Proposed spatial development framework and precinct framework for George, Western Cape

Master Thesis

2015

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University of Cape Town

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The South African city is facing overarching issues which include skewed and dysfunctional urban forms, rapid urbanization and population growth resulting in ever increasing poverty, inequality and unemployment. The spatial configuration and socio-economic concerns were triggered by the 'historical development trajectory' during the Apartheid Era alongside with infective urban management policies and practices during the post-Apartheid period. These innumerable patterns of spatial segregation have created important structural ineptitudes which contribute to the aforementioned socio-economic challenges. According to Stats SA (2011), more than 60% of South Africans live in urban regions. Thus, the consequences of urbanisation and a high fertility rate are bringing new challenges to the urban management in South African's settlements. There are two main implications deriving from these identified demographic dynamics. Firstly, the patterns of urban growth which accompany rapid urbanisation. The legacy of the Apartheid Planning Model together with the rising demand for housing and social service infrastructure has resulted in an urban system characterised by low density urban sprawl, a fragmented coarse-grain urban fabric, the separation of various social groups (racial and income) and dysfunctional urban land-uses. Secondly, the social consequences resulted from expanding growing level of poverty, imbalanced development, unemployment and informality levels within human settlements. In response to the fore-mentioned issues, this report argues a Spatial Development Framework and precinct design for the town of George. The SDF and precinct design are believed to create a restructuring process for a balanced approach towards development and economic growth. From a spatial perspective, the SDF aims to achieve this vision through the creation of a sustainable and equitable town.
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