Cape Town\u2019s V&A Waterfront plans a R20 billion expansion of the adjacent Granger Bay precinct and has sought permission from authorities in South Africa\u2019s second-biggest city for the development.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
V&A \u2014 one of the continent\u2019s most visited tourism and retail destinations \u2014 has asked the local council to approve an increase in its permissible development rights to 440,000 square meters, two-thirds of which will be for Granger Bay, spokesman Donald Kau said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He said the company, jointly owned by government-worker pension-fund manager Public Investment Corp. and Growthpoint Properties Ltd., the country\u2019s biggest listed real estate firm, expects a decision in the first quarter of 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Valued at more than R23 billion, the V&A is among Africa\u2019s most valuable property assets. It comprises hotels, art galleries, an aquarium, offices, residences, and a functioning harbor.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kau said the historic Granger Bay precinct lies to the west of the V&A and includes the Oranjezicht City Farm Market, which would move about 200 meters from its current location to make way for the new developments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In November, the City of Cape Town said that the project is expected to ‘reclaim’ land from the sea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The concept of reclaiming land from the sea involves creating new land by altering the coastline through engineering and earthworks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cape Town has a historical precedent in this area, with the reclamation of the Foreshore and the current V&A Waterfront in the mid-20th century.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The project moved the shoreline 1.6 kilometres into the ocean and added 194 hectares of land, enabling the city\u2019s economic and urban expansion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A significant portion of the reclaimed land will be allocated to public amenities, with plans to establish a coastal promenade linking the city centre to Mouille Point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The designs also include a new public bay protected by coastal infrastructure, providing opportunities for swimming and water sports.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The environmental implications of such a massive project cannot be ignored, particularly in light of climate change and rising sea levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The V&A Waterfront has commissioned detailed environmental impact studies to address these concerns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Coastal protection measures will be critical in ensuring the project\u2019s sustainability and resilience against severe weather events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n