A ban on public parking, a clean-up and tighter control on traders could soon be introduced at the Grand Parade.
|||A ban on public parking, a clean-up and tighter control on traders could soon be introduced at the Grand Parade.
The City of Cape Town’s sports, recreation and amenities department said the area had been “neglected” and needed an overhaul.
It was one of the fan parks during the 2010 World Cup and was upgraded before the tournament.
Speaking at the recent Good Hope sub-council meeting, department official Samuel Festus said a range of city departments would be involved with the “turnaround” plan. These included safety and security, city parks and solid waste.
Last year, city manager Achmat Ebrahim instructed that a plan be developed for city spaces, including the Grade Parade.
Festus said the parade had benefited from a R24 million upgrade and had been used for sports and cultural events as well as film shoots. But the site was “underutilised”.
“It’s one of the most important areas in Cape Town, but its potential is not being fully realised.”
An analysis of the Grand Parade had begun. One of the strengths was that it was “multifunctional”. It was “popular” and had recently had a multi-million-rand upgrade.
However, there were key weaknesses.
“There is a lack of control. The perception is that it is not a clean space and there is no future plan for it,” Festus said.
Among the threats were crime and a lack of management of trade.
Festus said a possible plan was to ban public parking. Oil spills were staining the newly paved parking lot and heavy vehicles were cracking the bricks.
“There is oil spillage and the bricks are quite porous, the heavy trucks are also damaging the paving.”
The traders on the parade were being managed by six organisations.
“It’s a huge area of concern. The city has no control of the numbers of traders or what is being sold. The structures also do not have a good look or feel.”
Festus said preserving the parade was crucial.
“The Grand Parade’s iconic status needs to be maintained.”
It had become one of the “neglected spaces” of the city. The parade did not have a dedicated budget or staff.
Councillors at the sub-council meeting agreed.
Taki Amira, the chairman of the sub-council, said crime and a lack of trading management were problems.
Dave Bryant, ward councillor for the city centre and surrounds, said the parade had become a “serious concern”.
“The state that it’s in is an embarrassment. There needs to be a decisive plan for the future. It’s not safe for tourists. It’s a place they should visit, but not one I’d recommend.”
bronwynne.jooste@inl.co.za - Cape Argus