City engages with residents to re-imagine Clifton precinct

1 June 2015

The City-owned land between the Clifton bungalows and Camps Bay, which currently includes the Glen Country Club, Maiden’s Cove, a sports oval and garages for bungalow residents, is regarded by the City of Cape Town to be in a degraded state and provides somewhat limited access to the oceanfront for residents and visitors (see Cape Argus report).

Discussions about the potential upgrading of this area have been ongoing for many years and have not been rushed in any way. The garages are dilapidated, large areas of tarred parking are unsightly, and buildings are below par. At the same time, there is much need in the area for enhanced facilities – including additional parking for both residents and visitors and enhanced access to a safe waterside pedestrian way that could link Camps Bay through to Bantry Bay and Sea Point, with opportunities for pedestrian linkages to Kloof Nek and restaurants.

The City wishes to see the transformation of this area to make the beach, ocean and recreational facilities more accessible to all Capetonians, while protecting the natural vegetation; to enhance our local and international tourism potential; and to unlock investment to potentially drive job creation.

After an initial public consultation, the City Council has supported the in-principle sale and/or lease of sections of four erven located in this area. The City is proposing that the sections of these land parcels are ultimately developed and managed as a sustainable asset for the future generations of Cape Town, by the private sector.

It is envisaged that an upgrade of the area will unlock its full potential. 

However, for this vision to become a reality, we need the residents of Cape Town to guide us and to engage with us. We need Capetonians to help us to determine the parameters and checks and balances for the proposed tender process.

We are now embarking on an in-depth engagement about our proposals for this area which will inform the urban design and tender processes.

We are, amongst others, suggesting that the area be developed for residential opportunities, an underground parking garage, retail facilities, and uses ancillary to these facilities as well as the redevelopment and relocation of sports facilities.

A concept urban design framework is currently in progress as a basis for discussion with the public. We are hoping that this framework will address the shortcomings identified in this area.

With the help of residents, we can ensure that the correct controls are in place and that the proposed development is to the benefit of all.

Statement issued by Ian Neilson, City of Cape Town Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Finance, June 1 2015