Real Estate Investor Magazine South Africa July/August 2019 | Page 14

MASTER INVESTOR
Thus, Bellville has been identified as one of the priority areas
where we will either invest in the improvement of existing
public transport infrastructure or provide new public transport
infrastructure to ignite urban renewal, economic growth, and
job creation. The purpose of transit-oriented development in
this instance is to create a sustainable living environment and
economy in the Bellville CBD – initiated by the City through
investment in public transport and followed on by private
investment in new developments in the immediate vicinity and
surroundings of the public transport infrastructure.
It will take a concerted effort from all stakeholders – from the
City, to other spheres of government, the private sector, business, takes over passenger rail in a structured and incremental manner
as this will allow the City to plan ahead, to acquire the necessary
skills, and to develop the additional capacity needed to ensure the
long-term sustainability of the service.
community organisations and residents – to realise the vision as
set out above. How we work together and cooperate will have a
profound impact on the timelines for the regeneration of Bellville
going forward,” said Plato.
Speaking on how this will fit in with Bellville’s role within the
Spatial Development Framework, Mayor Plato points out that,
“Bellville falls within the Voortrekker Road Corridor Integration
Zone (VRCIZ) which hosts the business districts of Bellville,
Maitland, Parow, Goodwood and Salt River.
There is significant potential for renewal and redevelopment
given the excellent location of the VRCIZ and the diverse range
of land uses in terms of residential, commercial, retail, industrial
and public facilities. The central areas have enormous potential
for employment and skills development, but is in need of
regeneration.
We will focus on the spatial restructuring of the VRCIZ by
addressing the public transport capacity constraints and freight
movement along Voortrekker Road; and the inefficient and
unproductive use of public land.” The City has advertised for the appointment of a multi-
disciplinary team with specialist skills and experience in railway
operations and engineering, as well as business re-engineering
and development, track and structures, rolling stock, signalling,
concessions, electrical systems and stations. Once appointed, the
multi-disciplinary team will assist the City with the investigation
into the feasibility of the assignment of the urban rail function
to the City, and on the basis of this study, provide a detailed plan
for an incremental and sustainable devolution of the urban rail
functions.
First, the specialists will evaluate and set out the options for
assignment – thus, whether the rail function should be assigned
to the City in part, or in whole. This initial phase will establish
options for the City’s business model, the financial and other risks,
and the resource acquisition, inclusive of the personnel and other
assets. The initial phase will be subject to review and approval by
Council. Once approved by Council, this will be followed up with a
detailed business plan for the assignment.
In light of the City’s plans to take over the Metrorail network
there is the potential to unlock the Bellville/Parow area, particularly
for the 400,000 plus daily commuters in in this area but the Mayor
feels it is way too early to make any predictions about the possible
impact.
“The City Council on 26 October 2017 approved the Business
Plan for the assignment of the urban rail function to the City of
Cape Town. The approved Business Plan proposes that the City
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JULY/AUGUST 2019 SA Real Estate Investor Magazine
The assignment of the urban rail service will have long-term
implications for residents and commuters. It will affect our long-
term spatial planning and our local economy. It will, importantly,
also have an impact on Prasa, being the rail operator, its divisions
and personnel, and its service providers. Thus, whatever we do
must be done with the utmost care and diligence, and must
adhere to the highest professional standards.
The assignment must be feasible, and will be divided into
phases. Before each phase the decision makers will have to
evaluate the impact and consequences, needs and other key
considerations before the City will commit to any functions.
We’re determined to restore commuters’ faith in passenger rail
as it should be the backbone of public transport in Cape Town.
However, we need to do this in a responsible manner by being
fully aware of the financial risks involved and by ensuring we’re