People are flocking to live in an old hospital in South Africa
Local and international buyers are snapping up luxury apartments at a development that was once a well-known hospital in Cape Town.
Almost half of the 62 residences in the redevelopment of the former Netcare Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital, now called Mama Shelter Residences Cape Town, have already been sold.
A total of 27 apartments worth just over R100 million have been secured by buyers who have each paid a non-refundable deposit. The property at 111 Bree Street is being developed into a blend of hotel and residential living.
When completed, Mama Shelter Residences Cape Town will comprise a 127-room hotel and 62 branded residences, part of a larger mixed-use development by Kasada and Ingenuity.
Construction is progressing rapidly, with over 600 workers currently on site each day. Once finished, the hotel and its three food and beverage outlets will create over 150 permanent jobs. The development is scheduled to open in late 2026.
Interest in the residences has been overwhelming, according to Basil Moraitis, regional head of Pam Golding Properties in the Western Cape.
“The response to the launch of these stylish apartments in vibrant Bree Street has been exceptional,” he said.
“The majority of purchasers are familiar with the brand offering, mainly acquiring studio, one- and two-bedroom residences for leisure use.”
Apartment prices start at around R3 million, while the three-bedroom Grand Mama Penthouse, with sweeping views of Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean, is priced at R23.3 million.
Andrew Golding, Chief Executive of the Pam Golding Property Group, said branded residences, such as Mama Shelter, have become a growing trend in the luxury property market.
“The association with a successful global brand offering hallmark quality, design and service provides strong motivation for buyers and investors alike,” he explained.
“Established brand recognition also raises the profile of a development, drawing wider attention and enhancing its long-term value.”
Mama Shelter is a well-known European hospitality brand that is known for its eclectic interiors, social energy and playful atmosphere.
What to expect
Each property features restaurants and bars, live music, karaoke rooms, and its own small cinema known as CinéMama.
The hotels have become social hubs for locals and travellers alike, known for their vibrant design, creative food offerings and deep connection to local culture.
Globally, Mama Shelter attracts more than one million visitors every year, and the brand is often credited with helping to revitalise the urban areas where it opens.
The Cape Town site, located in the heart of Bree Street’s trendy dining and nightlife district, is expected to follow the same path, drawing professionals, digital nomads, families and “bleisure” travellers who mix business with leisure.
Residents of Mama Shelter Cape Town will have access to a concierge, co-working space, fitness centre, rooftop pool and pool deck, all with panoramic city views.
The lifestyle offering extends well beyond the basics—residents can enjoy pet pampering, nanny services, yoga sessions, curated playlists, and even a tattoo artist on site.
Moraitis said the location is one of the biggest drawcards. “It’s situated in arguably one of the best locations in Cape Town’s central district,” he said.
“This is a rare opportunity to acquire a prime residence with strong capital investment potential in a globally renowned, world-class city.”
The development will also include 3,500 square metres of retail space and three restaurants. These will feature an Italian-themed Bambini Club, Mama Shelter’s rooftop bar and restaurant, and another street-level dining venue along Bree Street.
Mama Shelter Residences Cape Town
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