​Cape Town is a signatory to C40, a global network of large cities that are committed to developing and implementing policies to address climate change.
 
The second round of the C40 Reinventing Cities Programme will be launched worldwide later this month, and the four City-owned sites will form part of this programme.
 
The four sites are located in transit-accessible precincts in Athlone, Mitchell’s Plain, Diep River, and Goodwood, and could be repurposed for transit-oriented development, the provision of mixed-use and affordable and inclusionary housing, and to kick-start the overall rejuvenation of the surrounding areas.
 
Following on from Council’s approval and once the initiative is launched, the private sector, community groups and any other interested parties will be called upon to submit carbon-neutral development proposals for the following sites:

• Athlone station car park opposite the entrance to the Athlone train station. This site comprises of 0,37 ha. Apart from being close to the station, the area is well-served by minibus-taxis and about 8km from the Cape Town central business district.
• Kapteinsklip station precinct in Mitchell’s Plain. This City-owned site is located to the north and south of Baden Powell Drive at the intersections of Eisleben and Weltevreden Roads. It comprises of 30,6 ha. The site includes underutilised car parks and undeveloped open spaces, and is located on the False Bay coast close to the Mnandi resort and the Kapteinsklip station.
• Moquet Farm in Diep River. The site is on the intersection of Main and Kendal Roads and comprises of 2,1 ha. The rail station is a block away, and the site is ideal for higher density mixed-use development.
• Tygerdal site at the Montevista station, Goodwood. The site comprises of 7,6 ha. It is underused, and is close to major retail and commercial centres. The site is ideal for higher density transit-oriented development, and could include different housing opportunities to a wide range of income groups.

 
‘It is very important to state that this is only the beginning of a process that will take place over a number of years, should the City decide to go ahead with one or all of the development proposals. Also, thereafter we will follow a statutory process related to the development applications, meaning, the public will be able and encouraged to submit comments during a public participation process,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Alderman Marian Nieuwoudt.
 
The form of potential future ownership of the sites has not been determined. This will have to be included in bid submissions to the City.
 
‘Once the C40 Reinventing Cities competition has been launched, we will call on the private sector and interested parties to submit development proposals for the sites. All four sites are appropriate for higher density developments that will include a mix of land uses and community services. Among others, we would like to see plans that include affordable housing opportunities for a range of income groups with a variety of topologies and tenure options. Whatever is proposed must enhance the urban environment and improve the quality of life for residents from the area, serve as demonstration projects of what is possible with innovative climate solutions, and ultimately contribute significantly to carbon reduction. It must also be safe, convenient, and attractive,’ said Alderman Nieuwoudt. 
 
The purpose of the C40 Reinventing Cities Programme is to transform underused urban sites into beacons of zero carbon emissions and resilient development.
 
Thus, the design proposals will need to minimise the amount of energy a building uses for heating, cooling, hot water, lighting, ventilation, electrical services, and so forth. The projects will have to reduce energy demand, use energy efficiently, and use renewable energy, or low-carbon energy. Proposals should also address other elements of urban sustainability and include features that address water and energy conservation, sustainable materials, green mobility and so forth.
 
Residents had the opportunity to comment on the proposal to make these sites available for redevelopment as part of the C40 Reinventing Cities Programme from 8 August to 8 September 2019. The comments and the City’s response were included in the report that served before Council.
 
‘Some of the residents commented on the impact the proposed development of these sites may have on safety, traffic, and the general character of the surrounding areas. I want to assure them that with investment from the relevant bidding parties, we will be able to ignite much needed renewal in these areas, economic growth, and job creation. In fact, the investment in these sites would be to the benefit of all who live and work there,’ said Alderman Nieuwoudt.
 
 
End