{"id":16065,"date":"2026-05-28T12:56:01","date_gmt":"2026-05-28T12:56:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.investcapetown.com\/?post_type=press-releases-event&p=16065"},"modified":"2026-06-10T14:30:06","modified_gmt":"2026-06-10T14:30:06","slug":"almost-700-new-trading-opportunities-open-across-cape-town-after-council-approves-plans","status":"publish","type":"press-releases-event","link":"https:\/\/www.investcapetown.com\/ar\/press-releases-event\/almost-700-new-trading-opportunities-open-across-cape-town-after-council-approves-plans\/","title":{"rendered":"Cape Town: 700 New Trading Opportunities Approved"},"content":{"rendered":"

Almost 700 new trading opportunities open across Cape Town after Council approves plans<\/h1>\n

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Council approved nine trading plans yesterday, Wednesday, 27 May, opening up 693 new bays for traders city-wide to boost their business and customer experience. This milestone is part of the City\u2019s overall action plan to invest in the informal trading sector, a key contributor to our local economy. The City is also reviewing its Informal Trading Policy to bolster this sector.<\/span> <\/b>Read more below:<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

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Audio:<\/span><\/b> https:\/\/on.soundcloud.com\/xpUEkGpPFVeWP8d9f8<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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Traders in the Cape Town CBD (Greenmarket Square, St George\u2019s Mall, Company Gardens and roadside trading), Bo-Kaap, Durbanville, the Hanover Park market, Atlantis and Eerste River will soon benefit from the newly approved or revised trading plans, where applicable, for their areas.<\/p>\n

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The new bays will add to about 6 060 trading bay opportunities already provided by the City in the metro.<\/p>\n

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The newly approved plans also follow the construction of new markets being planned and developed in areas including Masiphumelele, Mitchells Plain, and Wallacedene.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Today\u2019s approval means nearly 700 more opportunities for residents to earn an income, support their families, and grow small businesses. This is the biggest number of trading opportunities approved at a single Council meeting of this term, marking a major milestone in our quest to strengthen the public trading ecosystems across the city. This as a clear demonstration of our commitment to achieve inclusive economic growth. Getting these plans to the approval stage took extensive work from ward councillors, sub-council chairpersons, community organisations and Public Trading Department officials.<\/p>\n

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\u2018This is what good governance is in practice: practical action, support for entrepreneurs, and a city government making economic opportunities accessible for people,\u2019 said Alderman James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth.<\/p>\n

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It should also be noted that the approved trading plans do not include Trafalgar Place Flower Market as the City’s Economic Growth team is still in the process of drafting a proposed trading plan for the site, which will include vital feedback from the traders.<\/p>\n

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The City will continue to engage with the traders so that we can work together to improve the Trafalgar Square trading space to benefit both the traders and their customers. We will address concerns and feedback received during the recent public participation process, which is vital in collating the proposed future design and draft trading plan for the area.<\/p>\n

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Generally, a trading plan provides a secure, regulated operating environment for traders which also unlocks investment and upgrades to create a dignified, functional, and well\u2011designed trading space that enhances both business operations and customer experience.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Trading plans strengthen public trading ecosystems across wards and sub-councils by creating regulated, safe, accessible, and business-friendly trading spaces. At the core of the formulation of these plans is the balance of compassion with compliance, while ensuring public spaces are properly managed and functional. As Cape Town\u2019s economy continues to evolve, so too will the City\u2019s commitment to identifying and enacting more trading plans,\u2019 said Alderman Vos.<\/p>\n

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Reviewing the Informal Trading Policy<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Implementing the new Informal Trading Policy, which is being reviewed, is testament to the City\u2019s support of traders.<\/p>\n

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This policy guides how the City supports and regulates informal trading activities throughout Cape Town.<\/p>\n

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The City is currently reviewing the policy internally with relevant City departments, and as an additional voluntary step, with leadership from recognised trader associations.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Having a voice from the traders at this stage, although not legally required, will help inform and shape proposed changes to the current policy, which will go to public participation later this year,\u2019 said Alderman Vos.<\/p>\n

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The intended benefits to traders aim to include:<\/p>\n

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