SA’s first, fully integrated, mixed-income housing development launches
South Africa’s first, fully integrated, mixed-income, mixed-use development, aimed at reversing apartheid spatial planning and located near Cape Town’s CBD, has been launched for sale to the public.
The revolutionary 22ha community comprises over 3 500 homes – some subsidised or grant funded, the remainder for sale on the open market from about R950 000 including transfer costs.
Phase one, comprising 99 units and called Kirstenbosch, has been launched with the public keen to be part of a “connected, multi-cultural community, marked by affordability, sustainability and security,” says founder of Realtor of Excellence, Toni Enderli. Occupation is set for early 2021 while phase two will launch soon.
Conradie’s head of sales, Wayne Lawson, says the development is an incubator for growth and evolution: “It’s aspirational – by connecting various groups, those renting subsidised housing will be inspired to buy subsidised properties. Subsidised home owners will in turn strive to buy their first house on the open market. The model provides social and financial support for this.”
The historic project is a partnership between developers, Concor, and the Western Cape Government which describes it as one of seven provincial “game changers” aimed at providing affordable housing close to jobs while redressing apartheid-era spatial challenges.
Concor project leader, Mark Schonrock, said the model showed how state-owned land could be unlocked to boost economic growth while providing mixed-income housing in one neighbourhood.
Located near main arterial routes and the Mutual and Thornton railway stations, the project includes a long-term transport master plan, potential new MyCity routes and significant road upgrades.
Schonrock said the R3-bn project will stimulate small business growth by providing 10 000m² of retail and, initially, 14 500m² of commercial space – all designed by architects DHK and Jakupa. Over 2 000 jobs will be created during the construction phase, added Schonrock.
The campus includes two schools, various creches, a business hotel, an urban gym and extensive pet-friendly parks. Foot and cycling paths are part of an integrated non-motorised transport plan while green technology has been applied to energy, water and waste management.
“We’re essentially building a new, affordable, sustainable, self-contained town for the future characterised by integration, connection and inspiration. It’s a first, and the public is embracing the vision and its potential to help address the country’s housing challenges,” added Schonrock.