TOWN PLANNING BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT OF CENTURY CITY by Geoff Underwood , Planning Partners
Background Canal Walk shopping centre is the main feature of Century City , which is a large mixed use project currently being developed on a 200 hectare site within the Cape metropolitan area . While much attention has focused on the shopping centre , the project as a whole is interesting from a town planning and developmental perspective . Century City was conceived by Monex in 1995 and is notable , not only in terms of its scale , but also for its strategic location , as well as the varied and integrated range of activities and innovative approach to development planning control .
The site is particularly well located , adjacent to the N1 freeway , which is the main approach road into Cape Town from the north . It enjoys direct access from the freeway at several points and has the potential for railway services to its boundary . The boldness of vision has surprised many , but what is remarkable is the rapid progress which has been achieved since the property was rezoned , and the environmental engineering which has transformed the wetland . Initial controversy and probable misunderstanding about the project , on what was originally a seriously handicapped site , has now resulted in a successful wetland using recycled water and supporting a wide range of plant and bird life . Not only is the wetland environmentally attractive but it also forms an integral part of the storm water management system . It enhances the real estate value of the site and increases the amenities for residents and visitors alike .
While credit for the rapid pace of development is due to the developer , it has been assisted , in no small measure , by the supportive and pro-active role of Blaauwberg Municipality , the local authority responsible for the area . Their support included acceptance of a flexible development management system , based in part on the “ package of plans ” approach used at the Waterfront , but refined by Planning Partners to suit the particular needs of Century City . This system provides the developer with the scope and flexibility to respond to market forces and emerging real estate possibilities , including a floating bulk which is assigned to individual land units as they become available for development . At the same time , the system provides the local authority with sufficient checks and balances to manage the development process in the public interest .
Planning Principles A central feature of the site is the urban water body or grand canal , around which is located the regional shopping centre ( Canal Walk ). The shopping centre is extensively covered elsewhere in this article , but it is worth noting the size , design detail and mix between retail and entertainment ,
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