FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

A coalition of private sector entities, individuals, and civic groups, including the Young Urbanists, Stellenbosch Interest Group, Stellenbosch Heritage Foundation, Active Mobility Forum, the Stellenbosch Ratepayers Association (SRA) and Stellenbosch Fietsry, have come together to urgently request the postponement of a decision regarding the feasibility study on the proposed 3-storey parking facility adjacent to the Eikestad Mall in the Central Business District (CBD) of Stellenbosch. 

This request highlights significant concerns about the process followed by the municipality as it plans to send it to the National Treasury, let alone the potential negative impact of the development on Stellenbosch’s historic core, its unique character, and the already congested road network.

The coalition plans to write to all Councillors ahead of this Friday's council meeting, emphasizing the project's deeply flawed process, particularly regarding the necessary feasibility studies that must be completed before it can be considered for submission to the National Treasury. The coalition will underscore the inconsistencies between the proposal and key policy frameworks, including the Spatial Development Framework 2019, Comprehensive Integrated Development Transportation Plan 2022-2026, Adam Tas Corridor LSDF, and the Non-Motorized Transportation Master Plan 2020. 

Additionally, the coalition will highlight the potential for the project to exacerbate congestion, diminish the town's walkability, and harm its historic character. Despite these significant concerns, a 727-page report recommending approval of the proposal was abruptly added to the Council agenda for its meeting on 23 August 2024, disregarding the issues raised by SIG, Young Urbanists, Active Mobility Forum, Stellenbosch Fietsry, and other Interested and Affected Parties (IAPs).

Key reasons for requesting the postponement include:

Premature process to send to National Treasury: In the National Treasury PPP Manual, Stage 3 focuses on Project Due Diligence as part of the Feasibility Study process (Figure 4.1, Stage 3). According to Step 2 (p. 15), it is mandatory to appoint experts to conduct surveys on various factors that may affect the project, such as environmental impacts, heritage preservation, and alignment with the Integrated Development Plan (IDP).

Given these requirements, it is evident that these factors, including heritage and traffic concerns, must be thoroughly researched and analyzed during the Feasibility Study. This is particularly crucial in a historic town like Stellenbosch, which already faces significant traffic challenges. Therefore, the comprehensive impact of the proposed parking garage must be carefully assessed and included in the Feasibility Study before it is submitted to the Treasury for approval. 

Impact on Historic Core and Walkability: The proposed parking garage would degrade the vital pedestrian link between the campus and the town centre, with increased vehicle traffic making walking uncomfortable and potentially dangerous. This would undermine the town's vision of being a walkable, accessible, and vibrant urban space.

Visual Impact on Historic Buildings: The multi-storey structure would overshadow and detract from the visual appeal of the historic buildings surrounding the site, diminishing the town’s cultural heritage and the community's enjoyment of these spaces.

Environmental and Social Costs: Parking garages are often unfriendly and unsightly, contributing to dead zones in the urban fabric where people do not choose to spend time. Placing such a facility in the heart of Stellenbosch would reduce the vitality of the area, contradicting the goals of creating a lively and welcoming environment.

Lack of Comprehensive Studies: A full Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) and other required studies have not been conducted, as mandated by Heritage Western Cape (HWC). The proposal should not proceed without these crucial evaluations, which are necessary to understand the full implications of the development.

Inconsistent with the Municipality's Own Policies and Frameworks: The coalition’s opposition extends beyond the immediate request for postponement, rooted in a broader concern that the development contradicts the Municipality’s own policies, including the Spatial Development Framework 2019, Comprehensive Integrated Development Transportation Plan 2022-2026, Adam Tas Corridor LSDF, and the Non-Motorized Transportation Master Plan 2020. These frameworks prioritise sustainable urban mobility and reduced car dependency—goals that the proposed parking garage would undermine.

Given these concerns, the Stellenbosch Interest Group  and coalition urgently request that the Council postpone its decision on the parking garage until these studies are completed, and further consultations with IAPs are conducted. This is not only a matter of due diligence but of protecting the broader interests of the community and the environment.

Call to Action

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In response to these issues, the coalition launched a petition late last year, urging the Stellenbosch Municipality to halt the public participation process and reevaluate the project. The petition advocates for alternative solutions, such as peripheral park-and-ride facilities, investments in non-motorized transportation, and the adoption of active mobility and complete streets policies.

To date, the Municipality has failed to formally acknowledge the over 3,000 petition signatures and the numerous objections raised by individuals and organizations. This disregard is glaringly apparent in the 727-page report, which completely omits and fails to address our constitutional and democratic right to object to this project. Such a lack of recognition not only undermines the voices of concerned citizens but also raises serious questions about the integrity and transparency of the decision-making process.

Request for Postponement of Decision

We will write to council before Friday’s sitting to emphasise the project's potential to exacerbate congestion, degrade the walkability of the town, and negatively impact the historic environment. Despite these concerns, a 727-page report recommending the approval of the proposal was suddenly added to the Council agenda for its meeting on 23 August 2024, dismissing the concerns raised by us, SIG and other Interested and Affected Parties (IAPs).

“As commented out before…we are seriously asking what is the point of the Spatial Development Framework and the Adam Tas Corridor LSDF adopted by the council and other policies if something like the Eikestad Parking Development is being touted as a genuine option to reduce congestion when their policies and evidence show it will do the exact opposite.” - Roland Postma, Managing Director of Young Urbanists NPC

“We actively and constructively engaged in the recent public participation process, during which over 3,000 signatures were submitted to the Council. However, these voices have been ignored, even as the issue is now before the Council for consideration to be sent to National Treasury. Moreover, National Treasury mandates a comprehensive independent review before any project is submitted for their consideration. This crucial step has not been undertaken, making it premature to advance the project at this stage.” - Roland Postma, Managing Director of Young Urbanists NPC

"Citizens and organizations within our coalition are deeply committed to the sustainable development and well-being of Stellenbosch. Our opposition to the proposed Eikestad Parking Upgrade stems from our collective dedication to preserving our town's unique character while prioritizing sustainable urban mobility solutions. We urge the municipality to reconsider this proposal in alignment with our shared vision for a vibrant, accessible, and thriving Stellenbosch." - Dawid Botha, Spokesperson of Stellenbosch Fietsry

“There are countless more reasons why the proposed multi-storey parking garage is a bad idea and time needs to be set aside, to deliberate such issues. Most importantly a full Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) and other studies as required by Heritage Western Cape (HWC) need to be undertaken and approved by HWC before the proposal can be approved (see attached letter from HWC dated 18 January 2024).  The SIG accordingly requests that the proposal should be workshopped with IAPs, virtually all of whom are opposed to the approval of the proposed parking garage” - Ronnie Donaldson, Chairperson, Stellenbosch Interest Group

“If this decision goes ahead, history will judge it harshly. By prioritising short-term convenience over sustainable growth, Stellenbosch risks locking itself into a future of congestion and inefficiency. We should invest in solutions that will benefit everyone, like enhancing public spaces, non-motorized transport and public transport. The true cost of this choice will be felt for generations to come.” said Luke van Wyk, a member of Stellenbosch Fietsry and YU Committee Member.

Signed and endorsed by: 

Kabous Meiring, Stellenbosch Heritage Foundation

Ronnie Donaldson, Chairperson, Stellenbosch Interest Group

Roland Postma, Managing Director, Young Urbanists NPC

Dawid Botha, Chairperson, Stellenbosch Fietsry

Simon Wilson, Stellenbosch Interest Group