The City’s Spatial Planning and Environment Directorate recently completed the first phase of the Kruskal Avenue upgrade in the Bellville central business district. Kruskal Avenue is one of the main pedestrian routes, which links the Bellville Station to Voortrekker Road and the surrounding business district.
The upgrade forms part of the Mayor’s Urban Regeneration Programme (MURP), Bellville Community Action Plan (CAP), Voortrekker Road Corridor revitalisation and the Voortrekker Road Corridor Integration Zone project.
The first phase of the project included sections of Teddington Road, Voortrekker Road and Kruskal Avenue in the Bellville central business district (CBD).
Construction commenced in January 2019 and was completed in February 2020.
The following construction work and upgrades were undertaken:
- The road surface of Teddington Road was upgraded, sidewalks paved, new trees were planted and new benches, lights and public art works were installed
- Sidewalks along Voortrekker Road were repaved and the centre island improved
- At the intersection of Voortrekker and Durban Roads the sidewalks were repaved, the pedestrian crossing improved, new trees planted, heritage features upgraded and new benches, lights and public art works were installed
- Kruskal Avenue was repaved, new trees were planted and new benches, lights and public art works were installed
‘This project is seen as a catalyst that will create investor confidence in the Bellville CBD and we are hoping that these improvements will help to change the public’s perceptions of the area,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment Alderman Marian Nieuwoudt.
The project is the true epitome of the City’s commitment to delivering excellent service that will improve the lifestyle of our residents.
‘This area is a hub of activity and the upgrade is making it easy for people to access businesses and amenities. The improvement also promotes ease of access and social cohesion,’ said Alderman Nieuwoudt.
The development includes new artworks by Ralph Borland.
Firstly, an artwork was installed at the entrance to Elizabeth Park on the corner of Voortrekker and Durban Roads. This sculpture represents giant grasses that celebrate the persistence of nature in the city, monumentalising the tiny grasses that grow through cracks in the pavement. The grasses represents tenacity and fruitfulness, and the ability to flourish on little.
Secondly, sculptures of red-winged starlings were installed on poles across the site. These bird sculptures rotate in the wind and celebrate these clever and resourceful birds who are at home both in nature and in the city. The red-winged starlings are originally from the east coast of Africa and found their way to Cape Town. Both artworks draw playful attention to small natural elements in this urban space that might otherwise be overlooked, and reflect on the people who inhabit the site, using their own resourcefulness and tenacity as they go about their daily lives.
‘The second phase of the Kruskal Avenue upgrade is anticipated to commence towards the end of 2022, pending unforeseen circumstances and delays. The project will include the upgrading of the remaining section of Kruskal Avenue and lower Blanckenberg Street,’ said Alderman Nieuwoudt.