uct heritage park management framework - University of Cape Town

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5. MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK AND SPATIAL CONCEPT
This section is presents the proposed Management Framework for the UCT Heritage Park. It sets
out the draft guiding principles, management vision, mission and key outcomes for the
management of the Forest and Dam Precincts. These have been developed in discussion with key
stakeholders and the UCT Planning and Services Department.
5.1 Performance criteria
It is proposed that the performance criteria, set out in the UCT, Rondebosch/Observatory
Campus: Development Framework Plan (DFP) and revised in 2010 15 , (defined to guide and form
the basis of evaluation of all future spatial proposals), be used to inform the spatial concept and
evaluate the management proposals for the UCT Heritage Park. These performance criteria are as
follows:
• Equity: relates largely to the issue of access, particularly for those on foot and those with
disabilities;
• Integration: with the surrounding community, local urban systems especially access and
transport systems, between various parts of the campus and departments and between
people historically separated by social and cultural barriers. The last aspect is proposed to
be addressed through the creation of a system of informal, public gathering spaces;
• Dignity: infers that by the making of an environmentally and socially supportive
environment, there is support for the campus as a key social and educational institution
of excellence;
• Heritage conservation: refers to the need to respect architecturally-, horticulturally- and
culturally significant buildings, landscapes and use patterns, etc.; and,
• Landscape, Placemaking and Legibility: refers to the need to focus on the nature and
quality of open space linking the built precincts, buildings and surrounding landscapes,
the object being to make the public realm more humanely scaled, safer, more
comfortable and coherent.
5.2 Management vision/goal
The proposed vision or goal of management of the UCT Heritage Park is as follows:
The development and management of the UCT Heritage Park enhances the cultural and
natural heritage landscape values associated with Groote Schuur Estate and the UCT
Campus in general.
5.3 Management mission/purpose (overall outcome)
The proposed mission or purpose of management for the UCT Heritage Park is as follows:
The UCT Heritage Park is a vegetated backdrop to UCT’s Upper Campus and is managed for
the ecological, social and economic benefits to the university community and the general
public in ways that are appropriate within the natural and cultural heritage landscape
context.
15 These were defined to guide and form the basis of evaluation of all future spatial proposals
UCT Heritage Park Management Framework: Final Draft Report, July 2012