Premier Winde, Minister Simmers and Mayor Hill-Lewis unveil third major inner-city housing development in Cape Town
Media Release by Western Cape Minister of Infrastructure Tertuis Simmers
Today, Western Cape Premier Alan Winde and provincial Minister of Infrastructure Tertuis Simmers and Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, unveiled the Prestwich Precinct inner-city, mixed-use, affordable housing development in Cape Town.
This project, located in the heart of the city centre, is the third major unveiling in just over a year of a residentially led, mixed-use affordable housing development in the metro, following the successful launches of the Leeuloop and Founders Garden precincts. This latest development is a strategic partnership between the Western Cape Government, the City of Cape Town, and the national Department of Public Works and Infrastructure.
Located at a consolidated site bordered by Somerset, Buitengracht, Chiappini, and Prestwich streets, the project will transform approximately 6,700m² of well-located land into a vibrant urban hub. The development plan consists of two buildings, one of 12 storeys and one of 7 storeys, providing a total of 310 units.
Crucially, the Prestwich development prioritises the delivery of affordable housing to address the city's urgent needs. A minimum of 38% of the residential gross lettable area (at least 120 units) will be dedicated to affordable housing, ensuring long-term affordability. The remaining 190 units will be allocated to the open market, creating an integrated community that aligns with the principles of social cohesion and spatial justice.
Minister Simmers stated, “I am incredibly proud to unveil the Prestwich housing development today. This is our third major inner-city unveiling in just over a year, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to accelerating housing delivery. By leveraging high-value land and cross-subsidisation, we are delivering modern social amenities and affordable homes in a medium-rise development right where opportunity lives".
The project is designed with sustainability and heritage in mind, targeting a 4-Star Green Building Certification and integrating existing heritage resources into the urban design. The development will also prioritise pedestrian movement and public urban space to ensure a safe and secure environment for all residents.
Premier Winde added, “This development is a model of how we are turning public land into opportunity. By bringing affordable housing closer to economic opportunities and transport nodes, we are empowering residents and promoting economic growth. We are building a more dignified future where our residents have a better chance at of accessing opportunities.”
Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis said: "The City is proud to be releasing over 900m2 of land to enable this inner-city affordable housing development. This location could not be more central in Cape Town, enabling working families to benefit from well-located affordable rental opportunities. This adds to the thousands of inner-city units in the pipeline through various City and WCG affordable housing initiatives.”
The procurement of a developer via a Request for Proposals (RFP) is scheduled to be advertised on 10 April 2026. The project also includes strict contract participation goals to ensure the direct empowerment of local labour and SMMEs.
Media enquiries:
Melt Botes
Spokesperson to Provincial Minister Tertuis Simmers
Tel: 021 483 8067
Cell: 082 431 0068
Email: Melchior.Botes@westerncape.gov.za
Celeste Nell
Acting Head of Communications
Western Cape Department of Infrastructure
Tel: 021 483 4819
Email: Celeste.Nell@westernscape.gov.za
Lyndon Khan
Spokesperson to Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis
Cell: 076 186 8719
Email: Lyndon.Khan@capetown.gov.za
