Council approves plans for Woodstock central-city precinct with residentially-led investment
04 December 2025
Following the Mayoral Committee’s recommendation, the City Council has approved the in-principle transfer by way of a public competitive process of well-located and spatially integrated City-owned land in Woodstock for the purpose of a mixed income development. This includes affordable housing in the Woodstock central-city precinct area.
The planned development of City-owned properties in the Woodstock and Salt River central-city precinct area is seen as a catalyst for change not only an economic boost for the local area, but also a step closer to socially-integrated access to affordable housing in a mixed use, residentially-led development. The statutory public participation processes for the Woodstock Hospital site ran from 27 September 2024 to 31 January 2025 and a successful open day was recently held to engage with the community on the proposals.
The current conceptual development proposals for this site, comprising a mix between new development and upgrading of existing facilities, are indicative only and market input will help to define the potential development footprint of the proposal.
‘I am incredibly pleased with the progress that is being made – one must understand that the realm of public land release and development planning is incredibly intricate and cumbersome and hence we celebrate every bit of progress that we make. These developments, comprising mixed use, residentially-led characteristics, of course with a strong affordable housing element, also unlock opportunities for strong public-private partnerships, offering solid economic and social returns for developers, financiers, and market professionals alike. We currently have a pipeline of over 12 000 residential units, with more being added as we continue to assess City-owned land for release in terms of Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis’ priority programme to unlock well-located land for affordable housing, ensuring inclusive growth and spatial transformation.
‘On this site, we also continue to look at feasible options for the Woodstock Hospital occupiers. We require a factual analysis of the status of each of the residents within the building. An enumeration process is under way and I am pleased with the degree of cooperation we have to see this through. This will allow us to determine whether a resident qualifies for which human settlements programme and to facilitate it,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Human Settlements, Councillor Carl Pophaim.
The City has made immense progress in terms of awarded land parcels for mixed use and affordable housing between July 2022 and August 2025, which include Salt River Market, Fruit and Veg, Newmarket, and Pickwick properties. These alone are expected to deliver over 4 500 residential opportunities, including affordable housing units. The appointed developers are taking the properties through various planning and funding application processes to ensure the realisation of the planned developments.
Bringing benefits
- Boost to the local economy of the area and investment potential
- Private sector investor opportunities
- Social impact opportunities
- Upgrade of facilities and services in the areas
- Create vibrant, mixed use developments with accommodation options and retail
- Boost for safety
- Providing access to rental and ownership accommodation in Cape Town in well-located urban centres
- Access to a potential investment opportunity providing long-term sustainable financial returns
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
