Oude Molen Eco Village: Battling the shadows of redevelopment to save a sanctuary

For those who live and work at Oude Molen Eco Village, the threat of redevelopment is not simply about losing space. It is about losing a living ecosystem built over generations, one that many say provides healing, dignity, employment and cultural preservation in the heart of Cape Town.

Tucked between major transport routes and urban development on the edge of the city centre, the eco village has become a refuge for vulnerable communities, small businesses, healthcare organisations and educational institutions. Now, tenants say uncertainty surrounding proposed redevelopment plans has left livelihoods and essential services hanging in the balance.

Advocate Rod Solomons, chairperson of the tenants’ association at Oude Molen Eco Village, said tenants believe the proposed development reflects a pattern of rapid urban expansion targeting culturally and environmentally significant spaces.

“We feel this is another case of unfettered development where one of our historical sites, with immense cultural, ecological and heritage value, is being insensitively targeted,” Solomons said.

He described the eco village as one of the last remaining green corridors bordering Cape Town’s CBD, warning that the cumulative impact of development across the city is eroding valuable community and environmental spaces.

“If we look at what happened at the River Club Amazon development, we were told the development would be smaller than what it eventually became. That is why we believe we need to push back as much as possible,” he said.

Solomons said tenants have spent years investing their own resources into maintaining the site, preserving its heritage value and conducting research to document its historical and environmental significance. He added that concerns have also been raised about the possible existence of unmarked graves within the eco village, which may require further investigation before any construction takes place.

“The government said it does not have resources to expand or improve the current heritage and cultural offerings, yet development seems to move forward,” he said.

“This impacts livelihoods, it takes food off people’s tables, and it destroys a space that provides serenity and healing for many people.”

Solomons said tenants are not opposed to development but believe it must take place in consultation with existing communities.

“We have said there are parts where development could happen, but not to the extent currently proposed. Work with us. We are not unreasonable. Without meaningful engagement, gentrification will completely change the character of this community,” he said.

For Kendre Allies, one of the longest tenants operating Oude Molen Stables, the eco village represents far more than a workplace. It is a place he credits with saving his life.

“During my difficult school years, Oude Molen became my sanctuary. It kept me sane. I started coming here when I was about 11 years old. It was my backyard playground,” Allies said.

Allies credits mentors within the community with helping him rebuild his life after periods of homelessness as a teenager.

“I learned skills like woodworking, metalwork and gardening. Working with horses gave me purpose and direction,” he said.

Through mentorship and training, Allies eventually built his own business offering trail rides and horse rehabilitation services. Today, he focuses on rescueing and rehabilitating horses, while also mentoring young people who visit the stables.

“The horses saved my life,” he said. “When people talk about redevelopment, my first thought is what will happen to them. Where will they go? Will they be safe?”

Healthcare providers operating within the eco village have also expressed deep concern about the potential impact on vulnerable patients.

Sister Corlea Viljoen, general manager of the Robin Trust, said redevelopment could have devastating consequences for both patients and staff.

“We operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If redevelopment happens, we could lose three of our four operational facilities,” Viljoen said.

The Robin Trust provides care to 23 Alzheimer’s patients, operates an 18 bed step down recovery facility for patients recovering from surgery and runs a training college for carers. The organisation also provides palliative care for patients who cannot afford private medical care.

“These patients rely heavily on stability and familiarity. Moving them would be extremely traumatic. Alzheimer’s patients take a long time to adapt to new environments. It would honestly be heartbreaking,” she said.

Viljoen said the organisation employs approximately 350 staff members, many of whom rely on the facility for their livelihoods.

“This impacts human dignity on so many levels. We train carers at affordable rates, so people from disadvantaged communities can access training. If we lose this facility, those opportunities could disappear,” she said.

Responding to concerns raised by tenants and organisations, the Western Cape Department of Infrastructure said the Revised Heritage Impact Assessment for the Oude Molen Precinct forms part of an active statutory process under the National Heritage Resources Act.

“As such, the Western Cape Government Department of Infrastructure is not in a position to engage on the merits of the application or the issues raised while the competent heritage authority is still considering the matter,” the department said.

The department said the revised assessment followed additional requirements from Heritage Western Cape and underwent a formal public participation process in line with legislative requirements.

“All submissions, comments and objections received during this process form part of the statutory record and will be assessed by the relevant decision making authority in accordance with applicable heritage legislation,” the department said.

“It is important that the statutory heritage process is allowed to run its course.”

The department added that it remains the lawful custodian of the Oude Molen Precinct and must ensure the site is managed in a way that serves the broader public interest.

“Any future development considerations are guided by the Western Cape Government’s commitment to inclusive, integrated human settlements, access to opportunity and the responsible stewardship of natural and heritage resources,” the department said.

For tenants and beneficiaries, however, the uncertainty surrounding the future of the eco village continues to cause anxiety.

“This place saved my life,” Allies said. “Now we are trying to save it.”

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Weekend Argus