Cape Town: The City is pleased to confirm that the Chapel Street upgrade project in District Six is on track and will be completed by July this year. The project builds on the outcomes of the Public Realm Strategy that was developed in cooperation with the District Six Caretakers and wider community in 2021.
Once completed, the Chapel Street will play an important role in connecting residents and the neighbourhood. The historical Chapel Street can be described as the central spine linking Trafalgar Park to the east of the Zeenatul Islamic Mosque with District Six, the new restitution areas, and the Cape Peninsula University of Technology to the west.
The project started in June 2025, and the design interventions focus on:
- Prioritising pedestrians
- Space and opportunity for seating along the pedestrian walkways
- The various institutions and facilities along the route and accommodations
- Traffic calming measures to improve pedestrian safety and the safety of vulnerable road users such as children and the elderly
- Planting of trees and other vegetation to create an alluring environment that is conducive to socialising
Deputy Mayor and Member of the Mayoral Committee for Spatial Planning and Environment – Alderman Eddie Andrews said that the upgrade and redesign of Chapel Street have come a long way. It builds on the foundations of the Public Realm Strategy, which the Urban Planning and Design Department of the city developed in consultation with the District Six Caretakers and the wider community during virtual meetings and Open House events in 2021 and 2022.
The Public Realm Strategy guides them on how public spaces can be used to re-establish the vibrancy and cosmopolitan community of District Six. At that time, the upgrade of Chapel Street was identified as one of the key projects to facilitate movement between Trafalgar Park, New Hanover Street, and the CBD area.
He further stated that in 2023 and 2024, they again consulted with the local community of District Six about the redesign of Chapel Street to get input from the residents, stakeholders, and interested parties. They hosted a public open day to source comments on the concept design, and the detailed design was also submitted for further input and consultation.
The feedback they received during this time confirmed the need to transform Chapel Street into a space that favours and focuses on pedestrians. There have been some challenges over the past few months, among which are electricity cables that need to be relocated.
Andrews assured all that the project team is working hard at resolving challenges and will keep the community informed. He thanked the residents for their patience, and ongoing support. They are committed to complete this project on time. Chapel Street is their asset, and they are looking forward to the day when they can use this street as a place to connect, socialise, and walk in comfort and safety.
Deputy Mayor Andrews hosted a meeting with residents on February 09, 2026 to share the latest information and progress on the project. Residents and businesses from Chapel Street and the surrounding area attended the meeting at the Lydia Williams Centre for Memory.
There they had a very constructive discussion with participants raising concerns, seeking clarity, and City officials providing direct feedback on the project and its progress. He also confirmed that the City will keep on communicating with the community about the project and will keep all informed as they are heading into the final stretch.