The City of Cape Town have announced plans to build 5 social housing districts within the inner-city to combat the sky-high rental prices within the city.
Executive Mayor, Patricia de Lille made an exciting announcement during a media briefing this week. She started by announcing her hope in changing the imbalances from the past. The City will be addressing the forced removals of inner-city residents during the apartheid era.
They plan to address these issues by creating affordable social housing districts that will combat the exorbitant housing prices within the city and to diversify the inner-city population.
“The City recognises its responsibility, as a local administration, to go beyond merely delivering basic services to residents of the city. Our commitment is to continue transforming Cape Town into an inclusive and caring society.” – Patricia de Lille
The administration have identified 5 city-owned locations to use as the new social housing districts. They are asking for the private sector to come forward with unique idea’s for the developments. The focus should be on using a variety of materials, mixing up housing types and exploring new technologies and designs.
“The City is determined to stop urban sprawl, reverse apartheid spatial planning, and build integrated communities that celebrates our diversity and cultures. This initiative will bring such development right into the urban core.”
The City of Cape Town mayoral committee member for transport and urban development, Brett Herron, announced the 5 sites yesterday. They are as follows:
- A 3.3-hectare site in Pickwick Road‚ Salt River;
- The 1.84ha Woodstock Hospital site;
- Woodstock Hospital Park opposite the hospital;
- A 0.84ha site in New Market Street‚ Woodstock; and
- A 0.27ha site in Canterbury Street in the inner city‚ currently leased to Fruit and Veg City.
We look forward to hearing more about this project and will keep you updated as it proceeds.
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