Eurocape Investments initiated a competition in 2003 for the renewal of the historic Cape Town city block between Wale Street, St George’s Mall, Church and Burg Street. The brief stipulated the importance of addressing the visual and pedestrian linkages between the City and the Company’s Garden.

dhk Urban Concepts undertook the competition with our sister company dhk Architects, with our focus on the urban environment. Our submission was successful, and Mandela Rhodes Place, the architectural component of the appointment, was completed in 2007.

The main objective of the urban proposal was to re-define this area of our city as the historic civic heart of Cape Town by improving the pedestrian flow from the City to the Company’s Garden, creating pedestrian-priority areas, and the promotion of an environment that would attract day-time shoppers and tourists to this area.

It will also create a living environment that is safe for residents and others to take part in day and night-time activities within the precinct.

Cathedral Square was proposed as a forecourt to the Company’s Garden, creating a vibrant, new public space at St George’s Cathedral. This Square will establish ‘an address’ for the historically significant buildings on this site. It will also become a ‘stage’ for many of the events and festivities anticipated for the inner city of Cape Town.

Cathedral Precinct Plan

Cathedral Square Plan

Cathedral Square sketch

Queen Victoria Street render

St Georges Cathedral render

Wale Street render