King David golf course to be turned into “affordable housing”

The City of Cape Town has approved the partial release of the King David Mowbray Golf Course for a mixed-use development that will include affordable housing. Located north of the N2 Freeway, the site offers excellent access to key employment hubs and residential areas, making it ideal for integrated urban development.

Following the expiry of its long-term lease in 2022, the King David Mowbray Golf Club entered into a new ten-year lease in May 2024, which includes a two-year cancellation clause allowing the city flexibility for future infrastructure planning. The 42.8 hectares of land, valued at R171 million in a 2024 appraisal, will be offered to developers through a competitive bidding process. The city aims to secure development rights and use the revenue to support its budget, according to Alderman James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth.

Plans for redevelopment stem from studies initiated in 2015, culminating in the 2023 Table Bay District Plan. The first phase will focus on two key areas: one north of the railway line near Pinelands and Elsieskraal canal, and another tract bounded by the N2 and Jan Smuts Drive. The land south of the railway line, including the clubhouse, will be considered in future phases due to accessibility issues.

In compliance with the city’s flood management policy, portions of the land below the 1:100-year flood line will remain designated as open space to preserve the area’s natural ecosystem. The current tenant, a not-for-profit organisation, covers the R6 million annual maintenance and security costs, alongside the standard city golf course tariff.

Pending Council approval in October 2024, further details on the public consultation process for the land release will be announced.

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