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MITCHELL'S PLAIN'S biggest project yet ? the development of the Kapteinsklip precinct ? has finally gained momentum.

Urban Renewal Programme (URP) officials outlined the objectives and spin-offs of the proposed precinct plan in a presentation at a sub-council meeting in Westridge last week.

Mr Ivan Anthony, URP manager for Mitchell's Plain, said residents can expect "great developments" in the Kapteinsklip node.

He said additional projects for Lentegeur and Mitchell's Plain's CBD have also been shortlisted.

"We are now in the finalising process, submissions have been made," said Anthony.

Mr Alistair Graham, of the spacial development department, presented the main aims of the project.

He said the focus of their development will be on investment nodes in the area.

"There is a great legacy in Mitchell's Plain," said Graham. "However, Mitchell's Plain is inward looking. It has no relationship with the False Bay coast. There is a big strip of land which isolates Mitchell's Plain from the coast; a definite buffer between the residential area and the coast was identified, and residents have very little or no access to the coastline. With this plan we aim to fully develop the area."

Graham said they found there was a significant amount of vacant land between the Kapteinsklip station, the residential area of Tafelsig and the Mnandi beach resort.

"This area is currently very dangerous, but it is also the best opportunity that exists for the people of Mitchell's Plain to develop the area," he said.

"People in Sea Point, Hout Bay and Green Point capitalised on their coastline. It is time for Mitchell's Plain to do the same. We have to look at ways of pulling Mitchell's Plain closer to the coastline by creating developments. New road infrastructure will also be examined to enhance the biological corridor which runs from Simon's Town along the False Bay coast to Gordon's Bay."

The proposed Kapteinsklip precinct plan was welcomed by all councillors.

Councillor Danny Christians, who is also an environmentalist in the area, said council and the councillors concerned should be included in all plans.

He said although the development of the Kapteinsklip precinct was an excellent idea, 90% of the coastline remains underdeveloped.

"Apartheid laws restricted our people from developing the coast," said Christians. "Now years later, it is imperative for our people to be included in the decisions. I call on the URP to please include councillors as well as the community."

Anthony said, "Although 90% of the coastline remains underdeveloped, we have to start somewhere and the Kapteinsklip Precinct Plan is a viable start for greater things."

He said employment opportunities for the people of Mitchell's Plain "would be key in this project".

The URP will give a full presentation of projects which have been proposed for the precinct at the next sub-council meeting on 13 March, at the Westridge Civic Centre, at 10:00.

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