City's Grand Parade upgrade underway

By Tina George
1 July 2008

The R21 million upgrade of South Africa’s oldest public space, the Grand Parade, has officially begun.

According to the City of Cape Town Capetonians can look forward to having a significantly improved multi-functional venue at their disposal by April next year.

Geoff Duffel-Canham, of the City of Cape Town’s Spatial Planning and Urban Design Department says the contractor has already started work.

“The first component of the upgrade will be the installation of the technical and electrical infrastructure needed for big events,” said Duffel-Canham.

Geoff said that a full time archaeologist is an integral part of the contract team because of the Parade’s historical significance.


Cape Town Partnership CE, Andrew Boraine is delighted that the Grand Parade’s upgrade has begun.

“We look forward to having a premier public space in town to which we can invite those who want to enjoy events and activities here. This upgrade will ensure that Cape Town Central City will have a suitable space to offer for the 2010 World Cup official Fifa Fanpark, says Boraine.

Duffel-Canham adds that the area will be made as accessible as possible during construction, as agreed with the City, all the current traders will be accommodated on site during construction.

“During the construction phase of the project, parking will not be allowed for safety reasons, to obviate potential public liability litigation and also to prevent inconvenience to the traders, says Duffel-Canham.

“The upgraded Grand Parade will have parking for 200 cars from Mondays to Sundays. To accommodate the market, an additional 100 cars will be allowed to park on Wednesdays and Saturdays.”
The final two phases of this development will begin after July 2010.