The long awaited revamp of the environmental education centre at Bracken nature reserve is finally on the cards for the next financial year.
The project will see the complete redevelopment of the site, whereby the old historic buildings in the reserve will be restored and a community multi-purpose hall be constructed.
The project has been in planning for years and will cost the City of Cape Town R34,2 million.
Mayco member for spatial planning and environment Eddie Andrews says the development is centred around heritage renovations.
“Two existing heritage structures located in Bracken Nature Reserve have received approval from Heritage Western Cape to undergo renovations for adaptive reuse as a manager’s cottage and student accommodation, respectively. This will supplement the development of a proposed multi-purpose centre.
“The entire site’s heritage significance was considered during the project planning, and reviewed by a heritage consultant to ensure that the building integrity and restoration methods are aligned with the required heritage processes,” he says.
Work is expected to commence on 2 October 2024 and will run until December 2025.
“Once completed, the facility will provide a valuable community resource that will greatly enhance the ongoing environmental education initiatives at the reserve.”
Ward councillor Marian Nieuwoudt says the new centre has been on her wish list since 2006.
“We have a very unique biodiversity in the area, specifically Bracken nature reserve and Haasendal. Red data and extinct species like the Kraaifontein Spider Protea are being cultivated in the reserve with cuttings. The education centre will be an asset in the ward for our community to get together and enjoy the beautiful environment,” she says.
Situated on top of an old quarry and landfill site, Bracken Nature Reserve is a 36-hectare piece of protected land that preserved threatened Cape Flats Sand Fynbos and Swartland Granite Renosterveld vegetation.
More than 160 plant species are found here, among which 10 occur only in Cape Town and are in serious danger of extinction. That includes the cowslip, Canary yellow vygie and carrion flower.
The park is also home to a variety of small mammals, reptiles, frogs and a range of bird species.
Beautiful footpaths provide views of the countryside and at the entrance you will find an indigenous garden.
The Bracken Nature Reserve Environmental Education Centre offers programmes on general biodiversity, invasive species, waste, water and sustainable living. The centre provides holiday programmes, talks and guided hikes. It also has an outdoor play area that is used for environmental education purposes but also to encourage outdoor activities.
