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 in Copenhagen in October this year, and the City has now identified four underused City-owned sites that could be made available for carbon-neutral development as part of this programme.

The four underused sites are close to public transport services in Athlone, Mitchells Plain, Diep River, and Goodwood, and could be repurposed for transit-oriented development.

‘Together, these sites comprise of approximately 40 hectares which could be developed to include a mix of market-related and affordable housing opportunities, commercial space, and community services. Also, we want to see proposals that address urban sustainability and include features that will address water and energy conservation. The combined market value of the sites is R316 million. Thus, by making available the sites to the private sector for development we can ignite much needed urban renewal in these areas, economic growth, and job creation. The sites are also ideal for higher density housing as they are close to train stations, minibus-taxi services, and bus stops,’ said Alderman Marian Nieuwoudt, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment.

The City is calling on the public to take note of the proposal to make the sites available for development, and to submit their comments by 8 September 2019:

• Athlone station car park opposite the entrance to the Athlone train station. This site comprises of 3,7 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 Mitchells 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 underused 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 a mixed-use transit-oriented development, and could include different tenure options and housing opportunities to a wide range of income groups.

‘I’m urging residents and interested parties to please comment on the proposal to make the City-owned land available for development. I want to add, that should we in the end decide to go ahead, we want to see developments that include higher density housing opportunities across a wide range of typologies, tenures and incomes. It must be affordable, and could be balanced with commercial and public uses. Whatever is proposed must enhance the urban environment and improve the quality of life for residents from the area. It must 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.

Should the City decide to make the land available for development, the bidders will need to submit design proposals that 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.

‘We have chosen these sites because it will contribute to dense, transit-oriented growth and development along integration corridors. We want to create more inclusive communities with access to improved services, job opportunities, and affordable housing and public transport,’ said Alderman Nieuwoudt.

More information about the sites is available to the public from 8 August until 8 September 2019. Residents and interested parties can get this information on the City’s website by clicking on the following link: www.capetown.gov.za/haveyoursay. It is also available at all Subcouncil offices and libraries across Cape Town.

‘Again, I urge residents to please read these documents and let us know their thoughts,’ said Alderman Nieuwoudt.

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