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In November 2022 the City called on residents to comment on the proposal to develop the neglected and underused Strandfontein coastal resort area into a mixed-use urban node development with residential and commercial opportunities, inclusive of recreational facilities such as picnic areas, walkways and terraces.
Revised proposals
Taking into account public comments, the City revised some of the proposals and the public is again asked to participate in the environmental impact assessment process that is required as part of the approvals needed for the proposed development.
“A lot of planning and community participation have already happened around the proposals for Strandfontein, and now the immediate community and other interested parties have another opportunity to submit comments on how the proposed development will impact the coastal and natural environment. The National Environmental Management Act requires an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for this coastal site given that the proposed development falls within 100 m of the high water mark,“ says the City’s deputy Mayor and Mayco member for spatial planning and environment, Eddie Andrews.
The Strandfontein coastal node is located on the False Bay coastline at the southern end of Strandfontein Road, to the north of the tidal pool and pavilion, and east of Fisherman’s Lane. It is approximately 26 ha in extent. Ward 43 councillor and Subcouncil chair, Elton Jansen, encourages residents to participate in the process.
“It is a project that has been coming on for quite some time and I am excited about it because it is an economic empowerment project for the Falsebay coast line where the residents of the Strandfontein and Mitchells Plain communities can benefit from this proposed Strandfontein pavilion upgrade,” he says.
These upgrades have been in the pipeline since 2012, says Jansen.
“In 2018 and again in 2021 I submitted a motion at the Subcouncil for the development of the Strandfontein pavilion because it was already in the municipal spatial development framework, that development will be allowed,” he says.
Following a visit by the Mayor to the area with Jansen, he was quite surprised to see the state of the pavillion, says Jansen, later committing to put money aside for the project in the January 2021 adjustment budget.
Participate and comment
- Register as an interested and affected party by sending an email to comments@infinityenv.co.za or
- Send a WhatsApp message to 060 524 7676.
- Read the background information document about the proposed Strandfontein Coastal Urban Node Development online at www.infinityenv.co.za/strandfontein
- The closing date for comments is 6 May.The proposed development framework for the Strandfontein coastal urban node includes:
- residential and retail opportunities, including possible conference and hotel facilities;
- recreational facilities, including a picnic area, walkways, and terraces;
- a public space to accommodate markets;
- to retain the natural wetland areas and
- to rehabilitate the natural environment through stabilising the dune area, among others.
“The proposed development will occur mainly on the northern, western, and central sections of the site; the eastern section is preserved for biodiversity and the southern section includes the Strandfontein Pavilion and tidal pool. Our intention is to create a high quality coastal urban node; a destination that will attract economic opportunities, assist with job creation and economic growth, together with the provision of well-located residential opportunities.
“Same as other areas along our coastline, we want to see a Strandfontein that is used and enjoyed by local residents and visitors all-year round. At the same time we have to ensure the proposed development is sustainable and sensitive to our coastal and natural environment,“ says Andrews.
The City appointed an independent environmental consultant to undertake the EIA related to the proposed development and required statutory processes.
