Longkloof Precinct + Public Realm

The Longkloof Precinct transforms a fragmented site into a dynamic, fine-grained urban destination in Cape Town’s Kloof Street district. By balancing heritage conservation with contemporary infill, it introduces high-quality public spaces, walkable connections, and a lively mix of culture, community and commerce.

The vision was driven by three core principles: unlock public life, retain and reuse valuable built fabric, and reconnect the precinct into its surrounding city.

From the outset, the design acknowledged the existing urban character of the site, with five heritage buildings in a fragmented precinct, to shape a coherent and legible urban environment. The design team sensitively retained and adapted the historic buildings, while introducing two contemporary structures that respond to scale, massing, and materiality of their context.

A key move was the creation of five new pedestrian-friendly public spaces, including a central square that anchors the precinct. These human-scaled spaces establish a permeable, publicly accessible and car-free environment, activated by a dynamic mix of use. These open spaces create pause points, accommodate day-night activity, and introduce new life into the area, enhancing the community and cultural exchange.

- Sean Gibson - Photographer