Kruskal Avenue upgrades boosts Bellville CBD

The City said a second phase of upgrades at Kruskal Avenue has been completed in the Bellville CBD, a key step in its long-term plan to revitalise the area.

Deputy mayor and mayoral committee member for spatial planning and environment, Eddie Andrews, joined officials from the City’s urban planning and design department on Monday, November 17, to showcase the latest improvements along the busy pedestrian corridor.

“Achieving improvements in a CBD precinct like this takes time and requires ongoing collaboration,” he said.

Kruskal Avenue is one of the Bellville CBD’s most important pedestrian routes, which links Bellville Station with Voortrekker Road and the surrounding areas. 

Key features of the upgrade included:

• Pedestrian prioritisation: Parts of Kruskal Avenue have been converted from a two-way to a one-way road, allowing for wider pavements and safer foot traffic.

• Improved safety: Kerb extensions and reconfigured parking have reduced traffic conflict points and improved visibility.

• Shared-street design: Roads and pavements now sit on the same level, with hard and soft landscaping used to guide pedestrian and vehicle movement.

• Infrastructure upgrades: Modernised public lighting, new paving, and an upgraded stormwater system to reduce flooding risks.

• Greening and amenities: The addition of 78 new trees, benches, tactile paving for universal access, and automated irrigation.

• Improved operations: Redesign of the Middestad Mall delivery area to resolve long-standing safety and circulation challenges.

The Greater Tygerberg Partnership (GTP) operates as a non-profit organisation dedicated to the modernisation of the Bellville CBD and its surrounding areas.

The organisation said: "We are proud of the progress being made across the CBD, and we remain committed to continuing this momentum with the City and Voortrekker Road CID - improving key spaces, strengthening connections, and investing in a CBD that works better for everyone."

The City said the improvements will create a safer and more welcoming public environment while strengthening connections between key destinations, including Elizabeth Park, Voortrekker Road, Bellville Station, and the Public Transport Interchange.

“With strong precinct management and boosted investor confidence, further economic activity can be stimulated in the Bellville CBD,” said Mr Andrews.