Intaka Island Century City

As urban environments grow and more and more people migrate from the rural areas to the city. So the need for industrial and commercial development grows. Unemployment is a big issue in urban areas worldwide so mixed developments like Century City are required to create much-needed employment and stimulate the economy. However these kinds of developments can also put a strain on the environment and resources, hence it’s also important to give back. 

The Intaka Island is an initiative by Century City which is an exact example of a development giving back and its 21-year-old history is an illustration of how property developers and environmental lobbyists can work together, hand in hand to create sustainable ecosystems in the wake of the obvious environmental impact which industry and commerce can cause. 

“This huge success story is thanks to the developer and the Century City Property Owners’ Association (CCPOA) embracing their commitments to the natural environment and working closely with the Intaka Island Blouvlei Environmental Committee”. - Chris Blackshaw, CEO of the CCPOA.

The idea started before the construction of Century City in 1997, after an environmental impact assessment was conducted highlighting a said to be tarnished wetland Sewe Pannetjies which was in need of some resuscitation. This is when the initial idea was born and the Intaka Island came to life. This artificial wetland also functions as a sanitisation system for the 8km of canals which run through all of Century City. 

 Intaka Island also offers education programmes for various levels, not to mention an education centre which operates for various uses. Intaka Island Eco-Centre is available for different types of events and they also offer a conference facility. One can also rent the space for birthday parties with the option of camping and visitors for an overnight stay will have the option of pitching a tent or resting underneath the stars at the educational Lapa. 

Intaka Island’s irrigation system is also a clear indication of the need for water conservation especially during these times of harsh drought where Cape Town could become one of the only major cities on the planet to run out of water. 

“Intaka Island's wetlands and canals demonstrate how engineering and natural processes can be used to improve the conservation of water. The South Western half of Intaka Island was originally known as the Sewe Pannietjies before it was redesigned into four distinct ponds (called cells) with indigenous wetland vegetation. These constructed cells fulfill the natural role of a wetland, which is to filter and clean water”. –intaka.co.za.

Outside of this important function of Intaka Island, it’s within their mandate to preserve a particularly unique and diverse variety of marshland. In so providing a positive environment for the sustainability of certain birdlife who call this part of the Western Cape of South Africa home. As well as helping to keep the water system around Century City hygienic and in a sanitary manner. Thus bringing a natural element to this mixed-use development and also enabling fresh oxygen for those working, residing or visiting Century City. Lastly, it also provides a facility that is both suitable for recreational and educational purposes. 
“Intaka Island award-winning 16-hectare wetlands and bird sanctuary is home to 177 species of indigenous fynbos pants and 120 bird species. Intaka – which means ‘bird’ in Xhosa – is a unique example of nature conservation and urban development co-existing in harmony. Apart from its environmental significance, the area offers a place of solace to take a stroll, relax, and get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life” – intaka.co.za.

With so much to offer at Century City including your own piece of nature you’d, it’s a great time to invest in this amazing part of Cape Town. Get on the phone today and contact an OfficePlace representative to make Century City your new commercial home.