Still long wait until Athlone towers property development

Capetonians shouldn't hold their breath for movement on the R1 billion Athlone towers site happening any time soon - the "decommissioning" phase of the former power plant along is to take at least three years.

This will be followed by proposals and the appointment of a consultant to advise the city on the type of development.

City of Cape Town spokesperson Kylie Hatton said "a number of processes" still need to be concluded "before we turn a sod".

The city released the results of a pre-feasibility study, which found the site was financially viable and that a mixed-use development would be the most suitable and financially sustainable option.

"The site is feasible for development... It used to be a power site so it first needs to be decommissioned. There's a lot of prepatory work that still needs to be done before we make proposals," said Hatton.

The city spent several months investigating and analysing possible "scenarios" for the site and held several meetings with the public and engaged with the surrounding communities of Langa and Pinelands.

The proposal was for the land use to be split between housing, public institutions, commercial and business use, retail, light industry, and the upgraded Athlone refuse transfer station.

The housing component is also expected to be made up of about 800 flats and units of group housing targeted at the middle-income market.

Cape Times

Posted at 07:58AM May 04, 2012 by Editor in Cities and Towns  |