A not-for-profit organization, the Mission for Inner City Cape Town, is transforming the city's central business district into more welcoming and walkable areas through small-scale interventions. Launched eight months ago, it collaborates with the Cape Town Central City Improvement District to support local initiatives and unlock private investment. Cofounder Tim Harris emphasizes building platforms that harness local energy and ingenuity.
The Mission for Inner City Cape Town, a lean not-for-profit launched eight months ago, aims to make the central business district (CBD) more inviting for locals. Cofounders Tim Harris and Brad Armitage started the group after observing the loss of 117 businesses during Covid-19, which highlighted the need for targeted support beyond the broader efforts of the Cape Town Central City Improvement District (CCID), where Harris serves on the board.
Key interventions include transforming a drab substation at Riebeeck Square into a vibrant public gallery with murals by local artists. Along St George’s Mall, a repurposed 'Kiosk of Curiosities' allows pedestrians to view artwork through a pinhole. Cheerful daisy designs on Strand Street remind drivers to be courteous, while Shortmarket Street and Church Lane glow with festoon lights after dark.
Harris, a former MP and Wesgro CEO, described the mission's approach: “We are building a platform that unlocks energy and ingenuity by supporting locals who have their own vision.” The group has secured three years of funding from the City of Cape Town, matched by private contributions.
Placemaking—collaborative efforts to build public spaces for living, working, playing, and learning—drives projects like enhancing Riebeeck Square with seating and planters, cleaning the 'Purple Shall Govern' plaque commemorating a 1989 anti-apartheid protest, and planning safe mobility hubs for delivery bikers in partnership with Young Urbanists, Takealot, and Mr D.
At Greenmarket Square, the mission seeks to diversify market products to appeal to residents, adding bollards, seating, lighting, and greenery. Harris noted shifts from the 'Airbnb effect,' with thousands of student units near Cape Town Station spurring retail changes, such as the Jack Lemkus sneaker store opening a burger joint. A 24-storey office in Golden Acre is converting into 414 affordable rentals.
While acknowledging challenges like public transport and housing, the mission focuses on livability and commercial viability. Harris prioritizes locals over digital nomads: “They cannot be the dominant one. That is why we say: locals first.” Drawing inspiration from the V&A Waterfront, the group promotes affordable retail to foster an inclusive economy, conducting surveys on safety and needs, including a 'pram index' for family-friendly spaces like the Company’s Garden.
Harris, who has visited 34 African countries, sees Cape Town's inner city as uniquely promising compared to Johannesburg's urban decay.