The future of the former Woodstock Hospital site enters a new phase as occupiers support the City’s in-principle land-disposal decision. The hundreds of occupiers Cissie Gool House has welcomed the City Council’s in-principle decision to dispose of the former Woodstock Hospital site, calling it the strongest opportunity yet to secure long-term affordable rental housing for current residents and others in need. Cape Argus understands the House is home to 900 people.
Their response followed Thursday’s Council meeting, where Ward Councillor Ian McMahon delivered a firm endorsement of the disposal, describing it as a “practical and necessary decision” at the intersection of social need, legality, safety and responsible urban planning. He thanked Mayco Member for Human Settlements Carl Pophaim for his “accessibility” and involvement in meetings with affected stakeholders, and acknowledged the City’s appointed social facilitation team. McMahon said engagements with residents, U-Watch, the Woodstock Residents’ Association and the Woodstock CPF focused on housing needs as well as safety and stabilisation of the precinct.
He said the public participation process generated extensive submissions that revealed consistent themes: fear of displacement, resistance to a conventional sale, support for redevelopment if it delivered affordable or social housing. He added residents’ emphasis on being close to work, schools, healthcare and transport while many indicated they were willing to pay affordable rent for formal housing.
Read Full Article on Cape Argus
