Historic Greenmarket Square public ablution facility restored

22 June 2026

The City has officially reopened the refurbished public ablution facility at Greenmarket Square following repairs valued at approximately R3,7 million, restoring an important public amenity at one of Cape Town's most iconic public spaces.

The refurbishment was led by the Recreation and Parks Department, with assistance from several other City departments, including Urban Planning and Design, Area Economic Development and the Events Department, together with the Cape Town Central Improvement District (CCID).

The collective effort ensured that the facility was restored while respecting the heritage significance of Greenmarket Square and minimising disruption to traders and visitors.

The project included repairs and restoration of the ablution facilities, structural and exterior maintenance, replacement of damaged fixtures and fittings, security enhancements, repairs to drainage and lighting and extensive refurbishment work to improve the overall functionality and appearance of the facility while preserving its heritage character.

‘Greenmarket Square has served as a public marketplace for years  and remains one of Cape Town's significant heritage sites. Today, it continues to be a vibrant economic and tourism hub, supporting informal traders while welcoming thousands of residents and visitors throughout the year.
 
‘We would like to encourage residents, traders and visitors to make use of the upgraded facilities and to help protect this important public asset. The refurbishment ensures that users have access to safe, clean and accessible public amenities that complement this important civic space,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham.
 

Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office