The City of Cape Town is inviting residents, businesses and road users to comment on proposed changes to sections of Charl Malan Street in the Bellville central business district (CBD), as part of plans to improve pedestrian safety and manage vehicle access in the area.

The public participation period opened on Wednesday 27 May and runs until Friday 26 June.

Improving Bellville as Cape Town’s second hub

The Mayco member for urban mobility, councillor Rob Quintas, said the changes form part of broader plans to develop Bellville as Cape Town’s second metropolitan hub.

“Converting parts of Charl Malan Street into car-free zones will lead to enhanced safe pedestrian experiences and contribute to the long-term development goals outlined in the Local Spatial Development Framework (LSDF) for this area. This pedestrianisation of Charl Malan Street will not only lead to safer and easier pedestrian access, but it will also improve traffic flow and reduce conflict between vehicles, pedestrians and informal traders,” said Quintas.

He urged residents to take part in the process. “We do ask that residents take the time to submit their comments to ensure that this process is as inclusive as it can be and we can factor in your suggestions and comments and, together, keep Cape Town moving.”

Proposed changes to the street

The Urban Mobility Directorate’s proposal includes converting certain sections of Charl Malan Street to one-way northbound traffic with managed access controls, while other sections will remain unchanged.

The affected segments are as follows:

– Between South Street and Wilshammer Street: The existing two-way carriageway will be converted to a one-way carriageway in the northbound direction with managed vehicular access.

– Between Wilshammer Street and Church Street: This section will remain unchanged.

– Between Church Street and the southern boundary of the Eskom property: The existing two-way carriageway will be converted to a one-way northbound carriageway with managed vehicular access and access control at both the southern and northern ends.

– Between the southern boundary of the Eskom property and Voortrekker Road: This section will remain unchanged.

Public information day

A public information day will be held on Saturday 6 June, from 09:00 to 12:00 at the Bellville Public Library Auditorium, Carl van Aswegen Street, Bellville.

How to have your say

Comments may be submitted in the following ways:

• Online: www.capetown.gov.za/haveyoursay or www.capetown.gov.za/collaborate
• By email: BellvilleCBD.Precinct@capetown.gov.za (use reference number 110252620)
• In writing: Drop off submissions at the Subcouncil 6 Office, Bellville Civic Centre, Voortrekker Road, Bellville, or at the Bellville Public Library, Carl van Aswegen Street, Bellville.
• The City’s Public Participation Unit can assist people who need help submitting comments, including those who cannot read or write or who may require additional support. For assistance, contact Zandile Mahlasela on 021 400 5501 or email Zandile.Mahlasela@capetown.gov.za.

For technical questions about the project, email BellvilleCBD.Precinct@capetown.gov.za or call 021 444 4328.