[imagesource: King David Mowbray Golf Club / Facebook]

A public involvement process has been launched by the City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee to release sections of the Mowbray Golf Course for mixed-use development.

The mixed-use development project, “aimed at boosting affordable housing availability, improving public amenities, and stimulating economic growth,” prime real estate just north of the N2.

The city says that the golf course’s location makes it simple to get to busy work districts, necessary services, and residential neighbourhoods.

The process will commence, pending approval by the City Council later this month.

King David Mowbray Golf Club, the present tenant, took advantage of its long-term lease expiring in 2022 and negotiated a new 10-year contract that will begin in May 2024.

An essential component of this deal is a two-year cancellation clause that gives the city flexibility as it moves forward with crucial planning phases for improvements to its municipal infrastructure, including renovations to its wastewater treatment plants, road networks, and electricity systems.

According to Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, “Developing portions of King David Mowbray Golf Course represents a transformative opportunity for well-located affordable housing and economic growth in Cape Town. This initiative will also catalyse major municipal infrastructure upgrades in the area, and stimulate job creation.”

“While there is still much work ahead to service the land and plan for its long-term development, the greenlight to initiate a public participation process is a crucial step to release this land for inclusive, sustainable development.”

Totalling approximately 43 hectares, the identified real estate has a market value of about R171 million, based on a desktop valuation conducted in March 2024.

Mayco Member for Economic Growth, James Vos, said: “Development rights will be offered to the market through an open and competitive process, with the City seeking to realise the full market value of the land.”

“Revenue for the land sale will contribute significantly to the City’s municipal budget, facilitating reinvestment in service delivery and infrastructure upgrades.”

The city has been eyeing the King David Mowbray Golf Course since 2015, with various studies identifying the potential of this piece of land. The pre-feasibility study was completed in 2022, and the Table Bay District Plan for 2023 included development recommendations.

A staged plan is employed in the City’s development approach to guarantee both infrastructural preparedness and proactive community participation.

A variety of residential, business, and retail options that complement Cape Town’s overarching development objectives are part of the area’s vision.

Two primary property areas are the focus of the first phase of redevelopment. The first is surrounded by the Elsieskraal canal and the Pinelands area to the north of the railway line. The N2 and Jan Smuts Drive surround the second tract, which is not a part of the golf course.

Future phases will take into account the substantial accessibility issues faced by the Golf Clubhouse, located south of the railway line. Parts of these areas below the 1:100 year flood zone will continue to be classified as open space in accordance with the City’s 2009 Floodplain and River Corridor Management Policy, protecting the natural green and blue infrastructure that keeps the river system operating.

The present tenant has made major contributions to the property’s improvements throughout the years. As a registered non-profit, they are responsible for the property’s projected R6 million yearly maintenance and security costs. In addition, for the 2024–2025 fiscal year, a golf tariff of R12 714 (VAT included) will be charged for all City-owned courses.

Pending Council authorisation later this month, the City said it will provide further details on the public participation process for the release of the land for mixed-use development.

[source:iol]