The transformation of Bellville took another step forward this week with the opening of the Sanlam Urban Garden at the corner of Bill Bezuidenhout and Strand Streets.
Reports from the City of Cape Town suggest that the project forms part of broader efforts to rejuvenate the area through strategic urban interventions, fostering economic growth and community engagement.
Developed in partnership with Sanlam, the garden aligns with the better. bellville. together. initiative – a collaborative place-making effort supported by the City of Cape Town and facilitated by the Greater Tygerberg Partnership (GTP).
The initiative seeks to convert underused spaces into vibrant public areas that attract investment, support local businesses, and enhance community well-being.
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A strategy for economic growth
Alderman James Vos, mayoral committee member for Economic Growth, emphasised that place-making is a key pillar of the City’s strategy to stimulate jobs and enterprise development.
‘We are intentionally backing place-making projects through GTP to convert underutilised spaces into vibrant, functional places that attract foot traffic, foster business activity, and build community pride,’ Vos said. ‘These projects are designed not just to beautify public areas but to turn them into engines of economic opportunity.’
Research supports the benefits of such projects, showing that green spaces reduce stress, promote healthier lifestyles and strengthen neighbourhood connections. ‘When people feel connected to a place, they stay longer, spend more, and support local enterprises,’ Vos added.
A greener & more connected Bellville
The Sanlam Urban Garden is the latest in a growing network of public green spaces in Bellville, reflecting the community’s spirit and the potential of collaborative urban renewal. As similar projects unfold, the long-term vision is clear: a revitalised Bellville that attracts investment, supports local businesses and offers residents a renewed sense of place.
The opening of the Sanlam Urban Garden marks another milestone in Bellville’s ongoing revitalisation. Through partnerships between the City, the private sector and community stakeholders, underutilised spaces are being transformed into assets that promote economic activity and social well-being.
With sustained collaboration, Bellville’s transformation is set to gain further momentum, ensuring long-term benefits for the community and the city at large.
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Picture: Getty Images
