Bree Street in Cape Town is being transformed into a people-first space every Sunday, as a new open streets initiative encourages Capetonians to step away from traffic and experience the city in a different way.
The initiative, which runs along Bree Street from Wale Street through to Strand Street, including Shortmarket Street, forms part of a broader effort to rethink how urban spaces are used in the city centre. Each Sunday, the area is temporarily converted into a pedestrian-friendly zone, allowing residents and visitors to move freely without the presence of regular vehicle traffic.
Operating from 10:00 to 17:00, the activation encourages walking, cycling, skating, and other forms of non-motorised movement, creating an environment that prioritises people over cars. The concept draws inspiration from the Open Streets Cape Town movement, which has long advocated for more inclusive and accessible public spaces.
Rather than being framed as a traditional event, organisers describe Bree Street Sundays as an ongoing urban experiment. The aim is to test how temporary changes to street use can improve safety, mobility, and community interaction, while gathering insights into what works in practice.
The initiative has received support from the City of Cape Town, with a focus on promoting safer streets and encouraging alternative uses of public infrastructure. By removing traffic from the equation, the space becomes more accessible to families, pedestrians, and cyclists, fostering a different type of city experience.
Beyond its immediate appeal, the project also feeds into broader conversations around urban design and transport planning, particularly as cities look to reduce congestion and create more sustainable environments.
As the activation continues through Transport Month and beyond, organisers are encouraging Capetonians to take part, engage with the space, and contribute to shaping how public streets are used in the future.
Source: Chommies / Open Streets Cape Town
