When the development of Century City began in 1996, the 250 hectare area was largely covered by invasive alien vegetation (mainly Port Jackson acacias) and a number of degraded wetlands. A large number of water birds used one of these wetlands and the surrounding flooded vegetation as a breeding site.
In the environmental impact assessment (EIA) which preceded development, it was recommended that a multi-purpose nature reserve be created in the centre of Century City. The Century City property developer, Rabie Property Group, decided to do this, both as a contribution to conservation and to create an attractive and functional wetland for the Century City environment. Intaka Island is the result and it represents a uniquely successful union of conservation and property development.
Intaka Island received Voluntary Conservation Status from Cape Nature in October 2006 and the construction of an Environmental Education Centre was completed in 2010. Intaka Island and Eco-Centre now plays host to a range of visitors ranging from pensioners and school groups to corporate training functions and birthday parties.
Intaka Island, an award-winning 16 hectare wetlands and bird sanctuary, is home to 177 species of indigenous fynbos plants 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
This multi-functional Environmental Education Centre accommodating groups of up to 75 at any one time, includes an assembly area, educational activity centre, reception, catering and ablution facilities.
Bamboo Blinds
Thatched Roof
FSC Timber Furniture
LED Lighting
Roof Garden
Solar Geyser
Liliput Black Water System
Rain Water Harvesting
Rhapsody Grey Water System
Biogas Digester
Recycling Station
Permeable Paving
Earth Worm Farm
Composter
Polywood Seating
Wind Turbine
Aquaponics
Poystyrene Blocks
Photovoltaic (PV) Panels
1. Bamboo Blinds
2. Thatched Roof
3. FSC Timber Furniture
4. LED Lighting
5. Roof Garden
6. Solar Geyser
7. Liliput Black Water System
8. Rain Water Harvesting
9. Rhapsody Grey Water System
10. Biogas Digester
11. Recycling Station
12. Permeable Paving
13. Earth Worm Farm
14. Composter
15. Polywood Seating
16. Wind Turbine
17. Aquaponics
18. Poystyrene Blocks
19. Photovoltaic (PV) Panels
Location: Grand Central Precinct, 2 Park Ln, Century City, Cape Town, 7441, South Africa
Phone: +27 21 552 6889
Email: info@intaka.co.za