Largest inner-city housing project in Cape Town unveiled by Winde and Simmers, the Premiers
R2 Billion Mixed-Use Affordable Housing Project Transforms Cape Town's Skyline
Cape Town is witnessing a significant transformation with the unveiling of the Founders Garden, a R2 billion+ inner-city mixed-use affordable housing development. This project, situated in the heart of the city's Central Business District (CBD), is the largest of its kind in the city and is set to deliver approximately 2,630 residential units [1][3].
The development, which is the second of three major inner-city housing projects launched in 2025, is a testament to the Western Cape Government's commitment to delivering affordable, dignified housing opportunities where they are needed the most [7].
A Vibrant Mixed-Income Community
The Founders Garden development will comprise four towers—two for social housing and two for open market units—incorporating mixed-use elements with commercial spaces and public amenities such as an Early Childhood Development Centre [1][4]. The social housing units are targeted at households earning between roughly R1,850 and R22,000 per month, while the open market units allow home ownership or rental options for households earning up to approximately R27,000–R30,000 per month [5].
Accessibility and Convenience
Located adjacent to the Artscape Theatre Centre, the Founders Garden development offers excellent transport access, being within walking distance of the Cape Town Railway Station and MyCiti Civic Centre Station [1]. This strategic location places residents in close proximity to essential services, employment opportunities, and economic nodes.
A Model for Urban Development
Minister Tertius Simmers and Premier Alan Winde are working to replicate the infrastructure development model of the Founders Garden and other inner-city projects. The goal is to bring services, housing, and recreation closer to communities, promoting spatial justice, empowering communities, and creating job and economic opportunities for all [6].
The Leeuloop Precinct, which offers 840 housing opportunities, has already gone out to tender, making it one of three major inner-city developments going to market this year [1]. The Founders Garden housing development, along with these other projects, is a model of infrastructure development that prioritises bringing services, housing, and recreation closer to communities.
[1] Cape Times [2] GroundUp [3] News24 [4] Cape Argus [5] Daily Maverick [6] SAPeople [7] Cape Town Etc
- The Founders Garden, an R2 billion mixed-use affordable housing project in Cape Town, is a significant example of infrastructure development in politics that aims to bring services, housing, and recreation closer to communities.
- This project, situated in the heart of Cape Town's Central Business District (CBD), not only transforms the city's skyline but also contributes to the provision of convenient transport access, and the creation of a vibrant mixed-income community, with a focus on affordable housing units.
