The Mowbray Precinct Is Changing

Pinelands is no longer just a quiet suburb with good schools. It is becoming a major commercial node. The catalyst is the proposed redevelopment of the King David Mowbray Golf Course and surrounding City-owned land. This is not a small project. The site covers approximately 74 hectares and sits between Settlers Way, Links Drive, and Raapenberg Road.

The City of Cape Town is driving this transformation. Their goal is to create a mixed-use precinct of metropolitan significance. The draft concept includes residential development with a 30% affordable housing component, commercial spaces, retail, and light industrial uses. There is also a new school and community facilities planned. A new railway station is part of the vision, which will drastically improve connectivity.

Public participation on the draft concept design runs from May 28, 2026, to July 6, 2026. This is your window to influence the final outcome. The City wants feedback on community priorities and technical feasibility. No final decisions have been made yet, but the direction is clear. This area is set to become denser and more integrated.

Current Market Rates and Opportunities

While the redevelopment is in the planning phase, the existing commercial landscape in Pinelands is active. The Golf Park business node, located opposite Vincent Pallotti Hospital, offers A-grade office spaces. These are popular with tenants who want proximity to the CBD without the traffic headaches.

Rentals in the broader Pinelands and Ndabeni area are firm. Upper-grade commercial premises command around R160 per square meter. In specific parks like Park Lane Office Park, first-year discounted rentals have been advertised at R175 per square meter, escalating to R189 per square meter in the second year. This indicates strong demand for quality space.

Industrial space is also moving. Large units over 1000 square meters range from R60 to R70 per square meter. Smaller units between 150 and 400 square meters fetch between R75 and R90 per square meter. If you are looking for warehouses in Ndabeni or nearby industrial parks, prices are climbing due to limited supply.

Pinelands benefits from excellent retail anchors like Howard Centre, Central Square Centre, and Old Mutual Shopping Mall on Jan Smuts Drive. This makes it an attractive location for employees. The combination of green spaces, dining options, and easy access to the N1, N2, and M5 freeways keeps occupancy rates high.

What You Should Do Now

If you are a landlord, review your lease terms. The upcoming infrastructure improvements, including the potential new railway station, will increase the value of properties in this node. Tenants will pay a premium for better connectivity.

If you are a tenant, act now. The redevelopment will likely cause temporary disruptions and increased demand for nearby space. Locking in a lease before the construction phase begins could save you money and hassle. Look at office space in Pinelands to see what is available.

Investors should watch this space closely. The mix of affordable housing and commercial space aligns with broader municipal objectives. This is a long-term play with significant upside. For more data on current vacancies and rental trends, check our market insights.

Have questions about the Mowbray redevelopment or need help finding space in the Southern Suburbs? Get in touch with our team. We can help you navigate the changes and find the right property for your business.