In 2018, a specialist team was appointed to review Newton’s current Urban Development Framework (UDF).
The team is made up of urban designers, strategic spatial planners and community participation consultants.
“Although numerous precinct plans and development frameworks have historically been compiled for the Newtown area, much of these have primarily focused on Newtown as a cultural precinct but in reality, alternative industries and development trajectories have started to emerge,” read a statement released by the City’s stakeholder manager, Poppy Louw.
Louw said the importance of Newtown, as not only a cultural and social space but also as an area of potential heightened economic growth and development, is becoming evident.
“The purpose of UDFs/precinct plans for the community is to create a holistic vision, with easily understood principles for development; to involve the community at various stages in the strategic and implementation processes of urban planning; to interpret within a local context the City’s transformation policies and strategies to better the lives of communities, and promote the economic and social growth of the area in a sustainable manner, and to result in the creation over time of a vibrant, productive urban area,” said Louw.
Louw added that for development opportunities, UDFs/precinct plans identify opportunities within the area where (re)development, at various scales and intensity, is possible and could be supported by the municipality; it assists landowners to rectify land use and building infringements in line with these clear guidelines, and; it informs property owners and developers of the aspects they have to consider when planning to build in the area or introduce a particular land use into the area.
“For the City, UDFs/precinct plans outline the urban performance criteria to be considered in evaluating development proposals (town-planning applications) submitted by the private sector; create a clear policy framework to inform town-planning and building plan decisions on what land uses and building typologies can be considered as appropriate for the development of the area, and it identifies infrastructure interventions that the City has to implement to ensure that the development intensity can take place,” explained Louw.
To achieve these outcomes, residents are encouraged to take part in the public comment process. This will further enable residents not only to engage with the proposed framework but to also have a say in how their area is developed.
You can access the Draft Newtown Urban Development Framework and its annexures via:
• An electronic copy can be viewed and downloaded via the following link:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/13s8pXQJnZnBpHwHD2hpved_71z5R892I?usp=sharing
• Hard copies can be accessed and inspected Monday to Friday, between 9am to 3.30pm at the following venue for the duration of the commencing period:
– Development Planning Department – City Transformation and Spatial Planning: A Block, 10th Floor, Metro Centre, 158 Civic Boulevard, Braamfontein.
– Johannesburg Development Agency: Bus Factory, 3 Helen Joseph Street, Newtown.
– Museum Africa: 121 Lillian Ngoyi Street, Newtown.
– Sci Bono Discovery Centre: Corner Miriam Makeba and Helen Joseph Streets, Newtown.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION:
• Public open day workshop dates and venues to be announced.
COMMENTS SUBMISSION:
• Per email: newtown@lemonpebble.co.za
• Comments registry at the listed venues above.
DEADLINE:
17 May to 14 June 2019, close of business.
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