Residents and interested parties have until Friday May 30 to comment on the land use for the proposed redevelopment of the Strand Street Quarry site.

The City of Cape Town is proposing that the quarry, located along Strand Street bordering Bo-Kaap and De Waterkant, be transformed into a multi-use community precinct that integrates sports, culture, economic activities and tourism in a unique setting that will benefit the community for years to come.

The land use application includes the consolidation, subdivision, and rezoning of certain City-owned erven to obtain development rights for the proposal, as well as application for consent uses and departures.

The Strand Street Quarry, one of three quarries in Bo-Kaap, is a national heritage site that has always been an asset, however, the site has been left derelict and underutilised for decades.

According to the City of Cape Town, multiple local governments have been working on studies, assessments and development proposals since 1976 with no tangible results.

In March 2023, the City of Cape Town initiated a concept design workshop with community representatives, City professionals, and stakeholders ("Quarry development discussions resume", Atlantic Sun, 2023).

The first draft concept design was advertised for public comment in November 2023, and by August 2024, residents and affected parties were invited to comment on the draft basic assessment report, and a heritage impact assessment was also tabled for decision in January this year.

The proposed Strand Street Quarry redevelopment project also includes a Living Heritage investigation, which was conducted in unison with the draft concept design process in 2023, with the project collecting and recording oral histories and intangible cultural heritage and social history of the Bo-Kaap community, particularly their connection to the quarry site and broader surrounding area.

Following the conclusion of this public participation process related to the heritage impact assessment and environmental impact assessment, all reports were finalised and submitted to the Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning for a decision on the environmental authorisation application, said the City.

Deputy mayor and the Mayoral committee member for spatial planning and environment, Eddie Andrews, said the City has been collaborating with community stakeholders since 2023 on a shared vision for this important site, and he was happy that the land use application for the proposed redevelopment is now being advertised in terms of the City’s Municipal Planning By-law.

"The application makes provision for phased implementation over time, and by different role-players. I encourage residents and interested parties to submit their comments."

The quarry has been a concern for residents for years due to illegal occupation and criminals using it as a hideout.

It has also been a topic in previous Cape Town Central community police forum (CPF) meetings, where the police and the community have raised constant concerns about crime, fires and other social ills in the vicinity of the quarry.

The site is being used for training by FC Bo-Kaap after the City recently cleaned and secured it.

Resident and cultural heritage activist Jacky Poking said it should be a space for sports and recreation.

"Bo-Kaap is in dire need of these types of spaces. We don't need more spaces for tourists..."

"The buildings that are there can be used as change rooms, club rooms, and community gathering space - maybe even a space for trading with food. We currently only have the Bo-Kaap community Centre in Yusuf Drive that all organisations try to use and it's not enough.

"The quarry belongs to Bo-Kaap and we said from the start that it should be a sports and recreation space."

The chair of the Bo-Kaap Neighbourhood watch, Ebrahim Christians, also said the quarry should be used as a sports facility for the youth. "The field belongs to Bo-Kaap... we do not have any grounds in the area for our youth to practice on. FC Bo-Kaap should continue to use the field."

On social media, resident Anees Gamiet said the quarry was used regularly for soccer practice and community matches. "It was a place where local youth could come together, play sport, and stay active. It belonged to the people, and it brought life to the area but over time, the City made it harder for us to use the space... And now, here we are.

"That’s why I’m asking the City to return the space to the people and turn it into a community multisport facility. It can include a soccer field, netball and basketball courts, A walking or running track and outdoor gym, as well as a community hall for indoor sport and events and programs for youth and schools."

The Bo-Kaap Civic Association, the Cape Town Central CPF, and De Waterkant community representatives that Atlantic Sun reached out to did not respond by printing time.

All of the relevant documents related to the proposed redevelopment are available on the City’s website: Redevelopment of Strand Street Quarry, Cape Town

Residents and interested parties who would like to comment can visit www.capetown.gov.za/haveyoursay/ or send an email to comments_objections.tablebay@capetown.gov.za

The application can be viewed at the office of the District Manager on the 2nd floor; Media City, corner of Hertzog Boulevard and Heerengracht, Cape Town, on weekdays from 8am to 2.20pm. Email tablebay.hub@capetown.gov.za to arrange an appointment

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Have your say on quarry redevelopment