The Brackenfell Business Improvement District (BBID) has once again recorded a successful financial year, reporting a surplus of R1 986 729 for the 2023-’24 period. The figures were outlined in the BBID’s financial statements and annual report, presented at the Subcouncil 2 meeting in March. The BBID’s revenue for the year ending June 2024 amounted to R4 160 125.
Established in 2014 by local property owners, the BBID was designed to manage and facilitate improvements within Brackenfell’s central business district (CBD). Funded through an additional rate levied on properties within its designated area, the BBID aims to enhance the district’s appeal and accessibility.
Cassie van Zyl, executive officer of the BBID, reflected on the initiative’s beginnings.
“Ten years ago community organisations and local business owners recognised that the central business district was deteriorating, particularly due to the presence of vagrants, which made the area less accessible to shoppers and businesses. That’s when we decided to apply to the City of Cape Town to establish a City Improvement District (CID) with a focus on enhancing security, cleanliness, and accessibility for all visitors.”
Proud of progress
Van Zyl added that the progress made over the years is something the BBID is incredibly proud of, noting that CCTV and licence-plate recognition (LPR) cameras have become a key part of their security infrastructure.
“The success of our LPR cameras is evident, with information from the cameras being shared across various groups. Our next step is to transition to fibre-optic connections for these cameras, which will improve reliability and reduce dependence on Wi-Fi signals.”
Security remains the BBID’s primary focus, with the organisation continuing to invest heavily in this area.
Bolt Risk Management, led by Phillip van Zyl, is responsible for round-the-clock patrols of the district by vehicle, foot, and bicycle. Currently, 64 cameras are monitoring the area, 19 of which are LPR cameras that help identify and track suspicious vehicles. Information gathered is shared with the City’s control room and network.
Addressing the issue of homelessness, Van Zyl acknowledged that this remained a significant challenge that requires collaboration with other stakeholders.
In terms of beautification, Van Zyl highlighted that the BBID faces a limited budget for enhancing the area’s aesthetics. He expressed a desire for more involvement from the City in the district’s upkeep, noting that tender processes and contractors sometimes create challenges.
Recent projects have included the upgrade of the corner of Frans Conradie and Brackenfell Boulevard, in partnership with Brackenfell Nursery, as well as improvements to the park near Lucas van der Walt Street.
