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The City of Cape Town is including the community in the plan to redevelop the Strand Street Quarry.

The quarry, located between Strand Street and the Bo-Kaap, has unfortunately been left derelict and underutilised for decades despite being “a key strategic site and asset”. Driving into Sea Point on Strand Street you might just play witness to some illicit shenanigans going on in its nooks and crannies.

As one of three quarries in the Bo-Kaap and a national heritage site, there is an opportunity to turn the empty space into a city gem. As Cape Town ETC reports, the first draft concept design for the proposed redevelopment of the area by the City of Cape Town is now available for public comment.

The City is pleased to present a first draft concept design for the proposed redevelopment of the Strand Street Quarry for public comment.

Read more: https://t.co/Kghe1PxFmL#CTNews #SpatialPlanningAndEnvironment pic.twitter.com/5tM61h1dZJ

— City of Cape Town (@CityofCT) November 2, 2023

A first draft concept for this site has been developed in consultation with local stakeholder representatives drawn from civic associations, sporting groups, and community organisations, to determine the best use and conceptual layout of the quarry site.

Given that the quarry is part of a national heritage site, and close to the Bo-Kaap, the Noon Gun, and Table Mountain National Park, the design integrates tourist-related activities, and proposals to preserve and celebrate the rich heritage of the surrounding communities. The proposed redevelopment would turn the quarry site into a multi-use community precinct that integrates sports, culture, economic activities and tourism in a unique setting.

Eddie Andrews, a member of the mayoral committee for spatial planning and environment, said that multiple local governments have been working on studies, assessments and development proposals since 1976, “with no tangible results”.

“Today, I’m elated to say we have reached a pivotal moment where we can present a first draft concept, which has the potential to not only transform this site, but also create a destination that will provide the local communities with economic and sport opportunities.”

The key pillars of the City’s integrated development plan are to create a more spatially integrated and inclusive city where residents have more equitable access to economic opportunities and social amenities, as well as to invest in public infrastructure to address apartheid spatial planning injustices, Andrew said.

“This vision has been crafted in collaboration with the directly affected communities with the intention to deliver a fully-developed site that will benefit Capetonians for generations to come,” he said.

The City of Cape Town is now inviting inputs from the public to help finalise the concept design before any applications are made for the various statutory approvals that will be required.

A 30-day commenting period will commence until December 4, 2023. If you want to get involved, find out more over here.

[source:capetownetc]