There are only a few days left to comment on a framework which will change the face of Bellville’s CBD as we know it.
If implemented successfully, the area will see numerous large changes, including social housing, an upgraded (and working) transport interchange, a museum close to the library and non-motorised streets.
The proposed local spatial development framework (LSDF), which is currently still a draft, is out for comment until Monday 4 July.
Thereafter it will be revised to include comments and tabled to council, possibly as soon as the end of this year.
The LSDF is mainly concerned with the areas south of Voortrekker Road, which “suffer from high levels of blight and deprivation,” the executive summary says.
Warren Hewitt, CEO of the Greater Tygerberg Partnership (GTP), an organisation tasked with improving the area, says it’s important to keep in mind that these changes aren’t planned for the short term and residents will probably only see the LSDF’s effects in a few decades’ time.
That means requests for things that aren’t included in the framework won’t be accepted – like new primary or high schools.
Hewitt says it’s vitally important for all those affected to have a look at the draft and provide their input.
“We believe that the people who live, work and play in Bellville know and understand best the need and potential for the future growth of Bellville. We encourage everyone with an interest in the future of Bellville to comment on these proposals before the 4 July deadline,” says Hewitt.
The LSDF focuses a lot on students, public transport, diversity and incorporating safe, pedestrian spaces.
With it the City has once again reiterated its view of establishing the CBD as the “second metropolitan node of Cape Town”.
This will be done by “transforming it into a vibrant, attractive, sustainable and efficient transit-oriented development (TOD) node.”
As space is sure to be an issue, the draft sees the current transport interchange developing into one that is “vertically integrated” and “multi modal”.
For some of the plans to work effectively, both local and national government need to work optimally as the report’s modelling was done with the assumption that “the passenger rail network capacity will be restored and advanced.”
The draft envisages more people from a “broader demographic mix” making the area their home or place of business. This means more housing opportunities need to be created.
“In order for Bellville to succeed as a vibrant liveable sustainable component of the City, there must be … significant densification and affordable housing infill.”
Hewitt says the LSDF is not a plan focusing on current blight and grime. It’s a framework guiding what will happen to the Bellville in the long term. And for long term goals to happen the short-term problems need to be addressed.
The GTP has already seen requests from developers and they’re encouraged by the City’s commitment to the area, he says.
Hardus Zevenster, chair of the Voortrekker Road Corridor Improvement District’s board and CEO of Radio Tygerberg says they support the City’s plans in terms of the renewal of the Bellville CBD.
“It is long overdue and we need to reiterate that the City cannot waste anymore time on this issue. The time is now and not in a few years’ time. If the City is serious about attracting investment to the Bellville CBD, we need real action by the city officials. The City also needs to deal decisively with slum landlords, the mess that is lower Durban Road and night clubs where drug dealing and sex work is rife.”
He pointed to international companies currently on the VRCID board and who operated in the area, like Sanlam, The Foschini Group and Vodacom.
“Imagine if these companies decide to leave the Bellville area due to crime and grime. The blame must then be purely carried by the City for neglecting the Bellville and Parow CBDs for so long.”
Wimpie Els of the Boston Ratepayers Association says he’s glad to see the Bellville CBD in its current state is receiving attention.
“We were requested to visit Mr (Dan) Plato (former mayor of Cape Town) in 2021 after we presented him with a comprehensive report, in which we voiced our utmost concern about the dilapidated condition of Bellville CBD,” he says.
“His concern was tangible and we expected that he will make a real effort to address the concerns which were very obvious according to the report.”
He hopes the City will correct other wrongs before implementing the LSDF. “Don’t tackle it as an attempt to hide or cover the recent and existing neglect which caused this state of decay.”
He says it should be inviting to all.
“This new look of Bellville must be of such that any person from Bellville South, Boston, Oakdale etc. should feel welcome to open business or consider obtaining residency within the CBD. This includes any first time property buyers or elderly purchasing accommodation at Bella Vista (and not as the current situation where property values for these senior citizens has plunged to all-time lows). If you only cater for one foreign group, this development is destined to go down as a waste and disappointing disaster.”
- The last date for comment on the LSDF is 4 July.
- The draft LSDF document is available for review and comment on the City of Cape Town’s website at www.capetown.gov.za/haveyoursay.
- Can be viewed at the offices of Subcouncil 6 or at the Bellville Public Library.
