Have your say on exploring Pinelands/Mowbray site’s development potential and release
28 May 2026
From today, Thursday 28 May, the public will have the opportunity to comment on the proposed land release and the draft concept for the future development of the site, which includes the King David Mowbray Golf Course precinct and surrounding City-owned land in Mowbray and Pinelands. The mixed-use development conceptual proposal, includes affordable housing, retail, commercial and recreational facilities, a school, public open space and a proposed new train station. The deadline for comment is Monday, 6 July 2026.
Based on voluntary public input since 2024 and finalised technical studies, the City has formulated a draft concept development plan for the Mowbray/Pinelands site, exploring its potential as a mixed-use development that benefits the community and the City.
Following Council’s approval on Wednesday 27 May, the City is running two public participation processes concurrently to get comments:
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Voluntary public engagement on the draft concept development plan. This process is managed by service provider Infinity.
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Statutory public participation on the proposed land release (of Parcels A, B and C in the map) in terms of the Municipal Asset Transfer Regulations. This process is managed by the City of Cape Town.
Note: Information of both public participation processes are available on the City and Infinity’s websites.
Project journey
The public participation process forms part of a structured, multi-phase assessment aimed at exploring the long-term future of the precinct, with the objective of unlocking its potential to support inclusive, integrated and sustainable urban development.
The precinct, which includes the existing golf course, sports facilities and surrounding land, has been identified in the City's spatial planning framework as an area of metropolitan significance, with potential for appropriate mixed-use infill development, subject to detailed studies, approvals and public participation.
The professional team, appointed by the City, has been doing detailed studies and stakeholder engagements to inform the emerging concept plan and now requires further input from all stakeholders to finalise the Development Framework and statutory applications in the next phase of this project.
Strategic opportunity to benefit residents and the City
Based on outcomes from preliminary investigations, the draft concept proposal currently being explored includes a mix of potential land uses across three development parcels, comprising residential development (with a minimum of 30% affordable units), retail and commercial facilities, community facilities and a school, public open space and ecological corridors, a proposed new train station, and recreational facilities. This is in line with broader spatial transformation and sustainability objectives.
However, these remain conceptual proposals only and will be refined through public input, further technical investigations, and statutory processes.
Current users and ongoing operations
The City acknowledges the longstanding presence and contribution of existing users and tenants, including sporting clubs and associated facilities on the site. These stakeholders form an important part of the precinct's history and ongoing use.
The King David Mowbray Golf Club and the Clyde Pinelands Football Club have been personally briefed by the City on the current status of the project and the proposed public participation process.
Importantly:
Council's decision does not approve any development or change in land use at this stage, and does not predetermine outcomes for current tenants or facilities.
Existing lease arrangements remain in place, providing stability and continued use while the broader planning process unfolds.
The current phase will engage with the public around a high-level draft concept only, with all future outcomes subject to further technical assessments, statutory processes, and formal decision-making by Council.
The City remains committed to ongoing engagement with all affected parties, ensuring that the interests of tenants and stakeholders are appropriately considered in any future planning and transition processes.
Extensive public participation process: 28 May 2026 to 6 July 2026
Public input is a central component of the City's approach. All input received during this phase will be carefully considered and used to refine the concept before any statutory applications proceed.
This phase will build on earlier engagements that started in 2024 and will be followed by more statutory processes, including environmental authorisation and land use applications.
See information and comment on these channels:
Visit the Public Open House event to engage directly with the professional team:
Public’s opportunity to shape the future of the site
‘This process is about planning responsibly for the future of Cape Town, while being mindful of the present. The Pinelands/Mowbray site, including the King David Mowbray Golf Course land, is a strategically located City-owned asset, and we have a duty to ensure it delivers long-term public value, including opportunities for economic growth, job creation and inclusive development.
‘Ultimately, Council's approval allows us to move forward with a transparent and inclusive public participation process on one of the City's most significant land parcels. It is important to emphasise that no development decision has been taken. This is an early-stage process aimed at testing an emerging concept with the public and stakeholders.
‘At the same time, we recognise the important role that existing tenants and users play on the site today. No outcomes are predetermined, and we are committed to a fair and consultative process where all stakeholders – including current users, residents and the broader public – have a meaningful opportunity to be heard and to shape the way forward.
‘The City has a responsibility to ensure that well-located public land delivers maximum long-term benefit for all residents – including improved access to economic opportunities and housing,’ said Alderman James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth.
Caption: The City is running two public participation processes concurrently for Parcels A, B and C in Pinelands and Mowbray: (1) voluntary public engagement to invite comment on the draft concept development plan, and (2) statutory public participation proposing to release land in terms of the Municipal Asset Transfer Regulations.
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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
