The City of Cape Town is taking steps towards shaping the future of its Central Business District (CBD) through the development of a Local Spatial Development Framework (LSDF). The aim of this initiative is to facilitate a transition plan that not only safeguards the CBD’s economic vitality but also preserves existing investments.
At the same time, it seeks to unlock fresh opportunities, transforming the area into a more inclusive, resilient and liveable space. The City’s Urban Planning and Design Department has prepared a preliminary contextual analysis document that will serve as the foundation for the forthcoming LSDF.
Residents and interested parties are invited to provide input and feedback on this document and thereby essentially participate in the formulation of Cape Town’s future spatial planning and development.
Also read: Table View beachfront upgrade: New walkway, ablutions and parking
The core area of Cape Town’s CBD spans approximately 384 hectares, bordered by the harbour and convention district, the historic Bo-Kaap, District Six and various distinct zones, each rich with its own unique heritage, such as De Waterkant and the Parliamentary Precinct.
The City claimed that the CBD sets the tone for greater Cape Town in terms of innovation, business activity and growth potential. It serves as the heartbeat of the City’s economy, the primary metropolitan hub, and one of the most coveted locations for both residential and professional purposes.
With a post-COVID-19 future in sight, the City stated that it recognises the need for a comprehensive plan that revitalises the CBD, rendering it more liveable, resilient, attractive and inclusive. This plan is key to supporting economic recovery, reimagining the CBD’s role and function, enhancing affordability and offering a roadmap to address current and future challenges, ensuring its long-term prosperity.
The City’s Integrated Development Plan and the CBD recovery and transition project are centred around quality precinct management, the promotion of mixed-use development, and the provision of residential opportunities, including affordable housing, to foster inclusivity over time.
This involves the conversion of office spaces into residential units and mixed-use structures, along with improvements to public spaces, streets and community facilities. These endeavours must be underpinned by investments in critical infrastructure, including water, sanitation and mobility services.
Cape {town} Etc discount: Looking for things to do in the city at half the price? Let these great offers inspire you and fuel your imagination! Get them here.
To actualise these goals, the City is now embarking on the formulation of an LSDF to guide the CBD’s spatial planning and land usage. This policy document will consider social, economic and environmental factors and will serve as the basis for future public and private development decisions.
The ultimate objective is to create a spatial structure optimised for density, land use and urban character that enhances resilience in times of uncertainty while preserving the CBD’s architectural heritage and unique location, with Table Mountain as its backdrop and Table Bay on the other end.
The LSDF will be rooted in the draft contextual analysis document, which is open for public comment until 30 September 2023. This marks the initial step in shaping the LSDF’s vision. To learn more about the process and participate:
- Visit capetown.gov.za/haveyoursay
- Email [email protected]
The City’s deputy mayor and mayoral committee member for spatial planning and environment, Alderman Eddie Andrews, encouraged residents, businesses, community organisations and stakeholders to engage with the draft contextual analysis document.
He emphasised the importance of their input, as it will lay the groundwork for the LSDF that will guide the CBD’s future look and feel, as well as influence the City’s planning decisions and investment strategies to realise the spatial vision.
Public engagement events have been scheduled, providing opportunities for residents to explore the draft contextual analysis document, seek clarification and obtain further information about the process:
Public open day:
- Saturday, 9 September 2023 | 9am to 12pm
- Cape Town Central Library
Design charrette:
- Wednesday, 20 September 2023 | 6pm to 8pm
- Subcouncil 16 Chambers, 44 Wale Street, Cape Town.
Virtual engagement meeting:
- Wednesday, 7 September 2023 | 6pm to 8pm.
- RSVP via email to register and receive a Skype link: [email protected].
Explore Cape Town and its surroundings with these incredible deals on cars for under 100k. Find car listings here.
Once approved, the LSDF for the Cape Town CBD will further expound on and uphold the spatial development guidelines established in the Table Bay District Spatial Development Framework, a higher-level spatial plan encompassing the City Bowl and its surroundings.
Watch:
Also read:
Cape Town’s attractions to become accessible worldwide via virtual reality
Picture: Zoë Reeve / Unsplash