Cape Town - The City of Cape Town, in partnership with the District Six community, stakeholders, and interested parties, has concluded the District Six Public Realm Study.
The study, which is now available to the public, features the outcomes of the Public Realm Strategy and Water Study and documented process, findings and proposals developed in cooperation with the nominated District Six Caretakers and the broader community during virtual meetings and at Open House events held in 2021 and earlier this year.
Cape Town Deputy Mayor and Spatial Planning and Environment Mayco member Eddie Andrews said: “I had the privilege of meeting the caretakers, who were nominated by the District Six community to represent them at the co-design workshops at these engagements.
“I saw how passionate they were to fully participate and make use of the opportunity to rethink the public realm of District Six, and how public spaces can be used to re-establish the vibrancy and cosmopolitan community. The final report lists ideas that transpired through this process."
The project that has been identified as the initial focus is that of Chapel Street to facilitate movement through District Six, according to the City.
“This area reaches from New Hanover Street to Trafalgar Park and is strategically located to unite communities, highlight character and identity and support the National Government’s restitution process higher up the hill.”
Andrews said at Chapel Street, the existing and returned District Six community members can work together to re-establish a thriving community, united through their memories of District Six and enthusiasm and hope for the future.
“As a starting point, the report recommends a series of interventions in Chapel Street to connect the communities on either side of the elevated freeway. We note the recommendation and other points, namely the tools needed to protect and manage the heritage of District Six, among which a heritage impact assessment.”
“The report represents where we are at the moment, and it aims to facilitate and promote further discussions about the public realm. These are the public spaces and streets in and around District Six.
“To give guidance on the important elements of sustainable and resilient communities, and guide other similar processes related to other public spaces and streets in Cape Town,” Andrews said.
The final report, inclusive of all the different chapters, is available on the City’s website at: https://www.capetown.gov.za/work%20and%20business/planning-portal/Spatial-Plans-and-Frameworks/district-six-neighbourhood-plan.