The City of Cape Town has launched a public participation process for its Woodstock Hospital Site that aims to boost the local area with affordable housing and economic development. The city has envisaged the regeneration and investment into the site as well as to unlock the critical affordable housing.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Human Settlements – Councillor Carl Pophaim said that the public participation period runs between September 27, 2024 to November 27, 2024 as they are so eager to hear from the residents, the Woodstock community also interested and affected parties.
Pophaim added that with almost 10,000 opportunities for affordable rental housing opportunities in the pipeline in urban centres across Cape Town, they firmly believe that the plans for this site as a mixed-use market and affordable housing development will be a complete game-changer and will bring the much-needed affordable housing and an economic boost to the area.
The total extent of the property was valued around R87 million, including a potential residential development yield of 500 units, comprised of open market and social housing, that will be disposed of subject, considering the provision of affordable housing.
All due process is being followed in ensuring the progress that is considered definitely on this long-awaited development. He added, “We look forward to a constructive and meaningful public participation process on the valuable project.”
“My directorate has worked hard against so many obstacles and complexities, including the unlawful occupation and hi-jacking of the building, to move the project towards the selected point,” said Councillor Pophaim.
Notably, the illegal occupation of the Woodstock Hospital Site has been the single and only biggest delay to the development.
According to the Councillor, the City of Cape Town will conduct the engagements with the unlawful occupants, as part of the broad public participation process. The official conduct to be undertaken for the disposal of the property.
However, the response for the existing occupants will be dependent on the socio-economic profile of the households. The City of Cape Town intends to engage the households on the options that are available to them to determine the appropriate response for each household in terms of council policy and legislation.
As per Carl Pophaim, the City of Cape Town is a pioneer in progressive land release and packaging for affordable housing opportunities, located near urban centres around the metro. Pophaim said that it is seen by many organisations that even among lobby groups, as one of the most progressive governments in South Africa, especially as it pertains to land and development packaging to unlock social and affordable housing.
He added further, “We are serious about delivery. We are serious about accelerating affordable housing provision to the residents and we will Build Cape Town together.”