Online Reporter
Vusumuzi Dube [email protected]
THE Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has approved two major development blueprints aimed at transforming parts of the city into high-density mixed-use zones, vibrant commercial corridors and modern transport-oriented urban centres over the next 15 years.
The plans are expected to reshape several suburbs and sections of the central business district, attracting investment, improving infrastructure and enhancing service delivery in Zimbabwe’s second-largest city.
According to a report by the city’s director of town lands and planning, Mr Wisdom Siziba, dated April 5, 2026, the local authority resolved to recommend the adoption and gazetting of Local Development Plan (LDP) No. 12 and Local Subject Plan (LSP) No. 18 following extensive stakeholder consultations and public exhibitions.
The plans are designed to respond to evolving urban challenges, including population growth, increased demand for commercial space, rising traffic volumes and the need for sustainable land use systems.
LDP No. 12 covers Bellevue, Newton West, Newton, Eloana, parts of Hillside West, Lot 16 Umguza, Remaining Extent Umguza and B2 Bellevue.
The report highlights that current land use patterns have already shifted away from outdated planning models, with growing demand for mixed-use developments, higher-density housing and integrated commercial spaces.
“It would be recalled that the town planning department was currently preparing local plans citywide to enhance orderly city growth and direct sustainable growth and development. The report of the study and the written statement for LDP 12 were presented to all stakeholders, including departments and management, councillors and external stakeholders,” read the report.
Council adopted the draft Local Development Plan in December last year, then opened it for public inspection between February and March this year to allow residents and stakeholders to submit comments and objections.
The proposed plan introduces a mixed-use and densified urban development model driven by Transit-Oriented Development Corridors, a planning concept that focuses development around transport systems to improve accessibility and movement.
Under the proposed zoning system, the affected areas will accommodate different types of residential developments, business facilities, office parks, medical suites, cluster housing and public institutions.
Council said the approach is aimed at making better use of existing infrastructure while promoting efficient and sustainable land use.
“To achieve these goals, the local plan proposed a mixed-use and densified urban development strategy with Transit-Oriented Development Corridors,” reads the report.
The city has also adopted Local Subject Plan No. 18, which targets the northern section of Bulawayo’s central business district, bounded by Third Avenue, Beit Avenue, Selous Avenue and Eastcot Avenue.
This plan seeks to modernise the area through rezoning, infrastructure upgrades and the establishment of commercial and transport hubs to meet increasing urban demands.
Proposed developments include shops, offices, markets, service industries, institutional facilities, medical suites, transport termini and a cultural and heritage centre at the Inxwala Site.
Council said the project will also prioritise the upgrading of roads and key services such as water reticulation, sewer systems, electricity supply, broadband connectivity and telephone services. Public consultations on LSP No. 18 largely focused on the conversion of residential properties into business and office use, reflecting growing commercial pressure in the city.
“Comments on Local Subject Plan 18 were centred around rezoning from residential to business, offices, and medical suites, the area bounded by Robert Mugabe to the east, Fife Street to the west and Connaught and Masotsha Avenue to the north. These were taken into consideration and incorporated into the final proposal plan,” reads the report.
Urban planning expert Dr Nicholas Muleya said the adoption of the two plans signals a move towards modern, integrated urban development.
“These proposed developments are also expected to attract private sector investment while positioning Bulawayo for future population and economic growth,” he said.
