Call for comment on first draft concept design for redevelopment of Strand Street Quarry
02 November 2023
The City of Cape Town is pleased to present a first draft concept design for the proposed redevelopment of the Strand Street Quarry for public comment. The quarry is located along Strand Street and borders the historic Bo-Kaap and De Waterkant. The concept design has been drafted in consultation with local representatives from civic organisations, sporting groups, stakeholders, and community organisations from Bo-Kaap and surrounds. The collaboration took place over many months to present a design that will turn the quarry site into a multi-use community precinct that integrates sports, culture, economic activities and tourism in a very unique setting. Given that the quarry is part of a national heritage site, and in close proximity to the Bo-Kaap, the Noon Gun, and Table Mountain National Park, the design integrates tourist related activities, and proposals to preserve and celebrate the rich heritage of the surrounding communities.
The City’s Integrated Development Plan for the current five-year term envisions a City of Hope for all. One of the key pillars is to create a more spatially integrated and inclusive city where residents have more equitable access to economic opportunities and social amenities, and to invest in public infrastructure to address the injustice of apartheid spatial planning.
The Strand Street Quarry is one of three quarries in the Bo-Kaap, and a National Heritage Site. Located between Strand Street and the Bo-Kaap, it has always been a key strategic site and asset, but unfortunately, has been left derelict and underutilised for decades. In fact, multiple local governments have been working on studies, assessments and development proposals since 1976 with no tangible results.
Today, I’m elated to say we have reached a pivotal moment where we can present a first draft concept which has the potential to not only transform this site, but also create a destination that will provide the local communities with economic and sport opportunities. This vision has been crafted in collaboration with the directly affected communities with the intention to deliver a fully developed site that will benefit Capetonians for generations to come.
When we started with the concept design process for the Strand Street Quarry in March this year we made the commitment to build partnerships with the impacted communities, and to be inclusive. Officials from our Urban Catalytic Investment Department asked these representatives what do you need, how can the quarry site be developed to meet these needs, and how can we collaborate on a project that will uplift the wider area, and give you hope?
I want to thank the civic associations, sporting groups, community organisations and residents for the time they set aside for the collaboration, and for the trust they put in us and this ongoing process. Obtaining public comment on this draft concept is the first crucial step in an ongoing engagement process to make this facility a reality.
The proposed concept design for the Strand Street Quarry is a vision, co-designed by a collective of community representatives, City professionals, and stakeholders at co-design workshops:
• It depicts how the quarry can be turned into a community precinct with multiple uses that integrates sports, culture, economic activities, tourism and City functions
• Makes proposals on how to preserve the rich and unique heritage of the Bo-Kaap and surrounding communities
In my view, the concept is progressive and exciting. I can see it in my mind’s eye, how it has the potential to transform the immediate surroundings and becomes a much loved special community precinct, while respecting the religious and cultural values of the area.
The draft concept design is now available for public comment. Do not miss out on this opportunity to contribute.
Go online, and see what is being presented – there are photos, maps, models, and detailed explanations of how this site can be turned into an asset for all of us – whether you live and work in Bo-Kaap, do business in De Waterkant, or simply visit the area. Make the effort, submit your comments, and help us refine the concept design.
The draft concept design proposes the following interventions, among others:
• Sport facilities which include a multi-purpose rugby sized astro-turf sporting pitch, cricket practice nets, a spectator stand, multi-purpose hardcourt, clubhouse, changing rooms, facilities management and booking office
• Economic and tourism opportunities which include a market space and trading areas, Bo-Kaap food and spice market and restaurant
• Promote heritage and cultural opportunities among which an exhibition and museum space and multi-purposes meeting space. Opportunities to incorporate the community living heritage into the concept design are also currently being explored
• Accommodate existing municipal utilities, Safety and Security – the existing electricity substation and switchgear infrastructure will be retained and the Metro Police accommodated in refurbished and new operational buildings
• Improve the public realm by creating a clearly defined and attractive entrance to the site, improving pedestrian walkways in Hudson and Strand Streets, implement traffic calming and pedestrian crossings, and plant additional trees and landscaping
• The draft concept also addresses a number of technical issues that were raised during engagements, such as (but not limited to) stormwater, engineering services, archaeology, parking and traffic circulation.
I encourage residents to attend the open day in mid-November where we will present a model of the proposed design, maps, illustrations, and so forth that will assist in explaining the concept so that attendees can visualise what is the vision for the site.
How to participate
Public open day
• Wednesday, 15 November 2023
• Attend any time from 13:00 to 19:00
• At the community hall on the corner of Strand Street and Hudson Street in the Bo-Kaap
Submit comments by 4 December 2023
• Online, at https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/have-your-say
• Via WhatsApp: +27 60 524 7676
• By hand, at the Subcouncil 16 office in Wale Street
The concept design for the Strand Street Quarry will be finalised once the public participation process has been concluded. The statutory processes related to the proposed redevelopment of the site itself, among which a heritage impact assessment and environmental impact assessment, will follow in the new year, and provide the public with further opportunities to comment.
The 2021 Foreshore Gateway Urban Design Vision and Framework identified the Strand Street Quarry as a key development anchor, that could also be used to link the Bo-Kaap, CBD and V&A Waterfront. The proposed concept design is also informed by the recently approved local spatial development framework for the Bo-Kaap, Table Bay District Spatial Development Framework, and the City’s overarching Metropolitan Spatial Development Framework.
High resolution photographs are available here: https://bit.ly/3SkUaLE
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
