Conradie Better Living Model Game Changer
The Conradie Better Living Model Game Changer is one of 7 Game Changers that have been prioritised by the Western Cape Government to improve the lives of citizens in the province.
This project envisages the development of the 22 hectare former Conradie Hospital site into an integrated, sustainable, and affordable residentially-led, mixed-use neighbourhood. This multi-million rand project will be developed through a partnership between the Western Cape Government, the City of Cape Town, and the private sector.
Currently, there’s a shortage of well-located affordable houses close to employment and economic opportunities in the City of Cape Town. This challenge is compounded by the thousands of people moving, from rural areas and other provinces, to the City each year in search of a better life.
The proposed Better Living Model Game Changer will assist in alleviating this problem by creating affordable, integrated housing opportunities close to the Cape Town CBD.
The project could also serve as a blueprint for how we can unlock the economic potential of state-owned property in the future.
We believe the Better Living Game Changer could also serve as a model for other municipalities faced with similar apartheid-era spatial challenges. It is envisaged that this game changing development will result in:
- a high-density, high-rise, residentially led development;
- commercial and retail business opportunities;
- a safe and secure environment;
- active streets, low car dependencies and walkable living spaces;
- parks and other well-designed recreational spaces;
- new schools;
- the integration of different communities and income groups; and
- government and public services being brought closer to citizens.
The site
The Conradie Better Living Model site is located to the west of Thornton and the northeast of Pinelands. It’s bordered to the west by the railway line, to the south east by the Elsiesriver canal and to the north by Forest Drive Extension. The site is also within walking distance of both the Mutual and Thornton railway stations.
One of the benefits of this site’s location is its close proximity to established public transport modes, including access to the Metrorail service, and existing public transport routes. There’s also the potential for the expansion of other public transport modes, for example the MyCiti bus service, which will significantly reduce residents’ reliance on private vehicles.
The site will also have interconnected footpaths and cycling infrastructure as part of an integrated non-motorised transport plan for the area.
Living and business spaces
The Department of Human Settlements has indicated that, out of the more than 3000 residential units built, 49% of the residential development must be allocated to grant-funded housing, which will consist of social housing, FLISP (Finance Linked Individual Subsidy Programme) housing and rent-to-buy housing units.
The remaining 51% of the residential units will be made available to the open market. .
There is also a growing need in the Metro for decentralised centres of business, as with the increase in office accommodation in the southern suburbs of Claremont, Rondebosch, and Newlands. People are increasingly looking to work outside of the CBD to avoid traffic congestion and travel times in and out of the City during peak times.
This proposed development will offer 10 000m² of retail space and 14 500m² of commercial space, which will stimulate small business growth in the area.
This multi-billion rand investment will also stimulate economic growth and jobs – we estimate that during the construction phase, an estimated 2 000 jobs will be created as a direct result of the construction activities.
The proposed development includes schools and a number of parks and green spaces to meet the educational and recreational needs of households moving into the area. The project also envisages the implementation of green technology for energy, water, and waste management, adding further to its efficiency and sustainability.
Making our province Better Together
We believe this development could make a major contribution towards providing citizens with a place where people can Live, Work, Play and Learn, within a connected, safe and socially inclusive environment, while also helping to reduce the current housing backlog.
We have dedicated resources to the Better Living Model Game Changer, and are committed to finding new and innovative ways to better leverage government properties for the most economic gains.
The Better Living Model Game Changer will assist in alleviating this problem by creating affordable, integrated housing opportunities close to the Cape Town CBD. In doing so, we’ll also be able to showcase how partnerships between government and the private sector can be leveraged to deliver well located housing opportunities across the province.
We look forward to working closely with partner departments, the City of Cape Town, and our private sector partners in successfully implementing this residentially led development over the next few years.
Let's get started
Please take this opportunity to share your thoughts or express your interest on this proposed development.