Tafelberg housing project opens for public submissions
The proposed redevelopment of the former Tafelberg School site in Sea Point could provide about 440 residential units, with public comments due October 20.
Residents of Cape Town are invited to submit their opinions on the proposed approval of the Tafelberg site for the construction of social housing units. This development was mentioned by Western Cape Premier Alan Winde when he listed Tafelberg as one of nine sites selected for social and affordable housing projects within the central business district.
Winde mentioned this in a submission to the Western Cape High Court in compliance with a Constitutional Court order. The Constitutional Court had earlier ruled that the City of Cape Town and the Western Cape government were not fulfilling their duty to address spatial inequality by providing affordable housing in the city's CBD.
Winde stated that the Western Cape Government has already made progress towards affordable housing in and near the CBD. The Tafelberg project is currently in the pre-packaging phase, pending land use approval. An open house was held on September 22, 2026, for public input. The public has until October 20 to lodge objections. The notice published on September 11 stated that the application aims to redevelop part of the former Tafelberg School site on 353 Main Road, Sea Point.
The proposed mixed-use residential development will consist of approximately 440 units, including market-rate and affordable or social housing, as well as retail spaces, parking, and associated infrastructure. The existing Ellerslie/Tafelberg School building and forecourt area will be separated from the development site and considered separately by the Western Cape Government Department of Social Development.
Winde mentioned that heritage-related approvals are needed for the proposed development within the Sea Point Heritage Protection Overlay Zone. This approval would permit alterations to a heritage place, such as the demolition of structures like the current Ellerslie/Tafelberg School building and forecourt. The City is expected to approve the land use application by March 2027, allowing the project to be packaged for market and tendered once planning approval is secured.
Other upcoming affordable housing projects include Founders Garden, Leeulop, PPTL, Mandarin Court, Helen Bowden, Oude Moulen, Conradie Park Phase 3, and Maitland - 2 Long Street. Winde noted that the Founders Garden bid was finalized on October 5, and public comments will be accepted before the provincial Cabinet reviews it in November.
The Leeulop project is already open for public comment and is anticipated for a final decision in October. Tenders for the PPTL project have concluded, with the project currently under evaluation. Financial feasibility assessments and market packaging are planned for next year. The Helen Bowden project, associated with lawful occupation, is also in the packaging phase.
Oude Moulen, a contentious development that received 3,104 objections, may face potential court challenges, which could significantly extend the timeline. The Conradie Park Phase 3 project's construction is complete, with a handover scheduled for December, while Maitland - 2 Long Street has faced difficulties obtaining accreditation from the Social Housing Regulatory Authority, further complicating its timeline.
Written by urgent.news from IOL's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
