Plans to sell Camps Bay library, parking

Chris Willemse, chairman of the Camps Bay and Clifton Ratepayers' Association

The Camps Bay and Clifton Ratepayers Association (CBCRA) strongly opposes the City’s proposed sale of the Camps Bay Library and the adjacent parking area.

This proposal is premature, piecemeal, and ignores the need for proper urban planning across the entire Camps Bay village. Important community assets – such as sports fields, clubs, parking areas, schools, walkways, and open spaces – must be considered within a holistic, long-term development plan.

Ad hoc sales of land will irreparably damage the character and fabric of our sensitive village area.

We are also deeply concerned that no traffic or heritage assessments have been conducted, no impact studies on the loss of parking and community land use have been provided, and no alternative site for the library has been proposed, other than a vague reference to the soccer field/Park parking area. Without these essential steps, the public participation process cannot be considered meaningful.

Instead, the CBCRA calls for a Village Vision, created in partnership with all stakeholders, to ensure transparent, sustainable, and community-focused development from Bakoven to Maiden’s Cove.

We urge all residents to participate in the current process by submitting their objections before the closing date of Monday, September 22. Together, we can ensure that development decisions are rational, inclusive, and protect the heritage and identity of Camps Bay.

The City’s Economic Growth Directorate responds: The proposed disposal is strategically motivated to unlock private sector-led development opportunities, which align with the City’s broader agenda for economic growth, increasing jobs, and attracting investment.

 The City’s internal service departments have confirmed that the properties are not required for the provisions of municipal basic services. As such, the City views the opportunity as a means to catalyse economic growth by optimising these properties for retail and commercial business.

 The developer will have an opportunity to seek a workable traffic and parking solution for the precinct.

 At the same time, achieve greater integration with the existing business node to create a better urban environment. Part of the consideration is also the relocation and development of a new library in proximity to the existing library to continue to provide uninterrupted services in the local community.  The details of which will become available to the general public should a land use application process commence. Preliminary concepts are being explored by the City’s library services.

 At this stage, the City is eliciting public comments on the proposed disposal of the relevant pieces of land.  Following the public participation process, the City will assess the comments and/or objections received to inform any decision or specific considerations for the intended disposal.