The 340 ha mixed-use urban development precinct The Bridge was opened in Stellenbosch, in the Western Cape, on November 7.

The Bridge represents a commitment to community-focused growth, sustainability and innovation. R60-billion is projected to be injected into the economy and 13 000 permanent jobs are expected to be created, developer Stellenbosch Bridge Properties said.

The core of The Bridge development is sustainability. Each phase of development adheres to strict environmental standards, ensuring that the precinct not only serves its immediate purpose but also stands as a legacy for generations to come, says Stellenbosch Bridge Properties development manager Lorne Dawson.

Its architecture and infrastructure are guided by green principles, and it can serve as a blueprint for sustainable development across the country, he says.

The precinct incorporates commercial facilities with spaces for retail, warehousing and business operations, thereby creating a balanced environment for residents and workers alike.

Every aspect of The Bridge has been designed to support an integrated lifestyle, and a community where urban living, commerce and recreational spaces coexist in walking distance.

The precinct has the potential to serve as a driver for economic growth and social upliftment within the Stellenbosch area.

Representatives from Stellenbosch municipality have praised the project for creating a destination where innovation meets community, and where the local economy can thrive through new opportunities.

“The Bridge is about building a sustainable future in Stellenbosch. This development exemplifies what’s possible when we connect our communities with opportunities and our traditions with a progressive vision,” Dawson says.

Located along the N1 between Cape Town, Stellenbosch and Paarl, The Bridge is anchored by an innovation precinct developed in partnership with Stellenbosch University. It has already drawn attention as a future-forward ecosystem where startups, established businesses and research institutions converge.

This innovation precinct is envisioned to become the heart of the mixed-use precinct by fostering collaboration, creativity and entrepreneurial ventures that will position Stellenbosch as a central node for innovation in South Africa.

“The LaunchLab is close to nature, inspiring and central, and speaks to all the values of Stellenbosch University. We want to build bigger partnerships and become much more relevant to society,” says Stellenbosch University innovation and business development chief director Anita Nel.

“Wesgro is proud to be a partner with The Bridge and we have a shared commitment to nurturing a thriving business environment driven by innovation and accessibility. The Bridge is an ideal place for businesses seeking an environment that promotes innovation and a high-quality lifestyle.

“The development showcases the potential and dynamism of Stellenbosch and we’re particularly excited about the location of this project, being so accessible by road, rail and air access,” says Wesgro CEO Wrenelle Stander.

“The Bridge precinct is a programme to the future. It is a bridge between urban and rural settings with the area’s neighbours being the City of Cape Town and Drakenstein. We are thankful to all the role-players involved who recognise our need as government to try to connect urban and rural areas for upliftment and to help eradicate poverty,” says Western Cape Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism Minister Dr Ivan Meyer.