Development of the Northern Growth Corridor in Cape Town: towards a more sustainable city
Master Thesis
2015
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University of Cape Town
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The urban form of many South Africa cities is often considered unsustainable as it is based on the modernist and apartheid city models which have led to urban sprawl, fragmentation and the separation of land uses and activities within cities. These trends of development are exacerbated by the current high levels of urbanisation, population growth and in-migration that many metropolitan areas of the country are experiencing. Cape Town is experiencing significantly high levels of growth which is accompanied by increasing levels of poverty, unemployment and inequality. This growth is also causing uncontrolled urban development that is encroaching into valuable agricultural land and sensitive environmental areas. This dissertation seeks to demonstrate how urban growth should be accommodated and managed in Cape Town to meet the needs of urban residents and to promote a more sustainable urban environment. There are limited future spatial growth options available in Cape Town as valuable agricultural land, coastlines and topographical constraints limit possible future growth options. The dissertation presents a development framework for the area to the north of Durbanville in Cape Town. The analysis which was undertaken on the site revealed that it is environmentally sensitive and has valuable agricultural land. The plan therefore proposes a system of dense and integrated urban corridors that are enclosed by intensive agricultural activity to minimise the negative effects of development on the site. This form of development gives rise to opportunities to reduce urban sprawl and to bring urban residents closer to economic and social opportunities. Ultimately the plan advocates for a more sustainable and inclusive urban environment that represents the great need for accommodating future growth in Cape Town.
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Reference:
Botha, M. 2015. Development of the Northern Growth Corridor in Cape Town: towards a more sustainable city. University of Cape Town.