Cape Town’s swanky Somerset precinct get nod — as long as it also houses the poor
Cape Town will have a swanky new residential suburb right next to the V&A Waterfront thanks to a municipal decision to rezone a large area accommodating a hospital and nurses’ home. The new development proposal for the Somerset precinct — named after Somerset Hospital in the middle of the site — is conditional on provision of "social housing" for less affluent residents‚ the municipal planning tribunal ruled on Tuesday. The rezoning decision paves the way for the Western Cape provincial government to advance a development plan that also includes retail and business components. The land is considered among the most valuable in the country due to its location between the V&A and Cape Town Stadium. However‚ the province still faces significant obstacles before it can start doling out tenders: part of the proposed development site is owned by the National Health Laboratory Service‚ and the old nurses’ quarters — now renamed Ahmed Kathrada House — have been "reclaimed" by social housing ...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.