 of the redevelopment study. The planning of this phase will take two to three years to complete.

The results of the pre-feasibility study and the comments and concerns raised by the public will be used to draw up a detailed business plan. This phase will include a detailed development framework, for which the City will appoint an expert, multi-disciplinary consulting team. The City will advertise tenders for the appointment of this team in the second half of next year.

Solutions to problems

Problems identified in the pre-feasibility study, such as access to the site, the problems associated with the Athlone Refuse Transfer Station and odour from the Athlone Wastewater Treatment Works will be studied in order to find workable solutions. The study has shown that the enhancement and upgrade of these two facilities, as well as other services infrastructure on the site, are fundamental to the success of the re-development.

A detailed transportation plan will be drawn up to adress access concerns, with the team focusing on public and non-motorised transport and the creation of a pedestrian core.

In parallel with the further planning of the site, decommissioning of the power station will start. 

This planning phase will include further public engagement on, among others, rezoning and subdivision and environmental impact assessments.

On completion of Phase 2, it is expected that the various development options will be marketed to developers through the City's tender processes.