The City of Cape Town has approved plans for mixed-use development on portions of the King David Mowbray Golf Course. Picture: Armand Hough/Independent Newspaper
Cape Town - Portions of the King David Mowbray Golf Course (KDMGC) site, located north of the N2 Freeway, have been greenlit for mixed-use development, including affordable housing.
The City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee gave the nod to initiate a public participation process for the release of portions of Mowbray Golf Course for mixed-use development.
The process will commence, pending approval by the City Council later this month.
The KDMGC provides access to major employment zones, essential amenities, and thriving residential areas.
Owing to this prime location, select portions of the site have been earmarked for mixed-use development project, aimed at boosting affordable housing availability, improving public amenities, and stimulating economic growth.
Capitalising on the expiration of its long-standing lease in 2022, the current tenant, King David Mowbray Golf Club, has secured a new 10-year lease as of May 2024.
Critical to this agreement is a two-year cancellation provision allowing for flexibility as the city embarks upon vital planning stages for municipal infrastructure enhancements, including upgrades to road networks, electrical systems, and wastewater treatment facilities.
“Developing portions of King David Mowbray Golf Course represents a transformative opportunity for well-located affordable housing and economic growth in Cape Town. This initiative will also catalyse major municipal infrastructure upgrades in the area, and stimulate job creation.
“While there is still much work ahead to service the land and plan for its long-term development, the greenlight to initiate a public participation process is a crucial step to release this land for inclusive, sustainable development,” said Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis.
The identified portions of land, totalling approximately 42,8 hectares, have a market value of R171m (excluding VAT), based on a desktop valuation conducted in March 2024.
Mayco Member for Economic Growth, James Vos, said: “Development rights will be offered to the market through an open and competitive process, with the City seeking to realise the full market value of the land.
“Ahead of this, the City will conduct a comprehensive land-use application to secure a suite of mixed-use development rights, unlocking the full potential of the site.
“Revenue for the land sale will contribute significantly to the City’s municipal budget, facilitating reinvestment in service delivery and infrastructure upgrades,” said Vos.
City studies since 2015 have consistently recognised the potential for mixed-use development within and adjacent to the King David Mowbray Golf Course.
A pre-feasibility study was concluded in 2022, and development guidelines were incorporated into the 2023 Table Bay District Plan.
The City’s development approach involves a phased strategy to ensure both infrastructure readiness and proactive community engagement.
The vision for the area includes a mix of residential, commercial, and retail opportunities that align with Cape Town’s broader development goals.
The initial phase of redevelopment focuses on two main tracts of land. The first is north of the railway line and bordered by the Pinelands suburb and Elsieskraal canal.
The second tract is not part of the golf course, and is bounded by the N2 and Jan Smuts Drive.
The portion south of the railway line, which houses the Golf Clubhouse, faces significant accessibility challenges and will be considered in future phases.
In line with the City’s 2009 Floodplain and River Corridor Management Policy, portions of these sites below the 1:100 year flood zone will remain designated as open space, preserving the natural green and blue infrastructure functioning of the river system.
The current lessee, a registered Not-for-Profit organisation, is responsible for the estimated R6 million annual maintenance and security cost of the property, aside from the R12 714 (VAT inclusive) per annum golf tariff applicable to all City-owned courses for the 2024/25 financial year.
Over the years, the current lessee has made significant contributions to the property’s upgrades.
Pending Council authorisation later this month, the City said it will provide further details on the public participation process for the release of the land for mixed-use development.