BLOMPARK’S LAST CHAPTER: Families Celebrate Home Ownership

There were smiles all round in Blompark on Thursday, 24 July 2025, as families received the keys to their new homes from Western Cape Minister of Infrastructure, Tertuis Simmers, and Overstrand Executive Mayor, Archie Klaas.

One of the new homeowners, Anton Thomas, shared what the opportunity meant for his family.

“It was a real struggle living in a tent with two small children – it was tough out there,” he said. “When I got the phone call to come and sign for the house, I thought, this is it – things are finally going to get better. Thank you. This means everything to me and my kids.”

This final stretch of the Blompark Integrated Residential Development Programme (IRDP) will see 139 Breaking New Ground (BNG) homes built to complete the development. Sixteen units have already been finished, with families moved in and occupation certificates issued. The rest are taking shape, with completion on track for December 2025. It’s a major step towards wrapping up one of the area’s most significant housing investments.

The Blompark IRDP is a mixed-use development that will offer homes for various income groups, along with commercial and recreational spaces. It consists of 544 erven, of which 539 are zoned for residential use.

Minister Simmers described the occasion as a “double celebration”, as the handover of new homes fell within Nelson Mandela Month, under the theme “It is in our hands.”

He explained that receiving a title deed not only brings security, but also unlocks opportunities – such as applying for a loan to fund a child’s education.

Mayor Klaas echoed the Minister’s sentiments. “It is heart-warming to see people filled with absolute joy on receiving their title deeds,” he said. “What stands out for me is how well local and provincial government have worked together to ensure that beneficiaries can prosper.”

It’s worth noting that the paperwork involved in a residential development of this scale is lengthy and often complex, requiring patience and persistence from all involved.

Quick Timeline Overview:

2012: Pre-planning application submitted
2013: Provincial approval received
2016: Town Planning (LUPO) approved
2017: Civil infrastructure funding approved; contractor on site by November
2019: Civil works completed (cost: R29.1 million)
2020: Top structure funding approved
2021: Additional funding granted for geotechnical challenges and land rehab

Project Phases:

Phase 1 entailed the construction of 150 BNG units. The contractor established on site in November 2021, with completion achieved in November 2022.
Phase 2 saw the construction of 100 BNG units. A second contractor began work in June 2022, and completion followed in March 2023.
Phase 3 involved the construction of another 150 BNG units. Work started in April 2023 and was completed by April 2024.

Project Funding: