For the past four years the Greater Tygerberg Partnership (GTP) has been working hard to make Bellville and Parow inclusive, vibrant and prosperous area.
The GTP held several events, through its partnerships with the private sector, civil society, academic institutions and the government, to promote the regeneration of the greater Tygerberg region.
The non-profit company was established in 2012 and is managed by a board of directors.
The GTP’s vision is to make the area attractive for investors, said project manager Jonita Pasjar.
In April, the GTP ran a “pop-up” skate park in Kerkplein near SARS in Bellville. The objective was to bring people back into the CBD and show them how under-utilised public space can be used for recreation.
The 12 Mile Tour, launched in June, was Bellville’s first food walk, with guests taken through the CBD to explore what food and treats the area has to offer.
Also in June, GTP held its Walking Street-Art Tour, through the Station Arcade in Parow, where guests saw life-size murals painted by street artists such as See Saw Do, Wayne Beukes aka Conform, Jack Fox, Freddy Sam, Chris Auret and Lwando Lese.
There was also the 7535 Community Photo Exhibition, two clean-up projects in Bellville CBD and seven business breakfasts.
Othermilestones includes the Art in Action project, the Movie in the Park initiative at the Jack Muller Park and the first Open Streets event in Bellville.
On how Bellville has changed over the years, Ms Pasjar said: “The redevelopment of buildings in the area increased, for example, the University of the Western Cape brought 2 500 students and staff into the old Jan S Marais building. There has been a lot of development in terms of student accommodation.”
She said the Tygerberg region had become a lot cleaner, and people who never used to visit the area, now did so.
“Perceptions are starting to change,” she said.
The second Bellville Open Streets will take place on Sunday November 20.
The next Movie in the Park takes place on Saturday November 26 at the Jack Muller Park. Tickets can be bought online at www.quicket.co.za at R55 for adults. Children under 13 watch for free.
For more on the Greater Tygerberg Partnership and its programmes, visit www.gtp.org.za