Camps Bay Library sale sparks community outrage

The City of Cape Town's Economic Growth Directorate proposes selling public land, including the Camps Bay Library and adjacent parking, to stimulate private sector-led economic development and job creation which has been met with strong opposition by ratepayers.

The City states the properties aren't needed for basic municipal services and aim to optimize them for retail and commercial use.

Instead a new library is planned near the existing one, with details emerging during a land use application. 

The City is currently seeking public comments on the proposed disposal but the irate Camps Bay and Clifton Ratepayers Association (CBCRA) said they strongly oppose the sale, deeming it premature and harmful to the character of the sensitive village. 

They also criticize the lack of traffic, heritage, and parking impact assessments and the absence of a concrete alternative library site.

The City’s Economic Growth Directorate explained the sale prospects: “The proposed disposal is strategically motivated to unlock private sector-led development opportunities, which aligns with the City’s broader agenda for economic growth, increasing jobs, and attracting investment.

“The City’s internal service departments have confirmed that the properties are not required for the provisions of municipal basic services. As such, the City views the opportunity as a means to catalyse economic growth by optimising these properties for retail and commercial business.”

The directorate added the developer will have an opportunity to seek a workable traffic and parking solution for the precinct. 

“At the same time, achieve greater integration with the existing business node to create a better urban environment. Part of the consideration is also the relocation and development of a new library in proximity to the existing library to continue to provide uninterrupted services in the local community,” they stated.

“The details of which will become available to the general public should a land use application process commence. 

 “At this stage, the City is eliciting public comments on the proposed disposal of the relevant pieces of land. Following the Public Participation Process (PPP), the City will assess the comments and/or objections received to inform any decision or specific considerations for the intended disposal.”

Chris Willemse, chairman of the Camps Bay and Clifton Ratepayers' Association said they would stand firm on their stance in their plight.

“At the moment, this is a PPP to indicate sentiment towards the disposal of the land,” he told Cape Argus.

“As stated, the CBCRA is totally opposed to it, for the reasons given.

“Clearly, the City just wants to sell off/develop any bit of public land for its own financial benefit, or, as it is stated officially, unlock economic opportunities.

"The community will not tolerate this destruction of the built environment.

“Every institution and most community members canvassed, are all completely opposed to this proposal.

“The CBCRA strongly opposes the City’s proposed sale of the Camps Bay Library and the adjacent parking area.

 “This proposal is premature, piecemeal, and ignores the need for proper urban planning across the entire Camps Bay village. Important community assets – such as sports fields, clubs, parking areas, schools, walkways, and open spaces – must be considered within a holistic, long-term development plan.

 “We are also deeply concerned that no traffic or heritage assessments have been conducted, no impact studies on the loss of parking and community land use have been provided, and no alternative site for the library has been proposed, other than a vague reference to the soccer  field/Park parking area.

 "Instead, the CBCRA calls for a Village Vision, created in partnership with all stakeholders, to ensure transparent, sustainable, and community-focused development from Bakoven to Maiden’s Cove.”

Willemse urged residents to participate in the current process by submitting their objections before September 22.

He said the CBCRA was working in consultation with the Camps Bay CID Management, Friends of the Library, and Camps Bay schools to oppose the sale.

FF Plus Councillor Paul Jacobson also criticizes the City's building plan approvals in Camps Bay via social media.

“Any development/building plan that was not compliant, must be set aside by the high court, in terms of the law - you can’t simply ask the developer to offer an amended version," he said.

Cape Argus also reached out to Heritage Western Cape on the matter but did not receive feedback.

Get your news on the go, click here to join the Cape Argus News WhatsApp channel.

Cape Argus