By Johnathan Paoli
The Western Cape government has marked another milestone in its efforts to foster inclusive communities with the launch of a new sports precinct at the Conradie Park social housing development in Pinelands.
Premier Alan Winde and infrastructure MEC Tertuis Simmers led the unveiling ceremony, celebrating this significant addition to the transformative Better Living Model project.
The development, situated on previously underutilised land, is reshaping urban living with its mix of affordable housing, educational facilities healthcare services, retail spaces, and recreational areas.
The sports precinct is a key element of this integrated model, designed to enhance quality of life for residents and surrounding communities, with Winde expressing his enthusiasm for the project, emphasising its forward-thinking approach.
“With Conradie Park, we are building for the future. If we are to become a future-fit province that addresses the challenges of a fast-growing population, we must re-imagine our cities and towns. I applaud everyone involved in making this awe-inspiring development a reality. It showcases the incredible potential of thoughtful urban planning,” Winde said.
The Conradie Park project has prioritised skills development, with over 180 learnerships and graduate programmes completed to date.
It aims to address spatial inequality and foster economic growth and will ultimately deliver over 3,500 residential units.
During the launch, Simmers highlighted the broader vision of the development.
“Conradie Park is not just about buildings; it is about people. This sports precinct offers young people a space to dream big, brings communities together, and breaks down barriers. It symbolizes hope, opportunity, and progress for our communities,” he said.
The sports precinct is designed to be a unifying force within the community, offering recreational spaces where residents can connect and thrive.
Concor Development Executive Mark Schönrock, representing the construction company behind the project, echoed this sentiment.
“Sport has always been a powerful tool for unity, teaching teamwork and life skills while bridging divides. The sports precinct and school sites at Conradie Park aim to create a vibrant, safe environment for all,” Schönrock said.
Simmers underscored this collaborative success, stating that infrastructure is not just about bricks and mortar, but about building dignity, creating opportunity, and giving every person a fair chance to succeed, when the government, private partners, and communities work together.
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