Urban Design Policy Revamp: Cape Town to Enhance Public Spaces

The City of Cape Town has officially revised its Urban Design Policy, strategizing to create spaces that are vibrant, safe and economically viable, as well as sustainable and socially inclusive. The updated policy aims to enhance public spaces and strengthen the sense of local identity.

The City invites all urban design professionals, stakeholders, and residents alike to familiarize themselves with the newly revised policy guidelines and provide their feedback by the 30th of October, 2023. Alderman Eddie Andrews, the City's Deputy Mayor and part of the mayoral committee for spatial planning and environment, emphasized the importance of community-centricity in design. 'Design will be used to transform spaces, infusing them with purpose, relevance and meaning', Andrews said.

Andrews further noted that the updated Urban Design Policy aligns with the principles of inclusivity and sustainability. The policy is aimed at development professionals, such as architects, developers, and engineers. However, residents, landowners, business proprietors, and community groups have been encouraged to engage with the updated policy.

The policy revision has a set of core principles and a range of objectives aiming to create a resilient, integrated, inclusive and efficient Cape Town, aligning with the City’s Integrated Development Plan. It focuses on implementation at the local level, influencing the areas where people reside, work, socialize, and recreate.

Upon approval, the policy will be used by the City's Development Management Department as a point of reference in assessing development applications and launching City-led projects. Residents, homeowners and community organizations will find the revised policy a useful tool guiding private improvement initiatives in their neighborhoods.