Cape Town - The City of Cape Town's new R1 billion Clifton development set to expand the Atlantic Seaboard's existing tourist attractions.
The City announced the award of the tender to K2015298271 South Africa (Pty) Ltd on Wednesday which aims to uplift and develop municipal land between Camps Bay and Clifton bungalows, including Maiden's Cove which will be upgraded into a coastal park similar to that of Green Point Urban Park.
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According to Mayco member for Transport and Urban Development, Councillor Brett Herron, this new coastal urban park will compliment the existing offerings at the Green Point Urban Park, the Sea Point Promenade, V&A Waterfront, the Camps Bay strip and the popular Clifton beaches.
A lot of new boardwalks and pathways will be built to improve access to the beaches and link Camps Bay beach to Maiden's cove, which will provide visitors a view of the coast line.
"The project will also provide upgraded pedestrian linkages up Kloof Road to the Cableway base station. The upgrading of the footpaths along Victoria Road between the development and a new boardwalk viewing structure at Bantry Point will further enhance the visitor experience in the area."
When construction commences, the date of which is still uncertain, there will be certain access disruptions but will be managed so that access to public beaches isn't impeded.
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Besides the coastal park, other tourist-orientated developments will include a boutique hotel or serviced apartment site, and underground parking facility and commercial spaces for restaurants and retailers.
"The nature of the hotel has not been determined as yet and the developer will be responsible for the type, size and star-rating of the hotel," says Herron.
According to the City's statement, the proposed development will "rejuvenate the surrounding area; improve public access to the beach, ocean and recreational facilities; protect the natural vegetation; enhance local and international tourism potential; and unlock investment to drive job creation."
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However, some residents are against the development, who feel like the development will be exclusionary and will restrict access to the beaches that only the wealthy will be able to afford. The city has noted that 10% of the financial offer will be directed to affordable housing projects in the inner city.
There will be a 21-day appeal period, after which the successful bidder can only commence if no appeals are lodged during this period. After this, there will be a four month period of development planning, when more details about the facilities to be built will be known and will be followed by a public participation process to assess the proposed plans.
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