- The Bo-Kaap Civic and Ratepayers Association says it is optimistic about proposed redevelopment plans for the Strand Street Quarry.
- The quarry, one of three quarries in the Bo-Kaap and a national heritage site, is located in Strand Street and borders the Bo-Kaap and De Waterkant.
- Residents have until Monday 4 December to comment on the first draft-concept design.
The Bo-Kaap Civic and Ratepayers Association says it is optimistic about proposed redevelopment plans for the Strand Street Quarry.
The first draft-concept design for the proposed redevelopment is currently open for public comment until Monday 4 December.
The quarry is located in Strand Street and borders the Bo-Kaap and De Waterkant. It is one of three quarries in the Bo-Kaap and a national heritage site.
The proposed redevelopment would turn the site into a multi-use community precinct that integrates sports, culture, economic activities and tourism in a unique setting.
The City of Cape Town says given the quarry is part of a national heritage site, and in close proximity to the Bo-Kaap, the Noon Gun and Table Mountain National Park, the design integrates tourism-related activities and proposals to preserve and celebrate the rich heritage of the surrounding communities.
Osman Shabodien, chair of the Bo-Kaap Civic and Ratepayers Association, said: “At least we have something on paper now that tells us exactly what is going to happen at the quarry. The Bo-Kaap never had a proper sports facility, and the Strand Street Quarry lends itself to that. It is a neglected site by the City. Now it is time to resurrect the quarry.”
He said the quarry should be preserved for its rich history.
“It was the first quarry in South Africa. Those stones built the Castle of Good Hope.”
The respect that we must show in our heritage and history is to recognise the history of that quarry without any reservation.
The stones there are bloodied from slaves and everybody else.”
Shabodien said he hopes the proposed plans will not take years to come to fruition.
“Most of us still want to be alive to kick the first ball on that field there. We see the quarry now as an opportunity not only from a sports point of view, but also a tourism point of view. Hopefully it will stimulate tourism in the Bo-Kaap from a community perspective.”
Shabodien said the redevelopment of the site will also solve the issue of people occupying it.
“We will have to address the issue of the people living there,” he said. “People living there are living in terrible conditions, for there are no ablution facilities, nor is there any shelter.
“It is about time the City came on board and got those people some proper housing. We are quite excited about this.”
Eddie Andrews, Deputy Mayor and Mayco Member for Spatial Planning and the Environment, said the concept design process for the quarry started in March this year.
He added obtaining public comment on this draft concept is the first step in an ongoing engagement process to make this facility a reality.
“I want to thank the civic associations, sports groups, community organisations and residents for the time they set aside for the collaboration, and for the trust they put in us and this ongoing process.”
Shabodien urged residents to add their comments.
“We encourage people to get involved in this public comment process. Then people can say they were part of it. Ultimately it is for the people.”
A public open day will take place on Wednesday 15 November from 13:00 to 19:00 at the community hall on the corner of Strand and Hudson Street, Bo-Kaap.
