A transformative urban vision is taking shape at Conradie Park, a pioneering mixed-use housing development in Cape Town. Developed by Concor, in close partnership with the dhk Architects and Jakupa Architects and Urban Designers consortium, the project combines holistic design and quality construction to create a vibrant mixed-tenure community.
In many ways, the project represents a new chapter in South Africa’s urban development narrative. Since work began in 2019, the once-abandoned site of the old Conradie Hospital has become a welcoming space, reflecting years of dedicated coordination between the public and private sectors to create an inclusive and sustainable community.
According to Mark Schonrock, Property Development Executive at Concor, laying the groundwork for the current progress at Conradie Park was a complex journey – and one that had defeated several developers between 2010 and 2016.
“The site, formerly Conradie Hospital, was a prime piece of land that had become a deteriorating landmark after the hospital was decommissioned," explains Schonrock. "It became a hotspot for negative elements, detracting from the surrounding community. Developers who took on the site before us struggled with issues like unzoned land, high servicing costs and the absence of a cohesive plan.”
The project gained momentum when the Western Cape Provincial Government identified it as part of its Better Living Model Game Changer initiative. The goal was to create a mixed-use development that addressed housing shortages while fostering economic growth.
“Province took the lead in rezoning the land, developing a framework and setting up a tender process that gave us a foundation to build on,” he says. Conradie Park's planning phase was delivered in collaboration between Concor and the dhk-JAKUPA consortium, as the project team envisioned a community that could balance affordability with urban vitality. A key directive was to create a mix of tenures, ensuring 51% open-market housing and 49% grant-funded or affordable units. This split allowed the project to cater to different income groups, promoting inclusivity. dhk Partner Peter Stokes emphasises the importance of this approach.
“The mixed-tenure model is about creating a diverse integrated community rather than segregating people based on income,” says Stokes. “This principle informed not just the allocation of units but the entire urban design philosophy.”
Global best practices in urban planning have underpinned the design of Conradie Park, tailored to the unique challenges of Cape Town, he says. This was enabled by the architectural consortium’s commitment to holistic design, using its design expertise in combination with its specialised experience in both urban and landscape design.
“We drew inspiration from understanding the local development context, and referencing urban planning models in cities like Barcelona and Amsterdam, where walkability, security and access to public spaces are prioritised,” he says. “A defining feature of Conradie Park, for instance, is the use of perimeter block typology. Perimeter blocks are partly about aesthetics, but also address critical issues like safety, accessibility and community interaction.”
Gabs Pather, a director at Jakupa Architects and Urban Designers, reflects on the many lessons learned throughout the project: “While the approach is in the natural course of development in mature cities, curating the mixed-use, mixed-income neighbourhood required considerable testing and tweaking to ensure the viability of the financial model and the development’s buildability.”
These lessons included managing housing standards and consequential architectural qualities, using architectural expression to blur income disparities. “The result is a very liveable environment for children and adults alike. Watching the neighbourhood come to life brought us endless joy, reinforced by our learnings and the tools we developed so that the model can be replicated elsewhere,” he says.
The development includes a mix of residential, commercial and recreational spaces, as well as schools and green areas. These design elements, combined with the perimeter blocks and a well-defined streetscape, create a hierarchy of defensible spaces that enhance the feeling of security and connection between residents. Schonrock highlights the aim of facilitating a self-sustaining neighbourhood. The inclusion of schools, sports fields and retail spaces means that residents have access to essential services without needing to travel far.
Stokes argues that architects and planners have a role to play in shaping spaces that people can thrive in. This is achieved at Conradie Park by integrating housing, amenities and public spaces into a cohesive whole. Landscaping was also approached sensitively, to deliver both functional and aesthetic value, he says.
“Stormwater management, green infrastructure and energy efficient designs were integral to our plan,” he says. "There was the slope of the property to consider as well as the extra run-off that development would cause. One of our strategies has been to turn stormwater channels into surface waterways and swales – so these can be enjoyed as a natural feature and a social amenity rather than only as civil engineering.”
Conradie Park’s progress has not been without obstacles, says Schonrock – including early resistance from surrounding communities.
“We faced over 6 000 objections during the rezoning process; fears of traffic congestion and misconceptions about social housing were among the concerns,” he says. “We were able to work through the issues with stakeholders using a structured process. Today, some of those early detractors are now our ardent partners and supporters.”
Infrastructure development posed another challenge, with the 22 hectare site requiring substantial investment in bulk services such as sewage systems and road upgrades.
“The scale of the infrastructural work was daunting, but it was necessary to unlock the site’s potential,” Schonrock says.
To date, over 1 250 housing units have been built and sold – which Schonrock ranks as among the highest quality social housing in South Africa. An important partner in the project is Own Haven Housing Association, who manage social housing – a rental option for households earning between R3 500 and R22 000 per month. Over 430 units are already complete and have been handed to Own Haven for letting.
Schonrock concludes that Conradie Park hopes to inspire future developments in South Africa, which faces a range of urbanisation challenges.
“We hope this can show what is achievable from public and private sector collaboration, to create opportunities for urban communities with opportunities to improve lives,” he says.
The Pines will be crowning glory of Conradie Park
Next up on the construction schedule is The Pines complex, a large development of five residential towers and 12 000 m2 of convenient, aspirational retail space – including food, fashion and services outlets. There will also be 2 200 m2 dedicated to co-working space and play areas.
The residential buildings – including Castle Rock, Arc Rock and Lion’s Head – will provide over 650 additional units to the Conradie Park complex. In front of the retail area will be 230 ground level parking spaces, complemented by 330 covered parking bays on the first floor. Counter-cyclical parking makes the most efficient use of this space. Construction of The Pines is due for completion in early 2026.
