New housing plan could see up to 50,000 people accommodated in Cape Town CBD

CAPE TOWN - A new plan for residential housing in Cape Town could see the municipality accommodating up to 50,000 extra people in the inner-city by 2040.

The city said the local spatial development framework (LSDF) aims to transform the CBD into a more people-centred environment with improved mobility and pedestrian access.

The plan also includes a public land programme to support affordable housing opportunities.

Cape Town's Deputy Mayor, Eddie Andrews, said the CBD was key to the city's future resilience and economic health.

"The purpose of the LSDF is to strategically shape the CBD's future growth and development to guide decisions about land use development, density, transportation and urban design." 

The city said it will offer 23 residential development opportunities on land it owns. 

More land owned by the Western Cape government, the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa, and Transnet will also be available to supply 18,000 residential units in the CBD.

The city also envisions parts of the CBD becoming pedestrian-only zones to provide a link between District Six and the Bo-Kaap, Long Street and upper Bree Street.

Instead of catering for cars, the city will focus on public transport.

Andrews has urged the public to have their say on the proposed plan. 

"I invite residents and all stakeholders to collaborate with us in refining those very important spatial plan," he said.