Studies to aid District Six spatial planning

THE City has appointed consultants to conduct a Water Study and Public Realm Study within District Six, to assist in the spatial planning and vision for the area.

During a virtual meeting on the progress made with the draft neighbourhood plan or Local Spatial Development Framework (LSDF), held yesterday, the City called on the community to provide assistance.

The Water Study will establish where existing underground and surface water resources are located, and how the water can be used in a sustainable way.

The Public Realm Study is an in-depth analysis of all the public spaces and places in and related to District Six. The consultancy team working on this study consists of experts in urban design, architecture, heritage, landscaping, and town planning.

The team will undertake research and conduct an analysis of the public open spaces that existed before the forced removals and existing public open spaces, and in alignment with what is proposed through the national government's housing plans.

Community representatives and the consultants will be working together in shaping the design guidelines of the public spaces and street fronts and will identify the first projects to be prioritised.

“The City is, through the consultants, facilitating a process for collaboration about the public realm. The public realm is more than a park, it is also the spaces between buildings such as streets, squares, green spaces, and pedestrian areas that are freely accessible to people.

“The Public Realm Study will go into the finer detail of how we foresee the activities happening in and around the spaces where the community gets together and interacts. The public realm will play a pivotal role in re-establishing this once vibrant neighbourhood, and contribute to creating a sense of belonging and remembrance, opportunity and prosperity,” said Mayco member for spatial planning and environment, Marian Nieuwoudt.

Community representatives will be sought and invited to workshops with the consultants.

The Water Study and Public Realm Study will also inform the draft LSDF, which will be available for public participation and comment within the next few months.

Lead consultant Khalied Jacobs of Jakupa Architects and Urban Designers said: “We state that we won't necessarily always agree on solutions, but that we will collaboratively work and negotiate what the solutions are.”

For more information, email D6.publicrealmstrategy@capetown. gov.za