Spencer Park in Salt River.
Image: Supplied
An online petition is circulating on social media calling on residents to oppose the City of Cape Town’s proposal to rezone land adjacent to Spencer Park in Salt River for a housing development.
According to a Subcouncil document dated June last year, land next to the park was earmarked for 12 housing opportunities.
The group Guardians of Spencer Park (GOSP) has objected to the City’s plans to rezone the site for residential use. In a statement shared by the organisation, GOSP emphasised the importance of preserving urban green space, describing Spencer Park as a “green lung” that serves the high-density communities of Salt River, Woodstock, and Lower Observatory.
“Spencer Park remains the only accessible green space within walking distance for the children, elderly, and disabled members of this community,” the statement read.
The statement read that Salt River community has spent two decades transforming Spencer Park from a neglected area into a well-maintained and valued community hub. The group argues there is a legal conflict, noting that the land is currently zoned Open Space 2 (OS2), a designation intended strictly for public parks and recreational use.
“The City’s application to rezone this for housing directly contradicts the site’s established and necessary purpose and sets a precedent that endangers other green spaces in the future,” the statement said.
GOSP has also suggested alternative sites already earmarked by the City for housing, including Pine Road, Pickwick Street, and the Old James Street Clinic, which they say should be prioritised instead.
The City’s Mayco Member for Human Settlements, Carl Pophaim, said the matter is before the appeal authority for a decision.
“A portion of this site was investigated and considered ideal for Human Settlements development,” he said.
Mr Pophaim said that the City’s internal departments were consulted and supported the reservation of a portion of the land.
He said the application was advertised to City departments and affected stakeholders, including surrounding property owners.
“Objections were received, responded to, and considered by the Planning Tribunal. Additionally, appeals were received, and the matter is before the appeal authority for a decision,” he said.
He emphasised that the park would not be entirely closed. “It is proposed that a portion of the park will be subdivided for residential development and the rest of the site will remain a public park,” he said, adding that the City intends to upgrade the remaining park area, including landscaping and fencing, as part of the development.
Residents wishing to support the petition can visit the online campaign hosted by the Guardians of Spencer Park.
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