Activists urge Western Cape Government to release land for affordable housing at CBD parking lot

A municipal parking lot at the Civic Centre in the CBD has been earmarked for affordable housing.

The Western Cape Government (WCG) together with Premier Alan Winde’s office said the municipal parking lot at the Civic Centre in the CBD would need to be assessed for space requirements and public service delivery before it can be used for social and affordable housing.

This comes on the back of Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis last week announcing a recommendation made by the City to release the parking lot for an affordable housing development with mixed-use opportunities.

The propsed redevelopment promises long-term benefits, the City said, including: an estimated R230 million sale income and R50 million in annual rates/services revenue; R1.5 billion private sector investment in the CBD; 3 500 job opportunities in construction and related sectors; residential opportunities, including affordable housing; and continued regeneration of the Foreshore precinct.

Housing activist group, Ndifuna Ukwazi, called on the WCG and Winde to release the site for social and affordable housing.