We haven’t quite yet begin to realise the future potential of the new Cape Town Station Square. Situated right in the middle of the Cape Town CBD, the construction of the new Square was initially driven by the need for a public evacuation area, so that the CT Station can conform to international transport safety standards as part of the 2010 Footbal World Cup. Born out of necessity, we can now begin to imagine how this area will transform into a new public space with the potential to add to future generations of civic life in Cape Town.
Right now, most of the 2010 event plans ignore the role of the Station Square, simply because it isn’t yet on the map like its more illustrious and well-known precedents – Grand Parade, Greenmarket Square, Thibault Square, Church Square and the like. However, I think that will change very soon, once the space becomes available to the public in the next few weeks. “I’ll meet you on Station Square” is likely to become a common refrain for fans wishing to walk together to the CT stadium for a match or event, and for commuters using public transport. Location scouts will suddenly have a new space to take to their directors to shoot films and commercials; events companies will soon realise its possibilities for small-scale music events.
A recent Prasa/ Intersite newsletter Right on Track has confirmed that important clues to Cape Town’s past have also been discovered during the construction of the Station Square: “The wooden remnants of what is suspected to be the remains of the ‘Central Jetty’ of the old Cape Town Pier were recently discovered on the Cape Town Station site. This confirms that the Table Bay water’s edge was approximately where the current station is today.” This, together with evidence of an 18th well and the possible wall of the original Cape Town customs house, discovered on other sites on the station, will add to the historical significance of the new square. This does mean however that part of the new square will not be completed in time for the World Cup, and will be surrounded by hording. I hope that someone uses the opportunity to erect suitable temporary signage to explain the reasons for the delay and to tell some of the Cape Town story to locals and visitors alike.
As far as I’m aware, there is no official name for what I have referred to as ‘Station Square’ in this post. It is traditionally known as the Station Forecourt. What a wonderful opportunity this then presents to think of a new name for the square that can contribute to inclusive memorialisation and nation-building. What about Abdurrahman Square, after Dr. Abdullah Abdurrahman (1872-1940), President of the African Political Organization (APO) from 1905. Any other ideas?
The new Station Square takes shape
I don't know the exact dimensions, but the new Station Square will probably be the second largest public square in the CBD after the Grand Parade
The new Station Square has been furthered enhanced by the recent upgrade to the underground Strand Street Concourse, an important pedestrian link between the station and the rest of the CBD
New connections - part of the concrete barrier along the eight-lane Heerengracht/ Adderley St currently being demolished to create an at-grade pedestrian crossing between the Station Square and Exchange Place, the start of the Fan Walk along Waterkant St
Exchange Place, which will connect the Station Square to the St George's Mall and Waterkant/ Somerset Rd pedestrian routes, being upgraded
Part of the square delayed by important archeological finds
Perhaps wishful, but a glass cube erected over these historical sites with a plaque attached could be great, if it does not significantly impact on access.
I think we should avoid names that are politically linked, as we have done with Cape Town Stadium. There are many fitting names that can be used without increasing division among Capetonians. How about Protea Square? Alternatively, station could be kept.
I like the proposal. I will check out with Intersite and Prasa what their plans are for the heritage sites
Good point – public spaces and buildings don’t have to be named after politicians, and shouldn’t be if this is devisive. However, I would stress the need for inclusive memorialisation, i.e. how to recognise and honour people and communities excluded from our city history in the past in order to build a new more inclusive city identity
Nelson Mandela Square? Sure to be a winner in Cape Town too!
Would be fun if they had a huge “Start” Banner at the start of the fan walk similar to the start of the Argus Cycle Tour or any marathon.
I really hope the event operator for the Fan Walk has interesting ideas. Some temporary cover along the way would be great too.
Talking about historic sites, i was always curious why CT never decide to preserve the “battery”, on which city lodge is located, it is just as old as the castle and was probably the only two structures in cape town back in those days.
I think we should avoid names that are politically linked, as we have done with Cape Town Stadium. There are many fitting names that can be used without increasing division among Capetonians. How about Protea Square? Alternatively, station could be kept.
Please protect and preserve the old relics. This is after all a site of historical significance. I suggest the name of Krotoa Square, after the Khoina girl who lived for a time at the first fort built by Jan van Riebeeck (near the Golden Acre) and who played a pivotal role in our early VOC-era history. She came to find herself torn between the Dutch and her own people. Her life became more difficult with the years and ended tragically. She died on Robben Island in 1674, after banishment there in 1699 for immoral behaviour. She was buried the next day in the church of the new Castle.