24 Years Transforming Cape Town CBD into a World-Class Hub

With the Cape Town CBD in better in better shape than ever before, the Cape Town Central City Improvement District (CCID) has recorded a successful year in providing a stable and business friendly inner-city environment.

• The Cape Town CBD saw over R7.2 billion in property investments in 2023, including hotels, residential, and commercial buildings.
• CCID maintained its 24th consecutive clean audit, focusing on public safety, urban management, and social development to support the CBD.
• The CCID’s Social Development department increased proactive support for the homeless, offering shelter, food programs, and the "peer-to-peer" field worker project

CCID's Role in Transforming Cape Town CBD: Growth, Safety, and Innovation

The Cape Town Central City Improvement District (CCID) has successfully upheld its mission of enhancing the CBD, making it a world-class destination for work, investment, living, and recreation. In 2023, the CCID oversaw over R7.2 billion in property investments, including new hotels, residential complexes, and commercial buildings. These investments contribute to the CBD’s transformation, with property values soaring from R6 billion in 2006 to R42.8 billion in 2023.

CCID’s success is attributed to its strong governance, as evidenced by its 24th consecutive clean audit. The organisation’s focus on core services—public safety, urban management, and social development—has played a key role in sustaining the CBD’s appeal. CEO Tasso Evangelinos highlighted the CCID’s commitment to maintaining public safety, which remains a top priority with the bulk of the budget allocated to security. The CCID’s 323 Public Safety Officers are deployed 24/7, ensuring quick responses to crime incidents and conducting over 37,000 safety interactions in the past year. Their efforts led to 720 arrests and over 3,000 crime-prevention operations.

In addition to security, the CCID prioritises urban management, investing in cleanliness and beautification. Over 1,200 tonnes of litter were collected, while 31,899 kg of debris was removed from storm drains. The CCID’s urban management team also enhanced public spaces with art, floral displays, and improved lighting, while expanding waste management and providing job opportunities, including for homeless individuals.

The CCID’s Social Development department has also made strides in addressing homelessness in the CBD. Their peer-to-peer mentoring program, which expanded to include night shifts, helps guide homeless individuals toward essential services and support. Additionally, the Winter Readiness Programme increased the availability of shelter beds, while a needle disposal scheme in partnership with TB HIV Care helped 858 people and safely disposed of over 250,000 needles.

Reflecting on the year’s accomplishments, Rob Kane CCID Board Chairperson stated, “The CCID provided another exceptional year of service to the CBD thanks to its proficient management team, committed staff, experienced service providers, and successful collaborations with strategic partners.” With its continued focus on fostering a thriving, safe, and welcoming environment, the CCID is poised for another successful year ahead.