Cape Town city council has approved an application by SA Rail Commuter Corporation for the rezoning of Cape Town station, paving the way for a commercial development.

The rezoning will allow for the development of 140000m² of office, retail and residential space.

The approval is accompanied by a number of conditions, including a public transport plan that uses the station as a modal interchange; a traffic impact assessment; an indication of how the redevelopment will complement surrounding developments; and a bulk services plan for the site.

It is proposed that the redevelopment will have 32000m² of retail space, 86000m² of office space, 17000m² of mixed office and residential space, and areas for recreation.

Cape Town's executive councillor for planning and environment Brian Watkyns says the proposed redevelopment is meant to create a pleasant and user-friendly public space.

'It will be a landmark development that will give appropriate dignity to a major public transport node,' he says.

As an investment it also signifies a massive vote of confidence in Cape Town's central business district, says Watkyns.

He expects that the development to take two to five years to complete.

The envisaged development of the 15,3ha site includes supermarkets as anchor tenants, line shops in areas with high pedestrian movement, a food court incorporating facilities for informal and semiformal traders, Agrade offices with parking, and a tourist information centre.