Greenmarket Square was the site of the City’s economic recovery plan soft launch event. The City’s events department used the opportunity to test updated COVID-19 safety precautions ahead of the upcoming tourism and events season.
‘As the City we have to assist in reversing the economic decline through whatever means possible, which is why we have put together five workstreams aimed at various elements of our recovery plan. We are also supporting event organisers as much as we can to ensure that the events sector recovers. This is critical for thousands of people who rely on this industry to make a living and take care of their families.
‘The City plans to host several small events in the coming weeks and months as part of the Cape Town CBD revitalisation programme. These events will be organised in line with the national lockdown restrictions and with the health and safety protocols in place,’ said the City’s Executive Mayor, Alderman Dan Plato.
Earlier this month the City announced its economic recovery plans which includes the establishment of five workstreams:
- Regulatory reform, which is looking at innovative policies that can enable businesses to operate in a safe and attractive manner;
- Precinct management with a focus on various initiatives to address the crime and grime in the area;
- Collaborative partnerships to bring all stakeholders together to ensure buy-in and participation for all these interventions;
- An Events and Activation workstream that is putting together an exciting programme of events to attract people back to the CBD;
- An occupational density workstream that considers the medium to long-term changes that will occur as a result of the changing work patterns and how the City can help the CBD adjust to this new normal.
‘These interventions will provide a blueprint for other sub-councils to employ in their own commercial centres thereby bringing life back to all our centres of economic and social interactions, in a safe and responsible manner,’ said Mayor Plato.
‘The past seven months have been difficult for all our residents, particularly for entrepreneurs and small businesses. They’ve been faced with challenges, and now it’s time to show our support and solidarity in supporting local artists and businesses through drawing foot traffic into the CBD. I am seeing to it that the City’s Events Department plays a leading role in this as it always has. There is also clearly a renewed energy required to tackle the crime that is creeping in again post lockdown. I think the precinct management programme will go a long way towards brings all the right role players together to make a meaningful impact,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
‘The Enterprise and Investment Department has rolled out our business retention and expansion programme designed to help business in distress as well as assist in expanding current operations. Working closely with other key departments, we are attracting foot fall to the CBD to drive demand. There is a compelling case for why local and international businesses should either expand or invest in our CBD based on the sound infrastructure, connectivity and accessibility the area offers. Just last week I announced the roll-out of the first intervention in terms of regulatory reform. Restaurants will now have the opportunity to expand their operations onto the sidewalks in front of their establishments thereby growing a flourishing pavement economy that supports business and jobs. Restaurants and other business establishments are encouraged to submit their applications,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Opportunities and Asset Management, Alderman James Vos.
Local artists provided some welcome entertainment at a free open air concert during the engagement with local business owners yesterday. Among the many artists and DJs who performed were SAMA Awards nominee Jarred Ricketts, Winner of 2020 Cape Town Expozed and Idols contestant Serrano Johnson and the Delft Big Band, a vibrant 18-piece band with a vast repertoire.
COVID-19 measures for the event include:
- The venue is sanitised throughout the duration of the event
- One entry point with a registration process
- The venue allows 500 people and a queue system will apply
- Safety distance per family/couple or member of the public will apply
- No mask, no entry