The City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee has approved the initiation of a public participation process to release the iconic Good Hope Centre site for redevelopment to unlock its immense economic potential while promoting the heritage of this Mother City landmark.
Commence public participation
The proposal now advances to the City Council on Thursday, 5 December for authorisation to commence public participation.
The City’s proposal envisions retaining the Good Hope Centre’s iconic dome while optimising the surrounding space for mixed-use potential.
Alderman James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth said the proposed redevelopment aims to balance heritage preservation with the creation of a vibrant, modern precinct that meets Cape Town’s urban and economic needs.
Proposed features include:
• A pedestrian-friendly forecourt
• Ground-floor retail spaces
• Residential and commercial units
• Structured underground parking to maximise land use
‘Revitalising the Good Hope Centre through private sector investment is critical to preserving its legacy while ensuring its optimal use for the benefit of Cape Town residents. This approach will enable the site to thrive as a functional and economically active space, contributing to our city’s growth and prosperity.
‘This proposed redevelopment project aligns with Cape Town’s broader goals of economic growth, job creation, and attracting investment, as outlined in the City’s Integrated Development Plan. It will catalyse regeneration in the precinct, provide vibrant community spaces, and secure long-term revenue for the City that can be ploughed back into services and infrastructure delivery,’ said Alderman Vos.
Currently, the Good Hope Centre site is leased on a month-to-month basis, generating R520 000 per month.
However, private sector investment is required to sustainably unlock the site’s immense economic potential through mixed-use development.
Redevelopment of the facility is essential for various reasons, including:
1. Enhancing Infrastructure: Introducing mixed-use spaces with residential, commercial, and retail components, along with pedestrian-friendly zones and underground parking.
2. Driving Economic Growth: Creating jobs, stimulating local businesses, and attracting private investment.
3. Preserving Heritage: Retaining the iconic dome as a centrepiece while integrating it into a modern, vibrant precinct.
4. Ensuring Sustainability: Enabling the development of a well-maintained and active precinct that meets the needs of the community.
Engaging the public
‘The Good Hope Centre is a vital part of Cape Town’s fabric. We are committed to ensuring that its future is carefully considered and developed in consultation with our residents. Once approved by Council, we will announce the details of the public participation process to keep all interested parties informed and involved.
‘We look forward to working with the public to shape the future of this iconic site together,’ said Alderman Vos.
About the Good Hope Centre
• Location: Erf 161669, 11 Sir Lowry Road, Cape Town
• Size: 24 843m²
• Established: Built in 1976 as an exhibition hall and conference centre for Cape Town
• Design: Created by Pier Luigi Nervi, a renowned Modernist Italian architect
• Features: Includes the iconic dome-shaped Main Hall, Drommedaris Hall, Reyger Hall, Goedehoop Hall, and parking facilities (surface-level and basement).
The Good Hope Centre holds historical and architectural significance. It served as a socio-cultural hub during apartheid, hosting numerous public events and competitions, and its structural design marked an engineering milestone, featuring the largest precast concrete roof cross-vault in the world at the time of its construction.
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