A REGENERATIVE
SOLUTION
TO BUILDING
SUSTAINABLE
AFRICAN
CITIES
communiTgrow
CONTENTS
• INTRODUCTION
• A NEW APPROACH
• OUR VISION FOR AFRICA
• CHALLENGES
• communiTgrow PILLARS
• WESCAPE
• communiTgrow PARTNERS
• communiTgrow MANAGEMENT
Health
Regenerative
Homes
Economy
Governance
Education
INTRODUCTION
communiTgrow HAS EMBARKED ON A JOURNEY TO
BECOME THE LEADING DEVELOPER OF INTEGRATED,
WHOLE-SYSTEM HUMAN SETTLEMENTS.
communiTgrow is a for-profit social enterprise focussed on creating substantial change
in developing countries by providing a turnkey solution to city building. There is an
unprecedented opportunity within Africa for developing sustainable large-scale, turnkey
infrastructure projects, complete with housing, education and healthcare, which provide
economic opportunity.
communiTgrow has embarked on a journey to become the leading facilitator of integrated,
whole-system human settlements by designing and implementing sustainable and fully
functional economic hubs through developments across Africa with the aim of accelerated
poverty reduction.
Africa as a continent is rising. Economic growth and urbanization have led to an
overwhelming demand for housing and access to basic services, such as potable water,
electricity and sanitation systems. Access to decent employment, quality education and
health services are the key elements absent but crucial in the long term economic viability
of the city and its citizens. As Africa moves into a new era, soon to become a global economic
engine, the greatest challenge to development thus far has been delivery. communiTgrow
is poised to take advantage of this opportunity. Moving Africa forward in its development
requires strong and balanced partnerships with established partners from the developed
world to deliver on a non-extractive basis.
A NEW APPROACH
Health
Regenerative
Homes
Economy
Governance
Education
communiTgrow OFFERS A REGENERATIVE
SOLUTION TO BUILDING SUSTAINABLE CITIES
IN AFRICA.
communiTgrow has identified the need for a specialized large-scale turnkey facilitator
which can address the demand for integrated, whole-system human settlements in Africa.
communiTgrow, founded for this purpose, is an assosiation of numerous companies that
bring together the disciplines of Architecture, Environmental Management, Urban Design,
Sustainability Planning, Property Development, Urban Development and Management,
Project Management, Business and Economic Modeling. The span of projects from our
partners are located across South Africa as well as the continent and include airports, major
city stations, stadiums, mining complexes, hospitals, and transport systems in countries
such as South Africa, Lesotho, Namibia, Mali and Uganda.
The communiTgrow concept was founded in 2006 in Cape Town, when the need for
community based solutions to urbanization in the metropole and the rest of Africa became
clear. communiTgrow’s solution is based on strategic insight, supported by quantitative
and qualitative analysis into the property development sector, capital markets and African
economies. Our model embodies sustainable, regenerative and functional cities for Africa,
from an African perspective.
OUR VISION FOR AFRICA
A REGENERATIVE, SUSTAINABLE CITY WITHIN
WHICH CITIZENS LIVE A HEALTHY, BALANCED
LIFESTYLE.
Our vision of an African city cultivates the unique African urban vitality combined with
quality infrastructure, clean, safe streets and systems that ensure the smooth and effective
running of the city. African cities are warm, welcoming places, bustling with life and
characterized by a sense of community.
In a communiTgrow city, sound organization and institutional supports are well planned.
A well-designed economic model develops whole-system, integrated urban communities
resulting in a regenerative, sustainable city within which citizens live a healthy, balanced
and upwardly mobile lifestyle.
Residents can access quality education at all stages of their lives; work, live and play without
having to travel long distances; enjoy parks, open spaces and public recreation facilities near
their homes; walk and use public and non-motorized transport without relying on personal
motor vehicles; live in safe streets with good quality, efficient services; and contribute to
sustaining the natural environment and minimizing their impact on climate change.
CHALLENGES
THE CHALLENGE FOR AFRICA IS TO CARRY THE
MOMENTUM OF ECONOMIC GROWTH INTO THE
DAILY LIVES OF ITS PEOPLE.
Africa is poised to harness its ongoing economic growth into accelerated poverty reduction.
Africa’s wealth in the extractive and mining industries is being bolstered with investment into
infrastructure-related projects in construction, transport, electricity, telecommunication
and water. Africa’s burgeoning middle class is also attracting investment flows to rapidly
expanding consumer sectors such as retail and banking.
Governments in Africa have continually improved their macroeconomic policies to increase
domestic and foreign investment. According the World Bank’s 2013 report Africa’s Pulse,
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows are increasing each year and are projected to
reach $54 billion by 2015 and more than 20 countries on the continent have obtained
international sovereign credit ratings.
Africa’s youth explosion and ensuing demographic dividend has accelerated urbanization
in existing urban nodes. Projected to increase from 800 million to 2 billion by 2050, 70%
of Africa’s population will reside in urban areas. It is anticipated that this growth will
take place in existing cities or newly established secondary cities and intermediary nodes
within developing corridors. As cities expand the demands for energy, food, employment
and education increase. The public sector is motivated, but not resourced well enough to
deliver on the ever-growing demands of a city. Integrated large-scale delivery underpinned
by an economic model delivering ongoing employment is the challenge facing urbanization
and the future economic growth of Africa.
communiTgrow PILLARS
THE FOUNDATIONS OF A COMMUNITY ARE
REFLECTED IN communiTgrow’s SIX PILLARS.
Developed simultaneously, they are fully integrated and mutually beneficial to each
other. The Pillars co-operate to provide solutions which address multiple challenges
in the various sectors of a community, allowing people and the environment to benefit.
Economy
Homes
Education
Health
Governance
Regenerative
Ecology
ECONOMY
A HEALTHY ECONOMY IS ESSENTIAL TO PROVIDING
PEOPLE WITH A PLATFORM TO EARN A LIVELIHOOD
AND CONTRIBUTE TO SOCIETY.
An ideal economy is an accessible, inclusive and encouraging arena for entrepreneurs.
Growth is stimulated through programs that offer people knowledge, new skills and
financing. People are employable and easily matched to job opportunities in industries
that address the needs of the local population. All ventures operate in a way that is
environmentally sustainable.
The size and scale of the local population will provide the critical mass needed to enable a
self-sustaining local economy. Targeted industries will be determined by the needs of the
population and environmental viability. Areas such as renewable energy, information and
communications technology, learning, agri-infrastructure, innovation and transport will
be of main focus. Residents will be offered employment and opportunities to continually
learn and grow through lifelong educational and training programs. All economic activities
will be planned and integrated from the initial stages of development to create localized
value chains. A governing body will assist in setting up partnerships and facilitating
entrepreneurial programs and financing to ensure sustainable growth of both the economy
and the community.
HOMES
A HOME IS A PLACE OF SHELTER, SAFETY AND
EXPRESSION OF PEOPLE’S INDIVIDUALITY
AND CULTURE.
A complete home is a safe space that reflects one’s identity; a place of comfort and
dignity that is affordable to all and not just the wealthy. It exists within a caring and
efficient neighborhood that functions daily with consideration for the community and the
environment.
The communiTgrow housing solution is focused on addressing challenges in a manner
that is sustainable and for the betterment of families and communities. Homes will all
be affordable to their specific markets and will uphold a high standard of living. Public
infrastructure will ensure all neighborhoods receive adequate municipal services and
function efficiently with a low toll on the environment. Neighborhoods will be designed so
that amenities like schools, shops and reliable public transport are within walking distance
and every resident has access to education, healthcare facilities and community services.
EDUCATION
EDUCATION IS THE PREPARATION NECESSARY FOR
PEOPLE TO FULFILL THEIR ASPIRATIONS.
Education provides people with the knowledge and skills to confidently venture into their
vocation and to become conscious, compassionate, global citizens. Learning is a lifelong
process that allows people to remain locally and globally relevant by continually growing
their skills base and understanding.
communiTgrow understands that education is more than a syllabus, but rather a shared
responsibility between educators, learners, parents, businesses and the wider community.
All those seeking to learn and grow will be empowered, enriched and inspired, regardless
of age and economic standing. Multifunctional facilities that can accommodate various
learning programs and activities are a merit to neighborhoods and motivate a sense of pride
and ownership within a community. Education systems will be all-encompassing, from early
childhood development through to tertiary education and adult training. All learners and
teachers will have the support of quality infrastructure, resources and services. Integrating
and co-ordinating all facets of the education system to encourage information sharing and
ensure a consistent standard is maintained throughout all precincts is key. Partnerships
with local businesses ensure relevant vocational training so all citizens have the opportunity
to work in their desired field.
HEALTH
HEALTH IS A STATE OF WELL-BEING THAT IS
DEPENDENT ON ALL FACETS OF ONE’S LIFE.
A flawless health system provides people with knowledge, care and support to pro-actively
preserve their well-being. Health facilities are accessible to all and equip people to prevent
them becoming ill, provide treatment to those in need and care for people in recovery.
communiTgrow maintains a philosophy of a healthy, active lifestyles embedded within a
community in the promotion of overall well-being for all residents. Health goes beyond
medical treatment to include good eating habits, safe environments and sufficient exercise.
Spatial design will ensure residents live in a safe and healthy environment and a variety
of healthcare solutions are easily accessible. Alternative health options will decrease
the demand on the traditional system and allow all establishments to provide better
care, including people who are recuperating at home. Health facilities will be designed to
maximize efficiency and to include continual learning programs for health professionals so
the community’s needs are always cared for.
GOVERNANCE
A WELL-GOVERNED COMMUNITY OPERATES WITH
FUNCTIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL EFFICIENCY,
WHERE EVERYONE IS EQUALLY CONSIDERED AND
PROVIDED FOR.
An optimal community is strongly linked to governance organizations through effective
communication with a philosophy of transparency and accountability. All citizens are
offered reliable civic and community services that incorporate their ideals and values into
the running and future growth of the city. Public spaces are safe, desirable environments
for people to spend time and interact with each other, information and the natural world.
communiTgrow considers the community as a major stakeholder and so a centralized
governance system with full community representation will deliver a prime environment for
people to live, work and grow with the comfort of safety. Community development will be
addressed with an integrated approach to better supply services to the population. Facilities
will include public parks, community centres, sports arenas, safety and rescue units and
libraries. These community facilities will be multifunctional and supported with services like
entrepreneurial and business training, transport, security and efficient management of all
facilities. These initiatives work hand-in-hand with facilities and programs provided in the
Health, Education and Regenerative Ecology Pillars. Facilities and services will be accessible
to all within a well-defined structured governance model and will address specific needs to
enable growth and prosperity.
REGENERATIVE ECOLOGY
REGENERATIVE ECOLOGY IS OUR COMMITMENT
TO MEND AND NURTURE ECOLOGICAL
PROCESSES IN OUR DAILY LIVES.
In a regenerative environment, people are conscious of the effects that their actions and
habits have on the environment and are motivated to not only reduce impact but revive
damaged eco-systems. Whether in the context of manufacturing or in one’s home, waste is
minimized by using and recycling by-products. The economy harnesses natural resources
to rely less on harmful forms of power and fuel, to increase biodiversity and to create
healthy eco-systems for all to enjoy and contribute to.
communiTgrow envisions design which goes beyond simple sustainability and reaches
the point of regenerating the surrounding land. Communities will enjoy food, water and
energy security which will help create job opportunities, alleviate poverty and build a
resilient community with the benefits of a low-carbon economy. Water systems, energy
and transport will be designed to minimize environmental impact and contribute to the local
green economy. Design will enable the land’s latent potential to be fully utilized, reducing
the need for man-made systems. Alternative energy innovations will be strategically placed
throughout the community so all can enjoy a healthy, regenerative environment.
Wescape 3D Representation: Waterway + Medium Density
WESCAPE
WESCAPE IS THE PLANNED EXPANSION OF
CAPE TOWN, SPANNING 3,100 HECTARES AND
INCORPORATING ALL ASPECTS OF A
COMMUNITY LIFE.
The investigation process of modeling and designing a communiTgrow city has spanned over
a period of 6 years resulting in communiTgrow’s first live project, located in the City of Cape
Town, in the Western Cape Province of South Africa.
Wescape is the planned extension of the City of Cape Town, spanning 3,100 hectares
and incorporating all aspects of commerce, industry, education, health, public services
and the planned development of 200,000 homes. Bulk services, utilities and transport
infrastructure will be included in the development, creating permanent employment for
approximately 300,000 people of the projected 800,000 community inhabitants. The
projected development horizon spans 20 years, with an estimated project value just below
ZAR200 billion.
The City of Cape Town’s population growth rate has been consistently higher than the total
South African population growth rate over the past 10 years, rising from a total population
of 2.9 million in 2001 to 3.7 million in 2011. The City’s growth projections predict that by
2031, the city will have grown to 5.8 million. A large portion of this growth is due to inmigration from other areas of the country and the continent, with approximately 50,000
people moving to the city each year.
C A P E TO W N C E N T R A L
RO B B E N I S L A N D
B LO U B E RG
MELKBOSSTRAND
R27
N7
Wescape Site Location 25km from Cape Town City Centre
The dramatic increase in population over the past two decades has resulted in severe
development pressure and a significant shortage of infrastructure, basic services and
housing opportunities, especially in the affordable and lower income housing market. Based
on actual delivery, the City of Cape Town is currently able to provide less than 10% of the
pressing need for housing opportunities. At the current rate of construction of houses, it
would take 66 years to house the estimated current backlog of 400,000 households seeking
adequate housing, without taking into account natural population growth or in-migration.
Cape Town is surrounded by valuable farmland, biodiversity corridors and mountainous
terrain that are unsuitable for development and there is limited space for growth in the city.
The City of Cape Town’s Medium to Long-Term Growth Options Study indicates that there
are only two directions in which the city can grow; up the West Coast (Western Growth
Corridor) and limited area northwards (Northern Growth Corridor). Wescape is located
in the more suitable Western Growth Corridor, on land identified by the City’s Spatial
Development Framework for future urban development. (See figure)
Wescape is the largest single development opportunity in South Africa, and the wholesystems design approach ensures that it is a fully functional, sustainable and regenerative
city. This presents a paradigm shift in the context of urban development, in South Africa and
on the African continent, amidst a current imbalance where unemployment, poverty and
increasing cost of living cannot bridge the ever widening gap between self-sufficiency and
remaining impoverished. Wescape seeks to change this dynamic, where citizens of the city
will enjoy a lifestyle conducive to developing a community environment for the benefit of
all, ensuring that education, health, safety, dignified jobs and other extended basic human
needs are all encompassed within the Wescape city model.
ATLANTIS
N7
WESCAPE
WESCAPE
• 3,100 hectares (7,750 acres)
• Situated on N7 national highway
MELKBOSSTRAND
• 25km (15.5 miles) from Cape Town central
• 200,000 homes
• 800,000 residents
N7
• 300,000 jobs
DURBANVILLE
BLOUBERG
• 2 million sqm of lettable commercial space
• Connected to the City of Cape Town
Integrated Rapid Transport Bus Service
• Bordering national railway line
CAPE TOWN CENTRAL
BELLVILLE
• Ecologically friendly Green City
• Walkable urban design
• 400+ educational facilities
• 90+ health, safety and community facilities
CONSTANTIA
MITCHELLS PLAIN
• 600+ public open spaces
KHAYELITSHA
• Project value ZAR200bn (USD18bn)
Wescape is located in an area identified by the City of Cape Town Spatial Development Framework as a
logical expansion of the infrastructure network and aligned with development trends
The Wescape community development model incorporates industry, technology, food
security, infrastructure, waste processing, energy reduction and production in a holistic
manner that will minimize environmental impact from urban growth. Wescape will be an
ecologically friendly and ‘green’ city. Designed as a walkable city, non-motorized transport
will be promoted through bicycle lanes. Wescape will include its own custom designed
internal transport system, which will link to the City of Cape Town’s Integrated Rapid
Transport network.
Beyond the built environment of Wescape, communiTgrow will leverage the economy
created by the scale of this development, based on sustainable economic principles, to
create decent, permanent work for thousands of its residents. This will establish financial
sustainability, with the opportunity for residents to access quality healthcare, education and
civic amenities, thus creating a healthy, happy lifestyle for its community.
Wescape has garnered the support of the City of Cape Town, the Provincial and the National
Government as demonstrated by the recent announcement by the City of Cape Town Mayor,
Patricia de Lille, endorsing and approving the application to expand the urban edge. The
application is currently undergoing the process of ratification by the Provincial Government
of the Western Cape Province.
Having taken the project from concept to early implementation, significant milestones
have been reached with application for rezoning of the current agricultural-zoned land to
subdivision status underway, which will allow the development of sub-divisible land portions
for different habitable uses.
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Wescape Overview
WESCAPE
TIMELINE
•
•
•
•
•
•
The land (four farms of low agricultural potential and amounting to approximately
3,100 hectares (7,750 acres)) has been secured in an agreement with the landowners
and is in the process of being transferred into a single development company.
October 2011: NuPlan Africa Town Planners submitted an application to the
City of Cape Town on behalf of PACT to amend the City of Cape Town’s Spatial
Development Framework (CTSDF). The legislative procedure to rezone the land for
urban development entails an application to the City of Cape Town to amend their
Spatial Development Framework Plan.
December 2012: The City Council positively recommended approval of the
application to the Western Cape Provincial Government.
February 2013: The City of Cape Town submitted recommendation for CTSDF
amendment approval to the deciding body, the Western Cape Provincial
Government.
December 2013: The Western Cape Provincial Government approved application
to amend CTSDF.
June 2017: Expected City of Cape Town Rezoning Approval.
Wescape Projected Project Timeline
Wescape 3D Representation: Neighborhood
Wescape 3D Representation: Mixed Use + Medium Density
Wescape 3D Representation: Tertiary Education Hub
Wescape 3D Representation: Tertiary Hospital
Green cluster
Financial services
600
75,500
5,000
Public and
Civic services
11,500
Commercial
cluster
Wescape job
summary
Construction
cluster
Community
services
68,500
Local
manufacturing
and enterprise
30,500
Domestic
services
cluster
49,000
57,500
Wescape Projected Employment Data per Sector
Wescape 3D Representation: Mixed Use + High Density Residential
Wescape 3D Representation: Business Node
Wescape 3D Representation: Retail Centre
THE FUTURE
A NEW AFRICA
African urbanisation presents the biggest and most exciting opportunity for Africa to
shift its image and status from being characterised as a place of poverty to being a place
of prosperous growth.
This growth calls for more than just the provision of a house, but a deliberate, conscious
program of action to build community, ensuring dignity and belonging remain the key
elements that form our African identity. The communiTgrow Pillars offer the holistic,
integrated and regenerative approach required to achieve this.
The communiTgrow model has been published into a book, 2 Billion Strong. The book can be
ordered off the website and is available as a free e-book download.
www.2billion-strong.com
Health
Regenerative
Homes
Economy
Governance
Education
communiTgrow
www.communiTgrow.com | www.wescapelife.co.za
409 Premier Centre | 451 Main Road | Observatory
Cape Town | 7925 | South Africa
WESCAPE
www.wescapelife.co.za