Sgood newsNEW PRECINCT
Sgood newsNEW PRECINCT BRIDGES FUTURE WITH PRESENT AND URBAN WITH RURALIn November 2024, Stellenbosch witnessed the launch of a visionary project set to define the future of urban developmentin the region.TThe Bridge, a bold 340-hectare mixed-use precinct, was officiallyunveiled with speeches from notable leaders, including Dr IvanMeyer, Western Cape Provincial Minister, and key representativesfrom Stellenbosch Municipality, Stellenbosch University and Wesgro.Developed by Stellenbosch Bridge Properties, The Bridgerepresents an ambitious commitment to community-focused growthwith a projected R60-billion being injected into the economy and ananticipated 13 000 permanent jobs being created.“My targets are clear. To create an economy worth one-trillionrand,5% GDP growth and 800 000 new jobs in the Western Cape.The Bridge Precinct project fundamentally has everything to dowith this. The Government of National Unity (GNU) has threeobjectives. One is to build an inclusive economy – and with Klapmutshere and Stellenbosch there, this project will succeed. In fact, it’s theperfect example of an inclusive economy. The second priority of thegovernment is to reduce poverty. Measuring where Klapmuts wasand where it’s going is an example. The third priority of the GNUis building a capable state. Stellenbosch University, StellenboschMunicipality, Western Cape government and The Bridge is a capablestate at work. So, you have a case study right here for the GNU,”explained Dr Meyer during his address at the event.Representatives from Stellenbosch Municipality praised theproject for creating a destination where innovation meets communityand where the local economy can thrive through new opportunities.Anita Nel from the Stellenbosch University congratulated TheBridge development team for creating the “perfect place” for theLaunchLab. “It is so close to nature, so inspiring and so centraland speaks to all the values of Stellenbosch University. We wantto build bigger partnerships and become much more relevant tosociety. The vision for The Bridge Precinct is a great asset to ourregion,” she remarked.Sustainability lies at the core of The Bridge development.According to Lorne Dawson, development manager at StellenboschBridge Properties, each phase of development adheres to strictenvironmental standards, ensuring that the precinct not only servesits immediate purpose but also stands as a legacy for generationsto come.“The Bridge is about building a sustainable future right here inStellenbosch,” Dawson said in his welcome address. “This developmentexemplifies what’s possible when we connect our communities withopportunities and our traditions with a progressive vision.”Located along the N1 between Cape Town, Stellenbosch andPaarl, The Bridge has already drawn attention as a future-forwardecosystem where startups, established businesses and researchinstitutions converge. This unique precinct is envisioned as thebeating heart of the mixed-use zone, fostering collaboration,creativity and entrepreneurial ventures that will position Stellenboschas a central node for innovation in South Africa.“Wesgro is proud to be a partner with The Bridge and we have ashared commitment to nurturing a thriving business environmentdriven by innovation and accessibility. The Bridge is an ideal placefor businesses seeking an environment that promotes innovationand a high-quality lifestyle. I believe that the aim to become theWestern Cape’s premier smart city is on track. The developmentshowcases the potential and dynamism of Stellenbosch and we’reparticularly excited about the location of this project, being soaccessible by road, rail and air,” stated Wesgro’s CEO, WrenelleStander.The precinct seamlessly incorporates commercial facilities withspaces for retail, warehousing and business operations, creating abalanced environment for residents and workers alike.Dr Meyer summed up the vision of this catalytic project bystating, “The Bridge precinct is a programme to the future. It is abridge between urban and rural settings with the area’s neighboursbeing the City of Cape Town and Drakenstein. We are thankful toall the role-players involved who recognise our need as governmentto connect urban and rural areas for upliftment and to helperadicate poverty.” S44 | Service magazine
