The City of Cape Town has opened a public participation process for its plan to repurpose a prime piece of land in Three Anchor Bay. Residents are invited to share their views on how the 4.5-hectare, city-owned property valued at around R700 million should be developed.
The site, located just outside the Green Point Common, was initially earmarked for affordable housing. However, city management has now reclassified it for mixed-use development, allowing private developers to pitch their proposals.
A Sky Train Proposal Takes Shape
Among the proposals is an ambitious “sky train” project led by South African development engineer Gareth Ramsay. His vision is to turn the Three Anchor Bay land into one of the endpoints for an elevated railway linking Sea Point to Woodstock via Cape Town’s CBD.
Ramsay argues the project could create jobs, boost the economy, and provide a long-term, affordable transport solution to ease Cape Town’s notorious traffic congestion.
How the Sky Train Would Work
The proposed line would have four main stops:
- Woodstock – starting point of the route.
- Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) – providing direct access to conferences and exhibitions.
- Cape Town Stadium – enhancing access to events and reducing match-day traffic.
- Three Anchor Bay in Sea Point – the final station.
Some sections would feature dual tracks for trains to run in both directions simultaneously, while other sections would be single-track with timed passing intervals.
Why Ramsay Believes It’s the Better Option
Ramsay suggests that completing the city’s long-abandoned foreshore freeway would add little value and create an eyesore. In contrast, the sky train could:
- Improve access to major destinations such as the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town Stadium, and the CTICC.
- Support the expansion and densification of the Atlantic Seaboard without worsening congestion.
- Enhance the city’s tourism appeal.
Integration with MyCiti Bus Service
The sky train would work hand-in-hand with the MyCiti bus network, providing seamless “last-mile” connectivity. Ramsay envisions a service so efficient that even wealthier residents would opt for it over private cars, helping to subsidise public transport for all.
Those wishing to support or comment on the project can do so via the City of Cape Town’s official participation platform. The deadline for submissions is 25 August 2025.
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