Golden Acre Precinct: A new era for commuter safety and access in Cape Town

Visible progress on long-awaited upgrades at the Golden Acre Precinct took centre stage on Thursday, as Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis led a walkthrough highlighting advances in commuter safety, access and inner-city redevelopment at one of the city’s busiest transport hubs.

Hill-Lewis was joined by Mayco Member for Economic Growth James Vos, City officials, the Putirex development team and representatives from Mission for the Inner City Cape Town.

The visit provided on-site access to construction progress since work began in late last year, following the R781-million sale of the Golden Acre property to Putirex. A central focus was how construction is being managed in an active commuter environment used daily by thousands of people moving between taxi, rail and bus services.

City officials outlined commuter-focused interventions already under way and planned, including enhanced lighting, increased surveillance, clearer pedestrian routes and measures to maintain access through the precinct during construction. Attention was also given to pedestrian flow and congestion points in high-movement areas linking transport modes.

Hill-Lewis said: “The Golden Acre redevelopment is a significant investment in Cape Town’s inner city and an important step in strengthening one of our most vital commuter precincts. It’s about making sure people can move safely and efficiently through the CBD while bringing new life and opportunity back into the city centre.”

Vos said the project was designed to support economic activity by improving the daily experience of commuters and shoppers.

“Upgrading this precinct supports local businesses, strengthens footfall in the CBD and helps ensure that economic activity remains anchored in areas where people already move every day," Vos said.

The redevelopment includes the conversion of the former 24-storey office tower into inner-city residential rental accommodation. The project will deliver about 414 apartments, including roughly 300 studio units.

Lesego Majatladi, Director of Gracht Asset Managers (Pty) Ltd, appointed to oversee the integration of the redevelopment with City initiatives, said: “Today’s walkthrough reflects real progress in bringing housing, improved public spaces, and a better experience for the commuters who form the heartbeat of this precinct."

Brad Armitage, representing Mission for the Inner City Cape Town, said: “This redevelopment shows what is possible when the City, private developers and civic partners work together to prioritise safety, accessibility and dignity in the inner city."

Since opening in the late 1970s, it has served as a primary gateway for commuters entering and leaving the CBD.

The next phase of the redevelopment will include upgrades to the retail environment and surrounding public spaces. Completion of the project is targeted for early 2027.

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