Jandre Bakker, provincial Department of Infrastructure (DOI) spokesperson
The provincial DOI is engaged in a pre-planning process to investigate possible development options on the Oude Molen precinct (“Outrage over Oude Molen development bid,” Southern Suburbs Tatler, May 30).
The final exact plans will depend on the outcome of the investigations as well as input from engagements with interested and affected parties. It entails creating a positive balance between vehicular movement and pedestrians, non-motorised transport and pedestrian access, positive interaction between the built form and the human scale, and having integrated mixed-use development. It speaks to our philosophy of creating spaces where people live, work and play all in one area. It entails the creation of a safe, liveable neighbourhood.
Inclusionary housing has been adopted by the provincial government. In line with the policy framework, we are investigating the possibility of this property contributing to the redress of the spatial injustices of the past and embracing the possibilities when people of different backgrounds and socio-economic circumstances live together and form communities.
When we look at other successful developments like the work we are doing at Conradie Park, it shows that we can have both affordable housing and open-market units in one space offering people the opportunity to live close to economic opportunities irrespective of their financial means. The size and scope have not been determined as the project is still in an early phase.
In 2022, the DOI’s Immovable Asset Management unit entered into lease agreements with the tenants. The lease period is for three years with an option to renew. The lease agreements include termination conditions in the event the department secures development rights and proceeds with development.
The current process is focused on regularising the current zoning as well as enablement and planning activities to secure development rights to enable potential future development. This process will not address potential disposal or end users of the site. These processes will follow the related legislative requirements and public participation if and when required.
Once the development is completed, it is envisaged that there would be opportunities for educational facilities and other opportunities. Again, this is all dependent on the outcome of the investigations that are currently under way.
In the notice published by the provincial DOI in February this year and closing on Monday April 1, it was inviting interested and affected parties to register and update their details on the project database. It was not inviting any comments.
The database will enable the department and professional team to communicate the next steps for engagement opportunities and how to participate, at which time more project-related information will be shared, with notifications sent directly to the e-mail address in the database and published on the project webpage.
The various first-nation groupings were invited to engage in the 2021 preliminary public-participation process, and they will continue to be engaged as will all other interested and affected parties who have registered on the database.
The property is within a built urban context; as such, any development proposals will carefully consider the interface between Oude Molen and the Black River Corridor, a property under the custodianship of the City of Cape Town. This will be done to mitigate any potential negative impact, and appropriate open spaces will be included within the redevelopment portions of the site.
The benefit is the creation of an integrated mixed-use development with a safe, walkable and sustainable eco-neighbourhood providing equitable access to cultural heritage and natural reserves.