Cape Town: The second iteration of the Spatial Trends and Implementation Tracking Report was issued by the City of Cape Town on World Town Planning Day. The report, presents an overview of development and land use patterns in the city since the year 2012.
Documenting of the trends is important for evidence-based planning. The report will be presented annually and will provide guidance on spatial policies and interventions that are needed in ensuring the quality of life for residents, while protecting the finite natural resources and heritage assets.
The Spatial Trends and Implementation Tracking Report by the City of Cape Town gives an overview of development and land use patters in Cape Town from year 2012 to 2024. The report include the changes in densification and mixed use development.
The report presents the extent of the city’s built footprint, extent of the natural and agricultural assets, changes in the property market, uptake of new development and human settlement patterns.
Notably, the report also tracks public investment and projects that aim at restructuring and upgrading urban areas and monitors public capital expenditure over time.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Spatial Planning and Environment – Alderman Eddie Andrews said that Cape Town’s population has shown phenomenal growth because of the quality of life, economic opportunities and service delivery.
However, given Cape Town’s topography, they have limited the land that is available for development, which means they have to make best use of this scarce resource and in such a manner that is cost efficient and also protective of the natural environment.
Andrews added, “Where and how we develop land determines how far people need to commute to get to work and how much the city and its ratepayers need to spend on infrastructure for the provision of water, sanitation and electricity along with a road network to support mobility.”
“This means we need to prevent urban sprawl which has a direct impact on economic growth, money and time that is spent on commuting, inclusivity, spatial justice as well as Cape Town’s collective resilience towards climate change and also unforeseen shocks,” said Alderman Andrews.
He further expressed that he encouraged the residents and professionals in the urban planning and built environment, academics and investors to go online, also scrutinise the user-friendly report.
Moreover, the data and trends are depicted in graphics and maps, with the provided key summaries. It is easy to read and give an overview of changes in land use and development patterns over the past decade. The spatial trends over the whole period will assist the officials in planning better for their future and inform about spatial policies.