The historic Salt River Market is set for a dramatic transformation, with construction on 970 affordable housing units anticipated to begin after the City officially handed the site over to developer Communicare earlier today (8 June).
The development includes 300 social housing rental units and 670 affordable market units.
Salt River Market is among four inner-city sites where construction is set to begin this year on over 3 000 affordable units in total, including over 1 500 social housing rental apartments.
The other sites are Newmarket Street (Foreshore), Pickwick Street (Salt River) and Fruit & Veg (Zonnebloem, CBD).
Land Release
Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis said the City is pleased to see this project becoming a reality.
“Construction is now set to commence here, and on three other central Cape Town inner-city sites this year.
“These are the visible results of our accelerated land release programme taking shape, creating thousands of affordable housing opportunities for Cape Town families in the CBD and other well-located parts of our city.”
Hill-Lewis said the Salt River Market development forms part of the City’s broader strategy to unlock underutilised public land for affordable housing, with more than 12 000 housing opportunities planned across well-located areas of the metro.
He said the development demonstrates an innovative public‑private partnership model, with the City contributing land at a 90% discount (around R95 million total subsidy).
Carl Pophaim, Mayco member for human settlements, said once completed, the development will provide affordable rental options to households earning up to approximately R34 400 per month.
“It will also deliver rentals ranging from approximately R700 to R10 000 per month across unit types, making it affordable for Cape Town families.”
The ceremonial handover of Salt River Market to the developer follows a complex, multi‑year social facilitation process to resolve unlawful occupation at the site.
This included the relocation of 70 informal households to upgraded accommodation in the Maitland area in May this year, as well as the previous resolution of commercial traders occupying the site.
Heritage Preserved
Communicare chair Mark van Wyk said the development will feature retail space, a public piazza, a daycare centre and a sports field at ground level, creating a vibrant community-focused environment.
“A total of 300 Social Housing apartments will be added in seven storeys above ground, and 670 affordable housing apartments in nine storeys.
“The Salt River Hall will also be restored and preserved for its heritage value. Honouring the origins of the market, our development plans include making provision for the four long-standing fresh produce traders to continue to operate at the Salt River Market.”
ALSO READ: Affordable housing at Three Anchor Bay Road supported, with lower density urged
