In an exciting initiative spearheaded by Young Urbanists, Cape Town residents are being invited to experience a new approach to urban space every Sunday along Bree Street.
This street experiment, inspired by the successful @openstreetscapetown movement, aims to reimagine Cape Town’s bustling streets as safer, more pedestrian-friendly environments.
From October 27, Bree Street, including Shortmarket Street, will be closed to motor traffic every Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm, allowing Capetonians to reclaim public spaces in a creative, community-driven way.
The activation is part of a broader movement to promote safer streets, temporary walkways and more pedestrian-centric spaces, encouraging residents to walk, cycle, skate and simply enjoy the city without the usual traffic concerns. The project will run through Transportation Month and beyond, with the goal of testing temporary installations and interactive activities to explore what works best for the city’s future.
A new vision for Cape Town’s streets
Supported by Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, this initiative is not classified as a typical event. Instead, it represents a fresh approach to street safety and public space management. Young Urbanists, in collaboration with the City of Cape Town, will use temporary installations and hands-on activities to demonstrate how the city can adopt new street designs that are safer and more inclusive.
There will be no commercial stalls or loud music, ensuring the focus remains on the community and creativity. It’s a space for families, friends, and individuals to come together and reimagine Cape Town’s streets in a more sustainable, human-centred way. The experiment will also allow city planners to observe how different street configurations perform and collect feedback from participants.
Join the activation
Starting on October 27 as part of Design Week South Africa 2024, Bree Street will be open to the public every Sunday between Wale to Strand Streets, including the bustling Shortmarket Street. From 10 am to 5 pm, residents are invited to walk, cycle, or skate along these vibrant streets and participate in the various street experiments on display.
The temporary street closures aim to spark conversations about Cape Town’s future and provide a practical demonstration of how public spaces can be repurposed to prioritize people over vehicles. This is an ideal opportunity for anyone interested in urban design, safety, or simply spending a Sunday outside with friends and family.
This activation brings the future of Cape Town to life, offering a glimpse into what the city could look like when pedestrians and communities take center stage. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this exciting urban transformation every Sunday on Bree Street!
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