Back in 2012, the City of Cape Town approved rezoning for a new project that would create a new urban area in the city centre.

At the time it was opposed by activists who argued that the development would further exclude poor and working-class people from the city centre because the development did not include affordable housing.

After years of delay, the Harbour Arch development has now been fully approved and construction will begin soon.

BusinessTech took a closer look at the proposed project:

The parcel of foreshore land, spanning 5.3 hectares, was previously owned by Transnet but has since been bought by Amdec for its R14-billion mixed-use development.

“Within the context of the burgeoning Cape Town CBD, Harbour Arch occupies a strategic position at the convergence of major access roads, with easy entry points to and from the N1 and N2 highways,” Amdec said.

“It is set to be built on a 5.8-hectare site, with 198,000m² of usable space and six individual towers.

“The site will also be home to two new hotels, to be operated by Marriott International, long-standing partners of the Amdec Group and the world’s largest hospitality group.

Amdec says that the development will create at least 13 000 construction jobs. Once complete, it will also create new job opportunities and contribute to the city’s economy.

“Harbour Arch will create a world-class New Urban precinct, delivering multiple lifestyle benefits and creating a highly sought-after place to live, work and relax for residents and visitors to Cape Town.

“It will further entrench its position as one of the world’s great cities, regularly voted one of the most desirable places to visit and live.”

There’s no word on whether demands were met regarding affordable housing within the development. Judging by the pushback since the announcement was made, it seems not.

If it’s in the city centre, you’re probably going to have to sell a kidney to afford it.

[source:businesstech]