The Tafelberg site in Sea Point, Cape Town, has been earmarked for the development of social housing units, and residents can now make submissions on the planned approval. Western Cape Premier Alan Winde listed Tafelberg among nine sites for social and affordable housing projects in the CBD. This follows a Constitutional Court ruling in July that found the City of Cape Town and the Western Cape government failed to comply with their constitutional obligation to redress spatial injustice.
The Tafelberg project is currently in the pre-packaging phase, with the Western Cape government awaiting land use approval. An open house was held on September 22, 2026, and members of the public have until October 20 to submit objections. The application seeks to enable the redevelopment of a portion of the former Tafelberg School site on 353 Main Road, Sea Point. The planned development includes a mixed-use residential development comprising approximately 440 residential units.
The existing Ellerslie/Tafelberg School building and forecourt area are proposed to be subdivided from the development site and retained for future use by the Western Cape Government Department of Social Development. The project also requires heritage-related approvals to permit the proposed development within the Sea Point Heritage Protection Overlay Zone. This entails the alteration of a heritage place through the demolition of structures.
Premier Winde said the City was expected to approve the land use application by March 2027. Simultaneously, the project will be packaged for market so that it can go out to tender as soon as planning approval is obtained. Other affordable housing projects in the pipeline include Founders Garden, Leeulop, PPTL, Mandarin Court, Helen Bowden, Oude Moulen, Conradie Park Phase 3, and Maitland - 2 Long Street.
The Leeulop project is already out for public comment and is expected before the provincial Cabinet for a final decision in October. Tenders have closed for the PPTL project, which is currently being evaluated. Mandarin Court is in the packaging stage, with financial feasibility and market packaging to follow. The Helen Bowden project, associated with lawful occupation, is also in the packaging stage.
Premier Winde said the construction of the Conradie Park Phase 3 project was completed, and handover was scheduled for December. However, the Maitland - 2 Long Street project had struggled to obtain accreditation from the Social Housing Regulatory Authority, making it difficult to provide a timeline. The Oude Moulen project attracted 3,104 objections and may face court challenges, potentially extending the process.
The Western Cape government is taking steps to address spatial injustice and provide well-located social and affordable housing in the Cape Town CBD. Premier Winde's affidavit to the Western Cape High Court highlights the government's efforts to lead affordable housing in and close to the CBD. The Tafelberg project and other initiatives aim to address the city's housing needs and promote social and economic integration.
Key points
- The Tafelberg site in Sea Point, Cape Town, is being considered for the development of approximately 440 social housing units.
- Public submissions on the Tafelberg project are open until October 20, 2026.
- The Western Cape government has nine social and affordable housing projects in the pipeline in Cape Town's CBD.
