Cape Town: Heerengracht came alive with vibrant colours as the Urban Management Department of the Cape Town Central City Improvement District (CCID) created a dynamic summer vibe in town. The trees along the canal on the Foreshore were wrapped in brightly coloured fabrics to decorate them.
Reportedly, the pastel trees were wrapped in coloured sheets, which previously adorned the trees in this. Other key pedestrianised sections of the CBD over the festive season, are also being replaced to reflect the energy of summer and the start of 2026.
Head of CCID Urban Management – Kally Benito said that the tree wrapping is a signature of CCID initiative. She stated that, “It’s one of the ways we create interest in town and uplift the urban environment to make it more attractive for workers, residents and visitors.”
However, over 120 trees were wrapped on Heerengracht, last week. The Urban team will now move on to other areas of the CBD including the Thibault Square, Walter Sisulu Avenue and St. Georges Mall, until 580 trees have a new lease on life.
It’s a new year in town and people here are intent on bringing a fresh new vibe to the Cape Town CBD.
Currently, the CCID Urban Management Department is focusing on Upper Waterkant St. As it kicks off its 2026 plan to beautify key parts of town by painting cement planters in the highly pedestrianised section of the street.
Two of the 20 planters, situated in the section between Bree and Buitengracht St. have already been transformed with floral motifs by well-known street artists HandCantrol360 Crew. These artists painted bollards lower down in Waterkant St. as well as two larger planters.
CCID Head Kally Benito said that with this initiative, the CCID is enhancing the public realm to soften the urban environment and create interest through clever use of colour and design.
The planters will complement the wooden barrel planters, which also have a floral theme and were painted by artist Simone Lawrence.