Divercity takes its successful affordable housing model to Cape Town

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA, 30 October 2023 – Divercity Urban Property Group is breaking ground on a brand-new mixed-use development that will see almost 400 affordable rental apartments constructed in Cape Town’s vibrant Salt River node.

9 Hopkins, which will also feature street-level retail and leisure amenities for its tenants, is Divercity’s first development in Cape Town.

Cape Town has a severe shortage of rental housing at rates of under R8,000/month, and Jonathan Reader, Chief Investment Officer at Divercity, says 9 Hopkins aims to fill this gap.

Divercity, which has been recognised with IFC Edge Champion status for its sustainable and inclusive development, is South Africa’s leading investor in well-located and affordable housing in amenity-rich, mixed-use environments. It is partnering with Twin City to develop 9 Hopkins.

Situated just 2km from the Cape Town CBD, the development will be home to 398 apartments, most of which will be studio and one-bedroom units, totalling 168 and 154 respectively. There will also be 76 two-bedroom apartments. Sizes range from 18sqm for a studio to 50sqm for a two-bedroom apartment

In addition to the rental homes, 9 Hopkins, which forms a triangle wrapped by Yew, Hopkins, and Aubrey streets, will offer 930sqm of retail space, a clubhouse, gym, co-working area and a communal terrace. Furthermore, residents will be able to enjoy a private courtyard in the centre of the development.

With a modern, upmarket design, the development will add an edge of sophistication to the node that already boasts a prime location in the Mother City. It will also feature green, open spaces for neighbourly engagement and relaxation.

Reader says this development is the start of an “exciting new chapter” for Divercity, as it looks to expand beyond Gauteng, where it has already established a leading track record developing affordable, yet quality accommodation in mixed-use developments that promote quality urban living.

Divercity’s developments include the landmark Jewel City in the Johannesburg CBD and the upcoming Barlow Park on the periphery of Sandton CBD, which it is currently developing with Atterbury, in partnership with Barloworld and the Moolman Group, as well as Twin City.

“The team is working on several other opportunities in Cape Town that should break ground in 2024,” confirms Reader.