The City of Cape Town held an Open Day this past Saturday, 11 October, to discuss details of a proposed mixed-use development along Kromboom Road and 7th Avenue in Rondebosch East. This plan has sparked both interest and concern in the community.

READ: Vacant City-land in Rondebosch East earmarked for mixed-use development

The vacant land, earmarked for the Kromboom Road/7th Avenue Development, forms part of a broader proposal that includes up to 800 social housing units, retail outlets, and upgrades to surrounding roads and green spaces. A second nearby project, the Smuts Road Development, proposes an additional 555 social housing units.

The City says the Open Day, although not a legislative requirement, was intended to enhance the public participation process and ensure that residents remain part of ongoing discussions.

According to the City, a formal public participation process already took place between 13 September and 13 October 2024, during which all comments and objections were considered and responded to.

“No land use approvals have been granted yet,” the City confirmed, adding that the project will still go through additional statutory processes related to land use, heritage, and environmental applications.

Mayoral Committee Member for Human Settlements, Carl Pophaim, said the City was excited to present a “beautiful, modern and environmentally-sensitive” development in one of Cape Town’s key urban areas.

However, the Civic Association of Rondebosch East (CARE) has cautioned residents to distinguish between Open Days and formal Public Participation Processes (PPP). CARE Chairperson Rashard Davids said an Open Day is an informal engagement and not a legally binding step in the approval process.

“Only a formal PPP allows residents’ objections and comments to be officially recorded and considered,” he said.

CARE has also raised concerns about transparency, access to planning documents, environmental impact on protected land, and the potential strain on local infrastructure such as roads, sewage and water systems.

Davids urged residents to remain informed and to verify whether future City notices refer to official statutory processes.

“Communities like Rondebosch East must be part of fair, transparent and lawful development, not merely informed after decisions are made,” he said.

The City says the proposed development remains subject to a competitive bidding process and no final approvals have been granted.