The V&A Waterfront is set to undergo its largest infrastructural investment since the 2010 FIFA World Cup, with a R20 billion development plan aimed at reclaiming land from the sea.
This ambitious project, beginning in 2025, will reshape the Granger Bay precinct and extend the footprint of one of South Africa’s most iconic tourist destinations.
The development will involve reclaiming 440,000 square meters of land through a rezoning application submitted to the City of Cape Town.
This new land will be used for mixed-use developments, including retail spaces, restaurants, hotels, and residential apartments. Significant public and cultural facilities will also be established, re-establishing public access to the shoreline.
Cape Town has a history of land reclamation, with the Foreshore and current V&A Waterfront projects in the mid-20th century moving the shoreline 1.6 kilometres into the ocean.
This new project aims to build on that legacy, creating a coastal promenade linking the city centre to Mouille Point and a new public bay for swimming and water sports.
Given the scale of the project, environmental impact studies have been commissioned to address concerns related to climate change and rising sea levels. Coastal protection measures will be critical to ensure the project’s sustainability and resilience against severe weather events.
The V&A Waterfront is a cornerstone of Cape Town’s tourism economy, attracting over 25 million visitors in 2023. The expansion will enhance its capacity, adding residential options and bolstering its role as a vibrant hub for both locals and tourists.
The project is expected to create thousands of jobs in construction, hospitality, and retail, fostering urban development.
Public participation has been integral to the planning process, with rezoning applications and project proposals opened for comment earlier this year. Stakeholder engagement is ongoing to ensure that establishments like the Oranjezicht City Farm Market and Oceana Power Boat Club are integrated into the new layout, maintaining their cultural and community significance.
CEO David Green said the development represents the most substantial infrastructural investment since the 2010 FIFA World Cup. And With construction set to begin next year, the phased approach ensures that growth aligns with evolving market demands and Cape Town’s broader economic landscape.
