The V&A Waterfront hints at potential R20bn development plan

The V&A Waterfront is in the process of applying for an additional 440 000m2 in development rights across its entire current footprint with most of the new build planned to be in the Granger Bay precinct, as confirmed by Donald Kau, Head of Communication and PR for the V&A Waterfront.

It is envisaged that Granger Bay will be developed as a residentially led, mixed-use development with significant public and cultural amenities including re-establishing public access to the ocean edge. The R20 billion development plan is intended to be rolled out in phases over the next fifteen to twenty years with plans to break ground in 2025.  

To obtain approvals from the authorities, a land use application has been submitted to the City of Cape Town and should be advertised for public comment during the first half of 2024.

The rezoning application would allow the Waterfront to move into the next development phase, having successfully developed the Silo, and the Canal districts recently and it provides a compelling opportunity to expand the Waterfront's public spaces, contribute to economic growth, job creation, and create new access to the sea.  

Some of the key features for planned developments on the Granger Bay site would include a public walkway linking the city centre to Mouille Point which would connect with the current Atlantic seaboard promenade; a new Bay area created by coastal protection (suitable for water sports) and opening public access to a new protected area suitable for swimming with adjoining public amenities.

This investment is probably the single biggest infrastructural investment in the city since the Soccer World Cup, notes Kau.

"We anticipate making more detailed announcements about our proposed development plans soon and we will be bound by the planning governance process led by the City of Cape Town, as the municipal planning authority, and look forward to providing more detail regards our plans and vision at the appropriate time."