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Cape Town - Atlantic Seaboard representative groups have slammed the “rushed” process under way which could see the land between the Clifton bungalows and Camps Bay become home to a major private development.
As owner of the land, the City of Cape Town is suggesting that the "degraded” area be developed for residential opportunities, an underground parking garage, retail facilities as well as the redevelopment and relocation of sports facilities.
The erven currently include the Glen Country Club, Maiden’s Cove, a sports oval and garages for bungalow residents and provides somewhat limited access to the oceanfront, confirmed deputy mayor and mayoral committee member for finance Ian Neilson.
“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.”
But local representative groups argue that the speed at which the proposed plan is developing is concerning.
Janey Ball of Clifton Organised said the initial proposal published in February was vague and did not allow the affected parties to make informed contributions to the public participation process.
“The comments sent to the City in response were almost exclusively against the plan,” she told News24.
After an initial public consultation, council supported the in-principle sale and/or lease of sections of four erven.
'Sustainable asset for the future generations'
Neilson said 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”.
“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.”
Ball said this is laughable as the exclusivity of the proposed private development, which she explained included a boutique hotel and 40 bungalows, “hardly makes it accessible to the public”.
Camps Bay Residents and Ratepayers Association chairperson Chris Willemse agreed that the proposal received by the organisation earlier this year was “pathetic and lacking”.
“There has also been minimal discussion and detail given to us as the local ratepayers. This plan is being pushed through with undue haste.”
He said the state of the properties could not be used as a reason for development since the City, as the landowners, “should have looked after its property in the first place”.
The local organisations will meet with the City next week to discuss their concerns, Willemse and Ball confirm.
'Process is rushed and suspicious'
Ball added: “I am mindful of our privileged position in society and that the City would like a decent return on investment. But all parties need to be satisfied. To say this process is rushed and suspicious is an understatement.”
Neilson in a statement said discussions about the potential upgrading of this area “have been ongoing for many years and have not been rushed in any way”.
The public is invited to give input into the plans “to guide us and to engage with us” to help determine the parameters and checks and balances for the proposed tender process.
“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.”
