Chapel Street upgrade nears completion date

The City of Cape Town says the long-awaited upgrade of Chapel Street in District Six remains on track to be completed by July this year, marking a key step in reconnecting residents, institutions and public spaces in the historic area.

The project builds on the Public Realm Strategy developed in 2021 in cooperation with the District Six Caretakers and the wider community. Once complete, Chapel Street is expected to play a central role in improving movement and social interaction within the neighbourhood.

Chapel Street has historically served as a key link between Trafalgar Park, east of the Zeenatul Islamic Mosque, and District Six’s new restitution areas, as well as the Cape Peninsula University of Technology to the west.

Construction began in June 2025, with the design focused on prioritising pedestrians, creating space for seating along walkways, accommodating institutions and facilities along the route, and introducing traffic-calming measures to improve safety for vulnerable road users such as children and the elderly. The plans also include the planting of trees and vegetation to create a more welcoming, social environment.

The upgrade also forms part of a broader placemaking approach along Chapel Street, which includes public art interventions informed by community input. Earlier phases of engagement explored the use of murals on City-owned facilities to reflect the stories, history and identity of District Six, reinforcing the street’s role as a pedestrian corridor linking Trafalgar Park, New Hanover Street and the CBD. The construction work focuses on the section of Chapel Street between Searle Street and Russel Street, and from Russel Street to New Hanover Street.

City Deputy Mayor and Mayco Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Eddie Andrews, said the project was shaped by years of community engagement.

“The upgrade and redesign of Chapel Street have come a long way. It builds on the foundations of the Public Realm Strategy, which the City’s Urban Planning and Design Department developed in consultation with the District Six Caretakers and the wider community during virtual meetings and open house events in 2021 and 2022,” Andrews said.

He said the strategy guides how public spaces can be used to help re-establish the vibrancy and cosmopolitan character of District Six, with Chapel Street identified early on as a key route linking Trafalgar Park, New Hanover Street and the CBD.

According to Andrews, further consultations were held with residents and stakeholders in 2023 and 2024, including a public open day and opportunities to comment on the detailed design. “The feedback we received during this time confirmed the need to transform Chapel Street into a space that favours and focuses on pedestrians,” he said.

While the project has faced challenges in recent months, including the relocation of electricity cables, Andrews said the City is working to resolve the issues.

“I want to thank residents for their patience and ongoing support. We are committed to completing this project on time. Chapel Street is your asset, and we are looking forward to the day when you can use this street as a place to connect, socialise, and walk in comfort and safety,” he said.

Andrews met with residents and business owners on February 9 at the Lydia Williams Centre for Memory to provide an update on progress. He described the meeting as constructive, with concerns raised and City officials providing direct feedback.

“I also want to confirm that the City will keep communicating with the community about the project as we head into the final stretch,” he said.

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