V&A Starts R20bn Cape Town Waterfront Transformation

CAPE TOWN — 2025

The V&A Waterfront has begun its massive R20 billion Granger Bay expansion, reclaiming land and upgrading infrastructure to reshape Cape Town’s coastline and tourism economy.

The “Phase Zero” marine construction and groundwork costing R189.5 million will anchor long-term development (project details). This includes building a 540-metre seawall and two new breakwaters in Table Bay.

Key components of the expansion include:

A R121 million basement behind The Table Bay Hotel forms part of the foundation work (project plans).

The centrepiece is a R1.35 billion super-luxury hotel featuring “142 rooms” and “6 residences”, scheduled to open in March 2026.

Sun International will operate a R901 million refurbishment of The Table Bay, rebranded as the “InterContinental Table Bay”.

This year will see completion of the R700 million “5 Dock Road” residential development.

Public amenities include tidal pools, coastal walkways, promenades and boat slipways (development proposal).

Phase Two (2024–2028) will relocate the Oranjezicht Market and redevelop The Lookout venue (development timeline).

The project operates under development rights granted in 2014, allocating 78,000m² from the V&A Waterfront’s approved zoning.

Environmental approval remains pending. The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment and Western Cape authorities must still authorise the project (official requirement). A draft scoping report appeared in July 2025, with full environmental assessments expected early next year involving public input.

The expansion reinforces Cape Town’s luxury tourism status while increasing coastal access. Construction has already closed open-air parking near Breakwater Boulevard.