Lower Dorp Street

Stellenbosch • Stellentia Precinct

A resilient, inclusive and generous landscape that celebrates Stellenbosch's heritage and character. Shaded oak avenues frame calm movement, stitched together by water, stone and planting.

The Vision

The upgrade of Lower Dorp Street and the Stellentia precinct represents a long-term investment in the future of Stellenbosch, building tomorrow's heritage on the foundations of what we are proud of today.

The project delivers quality public infrastructure, pedestrian-first public space and heritage-sensitive architecture for the benefit of all who live, work in, and visit Stellenbosch.

What Is Being Built

The construction of an additional carriageway. Reconfiguration of key intersections. Replacement of ageing underground water and sewer infrastructure. Comprehensive pedestrian and non-motorised transport improvements including shaded walkways, dedicated cycling infrastructure and the planting of more than 100 new trees.

Heritage by Design

Heritage Western Cape approved the project in 2015 following a comprehensive Heritage Impact Assessment, and in 2026 confirmed that the detailed design complies with the original approval.

The design replaces a portion of affected vineyard with three rows of new trees, low werf walls, a water furrow connecting to the Eerste River, and landscaped public space along the full length of the upgrade.

Public Benefit

This is privately funded public infrastructure, delivered to the highest standards and owned by the Stellenbosch Municipality for the benefit of all. Once complete, the road, pavements, trees, cycling infrastructure and all associated services become permanent municipal assets.

Shaded Oak Avenues Stone, Water & Planting Generous Pedestrian Spaces Stellenbosch Character

The Stellentia Precinct

Infrastructure & Development
Programme

100+
New Trees
Planted

2
Carriageways
Dual Road

10+
Years in
Development

Feb 2027
Road
Complete

100%
Municipal
Ownership

For Residents & Businesses

Traffic flow through the precinct will improve significantly once the second carriageway is operational. The replacement of underground water and sewer services addresses infrastructure that has reached the end of its useful life, reducing the risk of service disruptions that affect properties along the corridor.

Pedestrian and cycling routes that do not exist today will connect the precinct to the broader Stellenbosch network, bringing foot traffic closer to businesses and making the area safer and more pleasant for residents and visitors.

The Landscape

A shaded pedestrian route along the historic water channel, stitched into a resilient, indigenous landscape. Clear-stemmed trees frame the walkway and provide dappled shade. A stone-lined furrow collects and conveys water, supporting biodiversity and cooling the microclimate.

Robust, locally appropriate planting celebrates the Cape Winelands character. Seating alcoves invite pause, study and connection. The material palette draws from Stellenbosch's built heritage: exposed aggregate paving, clay brick, river stone cobbles and stone-pitched furrows.

Van Rijn Meent

A three-storey mixed-use development opposite the Rupert Museum, comprising ground-floor retail and restaurants, offices, and short-stay accommodation. Parking is below ground. At street level, the development provides a public square, walkways and shop fronts designed to draw people into the precinct on foot.

Construction Programme

The two projects have been programmed so that the most intensive construction period is concentrated between June 2026 and February 2027. After February 2027, the road is complete and remaining construction is confined to the Van Rijn Meent site. Construction will be implemented in phases to maintain access to properties and businesses throughout.

$Material details and planting$