Construction of almost 1 000 affordable housing units is set to start on the historical Salt River Market site in Cape Town.

This follows the official handover of the site to developer Communicare by the City of Cape Town.

The development is one of four inner-city, affordable housing projects in the Mother City set to start in 2026, adding a total of 3 000 housing units. The other sites are in Zonnebloem, the site of the old Fruit and Vegetable store; Newmarket St on the Foreshore; and Pickwick St, also in Salt River.

Engineering News reports that the Salt River Market development will comprise a seven-store building with a total of 300 social housing units and a nine-storey building with 670 affordable housing apartments.

The ground floor will accommodate retail, while a piazza, day care, sports field will be integrated into the design.

The Salt River Hall will be restored and preserved for its heritage value.

‘Honouring the origins of the market, our development plans include making provision for the four long-standing fresh produce traders to continue to operate at the Salt River Market,’ said Communicare chair Mark van Wyk.

Rental fees will range from ZAR7 000 to ZAR10 000 a month for families earning up to ZAR34 500 a month.

15 June 2026
Image: Unsplash