Zandvlei Trust

Comment on the Princessvlei shopping centre proposal - October 2010.

24 October 2010

To: Mellissa Mc James
Project Administrator
Chand Environmental Consultants
PO Box 238
Plumstead, 7801
Cape Town

tel: 021 762 3050
fax: 021 762 3240
email: info@chand.co.za

Proposed development of Shopping Centre, Grassy Park Ref No.: E12/2/3/6-A5/398-0036/09.

Dear Sirs,
On behalf of Zandvlei Trust, we object to the proposed development from the applicants.
The land should revert to public open space and not be zoned for business rights. An undesirable taxi hub with a business node is not what local people want for this site.

During the entire application periods, respondents from the community and interest groups have highlighted many flaws in this unsolicited bid to develop the site. At the times of the EIA public process, no alternative or no go option was discussed or considered publicly. It is well known that the previous MEC approved the project as political mischief, as it was just prior to him leaving his office.

Local community organisations and interest groups highlighted cultural and historic input was not considered for the application process either.

There is a vision by local community members, that Princessvlei be retained as a public open park for recreational use by all residents of Cape Town.

Currently on the south eastern corner, a successful working agreement with various City authorities is in progress with the planting of local indigenous plants to help rehabilitate the remaining Sand Plain Fynbos areas, assisting the City to achieve the national biodiversity targets for the various vegetation types.
I am reliably informed that the landscaping for an amphitheatre on the south side of the vlei has been completed. This is for the future public entertainment similar to Kirstenbosch gardens. This area can accommodate a large number of people seated on the ground.

The Eco Village on the western shore also fits in with the park theme.

Another vision is to link the Table Mountain National Park to Princessvlei as part of the well documented Source to Sea project, incorporating the legend of the Khoi princess. This link will be via the green corridors and pavements for walking and possibly bicycles.

Open spaces in the suburban built City are becoming ever more vital for recreational, spiritual and the mental well-being of its citizens.
Places to de-stress from the pressures of our modern lifestyles are what many citizens of Cape Town are requiring. A sense of place, with open, non-built vistas help stressed people cope with their realities, by being able to walk, run, be pushed in a pram or wheel chair in such areas.

Thank you.

Gavin Lawson and Bowen Boshier.