In November last year, the City of Cape Town published the draft development framework for the Strandfontein coastal node for public comment. Given the interest in this draft plan, and on the request from local community groups, the City has extended the closing date for comments to 31 January 2023. Residents are encouraged to use this extra time to make their voices heard. Read more below:
The City has identified the Strandfontein resort area on the False Bay coastline as suitable for possible development. The draft development framework proposes to turn the existing pavilion area, resort, and surrounds into a Strandfontein urban node.
Once approved, the framework will be used to direct future decision making about the development of this node and it is therefore important for local residents and those with a direct interest in the area to submit their views and comments on the draft proposals.
‘Cape Town is South Africa’s largest coastal metro with more than 300km of coastline. Due to apartheid spatial planning, the majority of Capetonians have been excluded from owning properties – be it houses or businesses – along our beautiful coastline. Unfortunately, this stark reality is still with us today.
‘The release of the draft development framework for the Strandfontein coastal urban node confirms the City’s commitment to addressing this unjust legacy. The intention is to, over time, give previously disadvantaged communities improved and meaningful access to coastal spaces that are suitable for the development of residential, commercial and recreational facilities.
‘Given the importance of this framework, and on request from residents and local community organisations, the City has extended the commenting period to 31 January 2023. The framework proposes a mix of development in an environmentally responsible way so that those in close proximity to this area can benefit from future growth and investment,’ said the City’s Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Alderman Eddie Andrews.
The draft development framework is informed by a study that was completed in June 2022, with the primary focus area being the Strandfontein pavilion, located at the intersection of Strandfontein Road and Baden Powell Drive.
The draft framework proposes a scenario where the Strandfontein coastal urban node is used year-round, and not only in season. This could be achieved through an integrated mixed use development that combines recreation, housing, and retail opportunities.
The draft development framework for the Strandfontein node proposes:
• A development consisting of residential and retail opportunities, including possibly conference and hotel facilities
• Recreational facilities inclusive of a picnic area and walkways, and terraces
• A public space for hosting markets
• To rehabilitate the natural environment through stabilising the dune area, reinstating the riverbed and raising of the tidal pool wall
The above will require the demolition of the western part of the pavilion and upgrade of the pool and terrace areas, environmental authorisations and rezoning of land for development by the private sector.
‘This is an exciting proposal which capitalises and builds on the unique location Strandfontein offers. Set in a vast landscape with wide-angled views of False Bay, the distant mountains and sand dunes, the possibilities are endless. By re-imagining this node, we can see opportunities expanding beyond recreation only, such as housing and retail, while also protecting the sensitive marine and natural environment.
‘The draft framework strives to ensure public access, maximise recreation, leverage economic opportunities, ensure safety and security, financial sustainability and ecological sustainability given that Strandfontein has the potential to be an iconic destination.
‘Still, I want to emphasise that this framework is a proposal only. I encourage residents and stakeholders to participate by submitting their comments so that we can refine the draft into a final proposal that addresses the community’s needs and aspirations. Thereafter, the necessary statutory processes for the land use and environmental applications can be initiated and development partners sourced. Please read the draft framework and use the opportunity to be heard. We are interested in your views, and further proposals,’ said Alderman Andrews.
Comment as follows:
• The draft framework is available on the City’s website
• The closing date for comments is 31 January 2023
• Send an email to Strandfontein.coastalnode@capetown.gov.za
Finalising the development framework Strandfontein coastal node involves a number of key phases:
The first of these, which is currently ongoing, is the identification of a number of possible development scenarios for the area between the coastline and Baden Powell Drive, focusing on the existing Strandfontein resort area. It proposes a mix of land uses, inclusive of primarily recreational, commercial and residential uses.
The second phase is the preparation of a final development framework for the area which will, once approved by the City Council, provide broad guidance for all subsequent development processes such as the required environmental, transport and other impact assessments, and land use applications such as rezonings and subdivisions.
The third phase involves the actual development contracts. However, this will only commence following approval of the draft development framework.
Captions: Graphics depicting the proposed development framework for the Strandfontein coastal node. Residents are encouraged to peruse the proposal, and to submit their comments by 31 January 2023.
Source: City Of Cape Town