CITY BUZZ

Enhancing Cape Town's city centre: New trees and park restoration efforts

2 min read
The trees, supplied by the City of Cape Town Recreation and Parks Department, have been planted on the Foreshore, along the Buitengracht median and in sections of Orange and Bree streets.
The trees, supplied by the City of Cape Town Recreation and Parks Department, have been planted on the Foreshore, along the Buitengracht median and in sections of Orange and Bree streets.Picture: Supplied

Cape Town’s city centre continues to see improvements aimed at making the CBD greener, safer, and more welcoming for residents, workers, and visitors.

One of the latest initiatives comes from the Cape Town Central City Improvement District (CCID), which planted 22 trees across the CBD last week, with a further 10 set to be planted this week as part of ongoing greening efforts.

The trees, supplied by the City of Cape Town Recreation and Parks Department, have been planted on the Foreshore, along the Buitengracht median, and in sections of Orange and Bree streets. Species include Ficus rubiginosa, Ceratonia siliqua, Erythrina caffra, and Ekebergia capensis.

CCID Urban Management teams prepared planting sites by digging holes and enriching the soil with compost before planting began.

Ward 115 councillor Ian McMahon welcomed the initiative, noting the important role trees play in creating a more people-friendly city.

“I am passionate about planting trees, as they add a lot of value to a built-up environment like the CBD,” he said.

The trees, supplied by the City of Cape Town Recreation and Parks Department, have been planted on the Foreshore, along the Buitengracht median and in sections of Orange and Bree street
The trees, supplied by the City of Cape Town Recreation and Parks Department, have been planted on the Foreshore, along the Buitengracht median and in sections of Orange and Bree streetPicture: CCID

Trees are widely recognised for their environmental benefits, helping to improve air quality, reduce noise, and provide shade in urban areas.

Meanwhile, another public space in the City Bowl is also receiving attention.

According to Cllr McMahon, restoration work has begun at Hope Street Kiddies Park on Tuin Plein Road, where clean-up and remodelling efforts are underway following years of neglect. The project is being led by McMahon in partnership with SC16 and the Lower Gardens City Improvement District.

He said the aim is to restore the park as a safe and attractive community space for local families and children.

“This space belongs to the families, the children, and the community of Ward 115,” McMahon said.

Together, the projects signal continued investment in the CBD’s public spaces, with a focus on creating a greener, more accessible and family-friendly city centre.

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