Subcouncil 11

Resolution detail

Mr Gerrit Swart and Neil Basson the Architect shared information to the presentation 1. Introduction: The presentation provided an overview of the Heideveld Station Social Housing project which can in summary be described as a transport orientated housing development aimed at uplifting previously disadvantaged communities aligned with the vision of the City of Cape Town. The methodology followed as part of this presentation involves providing some background on the establishment of the development, what is proposed, the advantages of the development and also the anticipated impact of the development. 2. Background to the proposed development: This project is done in collaboration with the National Department of Human Settlements, the Social Housing Regulatory Authority (SHRA), the City of Cape Town and PRASA. DCI Community Housing Services (DCICHS) functions as the planners, implementers and managers (facilitators) of this project. PRASA represented by Intersite Investment entered into a development enablement and commitment agreement with DCICHS as the successful bidder for the National Station Precinct Development (NSPD) - Heideveld station in 2011 through a development facilitation agreement. This agreement forms part of a 30 year lease with an option for a further 10 years. In following-up to the agreement with PRASA, DCICHS, being a conditional accredited Social Housing Institution, approached SHRA for subsidy funding. The application for the capital funding is currently in process. Grants are made available annually through the SHRA’s Social Housing Investment Programme (SHIP). The funding from SHRA is subject to a plethora of requirements in terms of the Social Housing Act 16 of 2008. SHRA is the custodian of Social Housing in South Africa and contributes to a wide the range of rental housing options available to the low to middle income earners within approved Restructuring Development Zones (RDZ) that are being required to be delivered at a prescribed scale and built form. Furthermore it should be noted that the SHRA’s mandate is to capacitate, invest in and regulate the social housing sector in South Africa. The primary intention of the Social Housing Act is to deliver affordable rental housing for low to moderate income groups and to achieve spatial, economic and social integration of the urban environments in South Africa. 3. The development proposal: The Heideveld development site is located centrally within the City of Cape Town metropole south of the N2 freeway and on the boundary between the Heideveld and Gugulethu residential suburbs and adjacent to the busy Cape Town Metrorail Bonteheuwel rail line. What is proposed? A three storey development consisting of 183 dwelling units and a retail area of 2033m² is proposed. These 183 dwelling units are proposed to comprise of 6 different typologies The anticipated impact of the proposed development: In general the proposed development is expected to offer safe and secure housing to approximately 700 people within easy access of a choice of affordable transport modes and bring them within easy reach of community and employment facilities such as retail, education, places of recreation and work, social events and family and friends (opportunities). The existing as well as proposed retail uses will compliment and be in support of the proposed mainly residential development proposed and thereby contributing towards place making. Testimonies from residents from other Social Housing Developments proved that the social housing development had a major contribution towards the general upliftment of the families accommodated within such developments resulting to better performance and subsequently work promotions. The following specific matters will also be impacted as a result of the proposed development: Safety and Security The land on which the Heideveld development is proposed is currently vacant and the breeding ground of many social problems. Subsequently the development of the land will “remove” this vacant land and be replaced with a social housing development. The housing development will be fenced and have access control to ensure a safe and secure residential development. Employment It is expected that the proposed development will require approximately 150 workers during the construction phase and 20 for the general operation / functioning of the development. Approximately 50 people from the local community is expected to be employed during the construction phase and 15 during the operational phase respectively. Socio-economic uplifting of the poor The provision of formal housing within close vicinity of a wide variety of essential community facilities, such as educational facilities, shops, open spaces, transport will impact positively to the social welfare for almost 200 families and contribute towards place making. In addition to the provision of housing, it is also envisaged to provide facilities within the application site which will furthermore improve the social conditions of the proposed residents. The application proposal also makes provision for a retail component which puts retail activities on the doorstep of the development for daily shopping needs. Integration between communities The proposed development will formalise businesses and create a pleasant environment to get together and meet and will thus serve as a catalyst to integrate Gugulethu and Heideveld communities. Accessibility The easy access to a variety of transport modes for the residents staying in a secure, well managed residential complex provides the opportunity to be within easy reach of places of employment, recreation, education and shopping. This provides choice and exposure and contributes to personal growth and upliftment and forms part of place making. Place making inspires people to collectively re-imagine and re-invent public spaces as the heart of every community. Strengthening the connection between people and the places they share, place making refers to a collaborative process by which we can shape our public realm in order to maximize shared value. More than just promoting better urban design, place making facilitates creative patterns of use, paying particular attention to the physical, cultural, and social identities that define a place and support its ongoing evolution. 4. Conclusion The above will ensure an efficient, sustainable and equitable housing development in an environment that offers opportunities for personal development and growth aligned with local, provincial and national spatial development plans and vision. It is envisaged that this proposal will also contribute towards mass rail commuter transportation as primary mode of transport to the benefit of the community and the City of Cape Town. Cllrs made the following comments; • Cllr Cassiem asked Mr Swart if allocation has been made for the small business and consideration for people in the R3500 income bracket been considered. Mr Swart informed the members that small business will be accommodated and the market is for people in the R15000 income bracket. • Cllr Gungxe welcomed the project and said that it will change the area for better e.g. no illegal dumping, provide housing for the people that qualify and integrate the community. He also said that social responsibility is key. • Cllr Achmat asked how reliable is PRASA on the project, he asked whether that proper and quality housing structures are built for the tenants. • The Manager represented Cllr Moses and said that densification is encouraged and traffic assessment ratio of parking be considered. • Cllr Moses had initial engagements with PRASA and held 2 meetings with the public already in line with public participation principles. • The matter of approximately 50 people to be employed from the local community out of the total of 150 people to be employed was raised as a redflag and the Subcouncil requested re-consideration of the number of local employment opportunities. • On behalf of Cllr Moses the Subcouncil Manager raised the issue of Corporate Social Investment which is not covered by the presentation and requested that the development company consider the following options • Restoration and upgrading of existing business hives on both sides of the railway line. • Upgrading of the Council owned building situated on Gugulethu side of the development Precinct for usage by neighbourhood watch groups.The CSI initiative will further compliment the business development as it will add a safety and security measure to the business area Cllr van der Rheede thanked the presenters and Subcouncil members NOTED the information.