Some academics question CoCT plans to redevelop old Woodstock Hospital

CAPE TOWN - A group of academics is questioning the City of Cape Town's plans to redevelop the old Woodstock Hospital, saying the site can be developed without displacing its occupants.

The former hospital, which was renamed Cissie Gool House after being occupied by 850 people in 2017, is set to be redeveloped for social housing.

But many of the occupants fear they won't meet the city's requirements to be housed at the site after it's been redeveloped.

Senior lecturer at the University of Cape Town (UCT), Dr Suraya Scheba, joined researcher Dr Andreas Scheba earlier this year to hand the city a submission highlighting concerns about the redevelopment of the old Woodstock Hospital.

Dr Suraya Scheba said the submission, which forms part of the city's public participation process, has since garnered support from more than 100 academics from across the world.

"We argue that redeveloping the site with its current residents is not only possible, as evidenced by international experience and best practices, but also more just, equitable and efficient than displacing or relocating them."

Mayco member for Human Settlements, Carl Pophaim, said public engagements related to the city's plans for the site were underway.

"We've been clear about our intention to garner meaningful, feasible and constructive input on the proposed vision for the site, which includes the development of affordable housing for qualified residents."

Pophaim said beneficiaries of all housing developments were done in accordance with the city's housing needs allocation policy.