The first draft concept design for the proposed redevelopment of the Strand Street Quarry by the City of Cape Town is now available for public comment.
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The quarry is located along Strand Street, bordering the historic Bo-Kaap and De Waterkant districts.
The concept design was created in collaboration with local representatives from civic organisations, sporting groups, stakeholders, and community organisations from the Bo-Kaap and surrounding areas.
The collaboration lasted several months in order to present a design that will transform the quarry site into a multi-use community precinct that will integrate sports, culture, economic activities, and tourism in a one-of-a-kind setting.
Given the quarry’s proximity to the Bo-Kaap, the Noon Gun and Table Mountain National Park, the design incorporates tourist-related activities as well as proposals to preserve and celebrate the rich heritage of the surrounding communities.
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Eddie Andrews, member of the mayoral committee for spatial planning and environment, stated that one of the key pillars of the City’s integrated development plan is to create a more spatially integrated and inclusive city where residents have more equitable access to economic opportunities and social amenities, as well as to invest in public infrastructure to address apartheid spatial planning injustices.
‘The Strand Street Quarry is one of three quarries in the Bo-Kaap and a national heritage site. Located between Strand Street and the Bo-Kaap, it has always been a key strategic site and asset, but unfortunately, it has been left derelict and underutilised for decades.’
‘In fact, multiple local governments have been working on studies, assessments and development proposals since 1976, with no tangible results,’ Andrews said.
‘Today, I’m elated to say we have reached a pivotal moment where we can present a first draft concept, which has the potential to not only transform this site, but also create a destination that will provide the local communities with economic and sport opportunities.’
‘This vision has been crafted in collaboration with the directly affected communities with the intention to deliver a fully-developed site that will benefit Capetonians for generations to come,’ he said.
‘When we started with the concept design process for the Strand Street Quarry in March this year, we made the commitment to build partnerships with the impacted communities, and to be inclusive.’
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‘Officials from our urban catalytic investment department asked these representatives: What do you need, how can the quarry site be developed to meet these needs, and how can we collaborate on a project that will uplift the wider area, and give you hope?’
‘I want to thank the civic associations, sporting groups, community organisations and residents for the time they set aside for the collaboration, and for the trust they put in us and this ongoing process,’ Andrews said.
He went on to say that gathering public feedback on this draft concept is the first critical step in a long-term engagement process to make this facility a reality.
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Picture: Supplied/ CoCT