The City of Cape Town has officially approved the release of portions of the King David Mowbray Golf Course for mixed-use development, with a strong focus on affordable housing. This strategic decision enhances access to key employment centres, essential amenities, and nearby residential areas, positioning the site for integrated development.
Following the expiration of its long-term lease in 2022, the King David Mowbray Golf Club entered into a new ten-year lease in May 2024. A notable aspect of this agreement includes a two-year cancellation clause, granting the City flexibility in planning municipal infrastructure upgrades as necessary.
The designated land spans 42.8 hectares, carrying a market valuation of R171 million, as determined by a desktop assessment conducted in March 2024. The City plans to offer development rights through an open and competitive process, accompanied by a comprehensive land-use application aimed at securing mixed-use development rights to maximise the site’s potential. According to Alderman James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, revenue generated from the land sale will contribute positively to the municipality’s budget.
Since 2015, the municipality has conducted various studies assessing the viability of mixed-use development within and surrounding the site. A pre-feasibility study completed in 2022 informed the development guidelines that have now been incorporated into the 2023 Table Bay District Plan.
The initial phase of redevelopment will target two primary plots: one situated north of the railway line, bordered by the Pinelands suburb and the Elsieskraal Canal, and the second tract located south of the railway line, adjacent to the N2 and Jan Smuts Drive, which is not part of the golf course. It is important to note that the area south of the railway line, housing the golf clubhouse, presents significant accessibility challenges and will be addressed in subsequent development phases.
In accordance with the City’s 2009 Floodplain and River Corridor Management Policy, portions of the site located within the 1:100-year flood zone will remain designated as open space, thereby reinforcing the natural ecological function of the river system.
The current leaseholder, a registered Not-for-Profit organisation, is managing the estimated R6 million annual maintenance and security costs of the property, in addition to a golf tariff exceeding R12,000 per annum for all City-owned courses during the 2024/2025 financial year. The organisation has made substantial investments in property upgrades over the years.
Pending Council authorisation expected in late October 2024, the City will provide further information regarding the public participation process related to the land’s release for mixed-use development.
