ishkaskar
August 23rd, 2011, 11:39 AM
Salt River to prosper from ambitious rail plan
It's a model that has worked across the globe: Greenwich Village in Manhattan did it, Canary Wharf in London did it, and now Cape Town's industrial suburb Salt River is pegged for an urban regeneration project that some developers say is set to transform Cape Town, making it Africa's biggest redevelopment project to date.
The Western Cape Department of Transport and Public Works has set aside R20 billion to implement bold plans to sink the train lines between Salt River and the CBD of Cape Town.
If an artist's rendition is anything to go by, within 20 years, the place famed for the oldest train station in the country will be rendered an urban utopia, says independent architect Majedi Joseph.
"What was once the heart of Cape Town's industrial textile district is fast becoming the trendiest design hub of the city. As a result of Salt River's redevelopment project, advertising agencies, galleries, artists, designers and photographers have transplanted their businesses to the area, and an inclusive neighbourhood has attracted a new kind of tenant and more consumers for local business.
"With plans to develop the space above the sunken train lines, developments are on the rise, with boutique hotels, museums and cinemas at the top of the list. This design hub has the potential to stimulate the economy at a grass-roots level, initiating sustainable economic and social solutions, and improving the quality of life for all parties involved."
"The story of Salt River is a phenomenal one. What was once an industrial precinct with very little to offer is slowly transforming into a modern hub of mixed-use commercial and residential space. We hope to attract like-minded investors in turning this area into one of the city's most sought-after suburbs."
It's a model that has worked across the globe: Greenwich Village in Manhattan did it, Canary Wharf in London did it, and now Cape Town's industrial suburb Salt River is pegged for an urban regeneration project that some developers say is set to transform Cape Town, making it Africa's biggest redevelopment project to date.
The Western Cape Department of Transport and Public Works has set aside R20 billion to implement bold plans to sink the train lines between Salt River and the CBD of Cape Town.
If an artist's rendition is anything to go by, within 20 years, the place famed for the oldest train station in the country will be rendered an urban utopia, says independent architect Majedi Joseph.
"What was once the heart of Cape Town's industrial textile district is fast becoming the trendiest design hub of the city. As a result of Salt River's redevelopment project, advertising agencies, galleries, artists, designers and photographers have transplanted their businesses to the area, and an inclusive neighbourhood has attracted a new kind of tenant and more consumers for local business.
"With plans to develop the space above the sunken train lines, developments are on the rise, with boutique hotels, museums and cinemas at the top of the list. This design hub has the potential to stimulate the economy at a grass-roots level, initiating sustainable economic and social solutions, and improving the quality of life for all parties involved."
"The story of Salt River is a phenomenal one. What was once an industrial precinct with very little to offer is slowly transforming into a modern hub of mixed-use commercial and residential space. We hope to attract like-minded investors in turning this area into one of the city's most sought-after suburbs."