Page 26 - KBHA Bulletin 10

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provide about 120 flats, and two-story blocks about 80 flats. Due to the intensity of
development required, he reaffirmed his previous advice to Council to develop the spacious

cottage scheme at Steenberg – Retreat.

On 16 June, 1938 the Council applied to the National Department of Public Health to

acquire, in terms of the Slums Act, both the declared slum properties as well as the
remaining properties referred to in the Engineer’s report of 14 January 1937. This was

approved on 26 August, 1938 with the proviso that the land would be used for carrying out
a housing scheme, or for the purpose of redevelopment in which case the profits arising

would be used for carrying out a housing scheme elsewhere. Furthermore, the inhabitants
would not be required to vacate their homes unless alternative accommodation was

available.

With this approval, planning and design could now commence. The Housing and Slum

Clearance Committee oversaw the project, Philip McManus, the City Council’s architect

and planner, drew up the plans for the flats, while the City Engineer’s Department drew up
the layout of the site and roads. Some steep land from the Cape Town Commonage along

the west side of the site was added to the proclaimed site in order to expand its dimensions
and improve the layout. A number of layouts were tested before the final one was adopted.

(Figs. 1.8 – 1.10). Perspective drawings of the finished blocks, as well as 3-D models of the
whole scheme and individual blocks, indicate the considerable care invested in the planning

and design process. (Figs. 1.11 – 1.14). All flats were double-storied and plans were based

on the Alicedale Township on the Cape Flats. (The fall of slope at the southern end of the
site made it possible to build two triple-storeyed blocks here,). The Housing Committee

approved the layout and working drawings on 13 February 1940, noting the steep terrain on
part of the site.