Proposal to rename Link Road

A proposal to rename Link Road to Theatre Lane has been submitted to the Citys Naming and Nomination committee.

Camps Bay’s Link Road could soon become Theatre Lane if theatre veteran Pieter Toerien has his way.

The matter appeared on the agenda of the City’s Naming and Nomination Committee on Friday, September 21 after Mr Toerien. submitted an application to have the road renamed.

In his motivation, Mr Toerien, the owner of Theatre on the Bay, which is located in Link Road, said the current name lacked the potential to reflect the pride and vibrancy of the road, and that renaming it would boost the personality of the street and raise the profile of the neighbourhood.

“Over the last 30 years, the element of tourism benefiting the residents situated on the road has not only withstood the trials of lagging footfall and intense water restrictions but rather maintained stability into constant growth. I feel that a name change would benefit everyone in assisting tourists in choosing Camps Bay as their preferred holiday destination all year round,” he said.

With renovations of Theatre On The Bay now completed (“A brief curtain closure”, Atlantic Sun, April 19), Mr Toerien said it felt like the perfect time to make a request to rename Link Road to Theatre Lane and so inject a new vibrancy and interest in the area.

“It is all about timing and we would love Camps Bay to share in our excitement in the next 30 years of Theatre On The Bay and beyond, he said.”

Mr Toerien said he remained committed to the betterment of Camps Bay in every way possible, not only as a business owner but also as a long-standing resident with an unflagging passion for their beautiful spot in the sun.

In his application, Mr Toerien included affected residents’ support. “Having such close and supportive neighbours, we would like to represent their modern and progressive ideals,” he said.

The chairperson of the Camps Bay and Clifton Residents’ Association (CBCRRA), Chris Willemse, said they did not know about the proposal.

However, he added, they did not have any problem with it.

The City’s chairperson of the Naming and Nomination Committee, Brett Herron, said the committee had agreed to send the report back for further information and for a legal opinion from the City’s Legal Services Department to ensure that any recommendation which the committee made, did not fall foul of section 5.6 of the City of Cape Town Naming Policy 2012 which relates to “names which may be construed to be commercial advertising except where the council has entered into an agreement which includes naming rights”.

“We await the outcome of the legal opinion,” he said.