CT earmarks derelict sites in Parow for social housing

The sites that have been identified for development are grouped into four sub-precincts, and are broadly speaking located in the vicinity of the railway stations in Parow, Tygerberg, Elsies River, and Avondale.

The sites are either derelict, underused, or undeveloped. Given the proximity to the railway stations and the easy access to public transport services, these sites are considered to be ideally located for the development of affordable rental units (otherwise known as social housing) for families with a monthly household income of between R1,500 and R15,000.

Addressing crime and anti-social behaviour

“Some of these sites are parking lots that are not being used, and others are run-down city-owned buildings that could be converted or demolished. Those who are currently living in the vicinity of these sites will be aware of the crime and anti-social behaviour. By making these sites available for the development of affordable rental units we are tackling many challenges at once,” said the city’s mayoral committee member for transport and urban development, Councillor Brett Herron.

“Local residents from Parow will benefit because it will halt the anti-social behaviour, and crime and grime that are associated with these unused sites; the new investment will halt the further degeneration of the areas surrounding the stations; it will lure investment from the private sector that could regenerate the greater Parow-area; and we could provide households with affordable rental units in complexes that are well-managed and conducive to family life.”

Parow Precinct Development Plan

The city’s Transport and Urban Development Authority (TDA) presented the proposed Parow Precinct Development Plan, consisting of the four sub-precincts, to Subcouncil 4 on Tuesday, 14 August 2018, and to Subcouncil 6 on Thursday, 16 August 2018. The sub-precincts fall within these aubcouncils and both subcouncils gave their in-principle support for the proposal during these meetings. Next, the city will submit the proposal to council for in-principle approval that the city can dispose of the sites and assets.

Together, the four sub-precincts consist of 10.3 hectares. It is estimated that these sites could be developed over time to provide at least 6,000 affordable rental units that are located within walking distance of railway stations and other public transport services, shopping centres, schools, and public services.

Several of these sites will have to be rezoned prior to any development being permitted. The support from the subcouncils to facilitate investment, and improving these derelict sites is the first important step in rejuvenating the area.

“It is also important to note that Parow is relatively close to the Cape Town central business district (CBD) and located within the Voortrekker Road Corridor Integration Zone (VRCIZ) – one of three integration zones where the city will, during our term of office, spend the bulk of our capital budget on infrastructure aimed to transform Cape Town’s spatial reality.

Getting ahead of gentrification

“The sites are strategically placed in the Voortrekker Road Corridor between the city’s two most important commercial and jobs hubs – the city centre and Bellville, with good access to other important economic nodes like Maitland, Goodwood and Salt River. We have already seen some renewed private sector interest and investment in Parow which could, in the long-term, displace some of the area’s residents due to rising prices. Thus, we also want to get ahead of this phenomenon, often called ‘gentrification’, by developing subsidised rental units for qualifying vulnerable households. In so doing we will ensure that as house and rental prices in Parow rise, the area will always have some affordable rental homes available, and in perpetuity,” said Herron.

It is proposed that the Parow Station sub-precinct should be developed first. The sub-precinct consists of seven city-owned parking lots that are barely used. The parking lots are located between Voortrekker Road and McIntyre Street, within close proximity to the Parow Station. An estimated 950 affordable rental units could be developed on these sites.

The other sub-precincts will take longer to develop as the city needs to acquire some of the sites that are proposed to form part of the precincts – the TDA will continue with the conceptual planning while the Parow Station sub-precinct is being developed.