Woodstock Hospital redevelopment: Public participation process underway

The public participation process for the redevelopment of the Woodstock Hospital site is currently in progress, as the City of Cape Town moves forward with its plans to transform the space into affordable social housing. The site, renamed Cissie Gool House, has been occupied by around 850 people since 2017, many of whom now fear they may not meet the city’s requirements to remain housed there after redevelopment.

A Long-Awaited Housing Project

The City of Cape Town has confirmed its intention to redevelop the former hospital to accommodate 500 social housing units. The decision comes as part of the city’s broader plan to address the housing crisis and create more affordable living spaces for lower-income residents.

Despite these efforts, there are growing concerns from the current occupants, many of whom have been living at the site for several years. They worry that they may not qualify for the city’s social housing program and could be forcibly removed once the redevelopment is complete.

Woodstock Hospital

Public Engagement and Concerns

The city has launched a public engagement process to involve stakeholders and affected parties in discussions about the site’s future. Carl Pophaim, Mayoral Committee Member for Human Settlements, emphasized the city’s commitment to gathering meaningful, feasible, and constructive input from the public.

“We’ve been clear about our intention to garner meaningful, feasible, and constructive input on the proposed vision for the site, which includes the development of affordable housing for qualified residents,” said Pophaim.

However, despite this assurance, many of the current residents of Cissie Gool House are skeptical about the process. They fear that their voices may not be fully considered and that they could be left homeless once construction begins.

The History of Cissie Gool House

The Woodstock Hospital site was first occupied in 2017 when a group of homeless and housing-insecure residents took over the abandoned hospital, renaming it Cissie Gool House in honor of the late anti-apartheid activist. The occupation was driven by a lack of affordable housing in Cape Town, with many residents seeing the vacant building as a temporary solution to their housing struggles.

Since then, hundreds of people, including families, elderly individuals, and low-income workers, have made the space their home. Over the years, the occupation has drawn both support and controversy, with housing activists arguing that it highlights the city’s failure to provide adequate low-cost housing while government officials insist that redevelopment is necessary for the greater good.

Will the Current Residents Be Evicted?

One of the biggest concerns surrounding the redevelopment is whether the current residents will be allowed to stay. Social housing projects typically have income and qualification requirements, and many of those living in Cissie Gool House worry that they may not meet the criteria.

Activist groups have called on the city to ensure that the existing occupants are prioritized in the redevelopment plans. Some have also demanded that the 500 planned social housing units be increased to accommodate all 850 current residents, preventing forced evictions.

In response, city officials have stated that the development will be done in phases, allowing for some relocation while ensuring that those who qualify for social housing will be accommodated. However, no formal guarantees have been provided yet.

Balancing Development with Social Responsibility

The redevelopment of Woodstock Hospital into social housing is a step forward in addressing Cape Town’s affordable housing crisis, but it also raises ethical and logistical challenges. The City of Cape Town faces the difficult task of balancing urban development with the needs of the existing residents, many of whom have nowhere else to go.

Housing activists continue to push for a solution that does not displace vulnerable residents, while the city insists that it is committed to inclusive and transparent discussions.

As the public participation process unfolds, the fate of Cissie Gool House remains uncertain. Will the redevelopment plan truly benefit those who need it most, or will it leave hundreds of people without a place to call home? Only time will tell.