Location of proposed reclamation site.
Image: Supplied
Plans for a major expansion at the V&A Waterfront have been unveiled, with a proposed
R24 billion development that could see new land created along the coastline at Granger Bay.
The project would involve reclaiming about 3.81 hectares of land from Table Bay to make way for new public amenities, marine infrastructure, and mixed-use development.
In a notice published in the Government Gazette on Friday, February 13, the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Willie Aucamp, invited members of the public to comment on an application submitted by V&A Waterfront Holdings for in-principle approval to reclaim land from coastal waters in terms of the National Environmental Management: Integrated Coastal Management Act.
The proposed reclamation site is located north of the Granger Bay Point precinct, between the western dolos revetment and the Oceana Power Boat Club public launch site, according to the notice.
V&A Waterfront spokesperson Donald Kau said the development would create new coastal public spaces while also supporting commercial activity in the precinct.
The plan includes constructing a permanent rock revetment and two breakwaters to form a sheltered bay of roughly three hectares. The west breakwater would extend about 90 metres into Table Bay, while the east breakwater would extend around 140 metres, with a revetment of approximately 540 metres linking the two.
According to Mr Kau, the development would introduce several public amenities, including sheltered waters for boating, kayaking, and swimming.
Additional features could include a coastal public walkway, a slipway, fixed quayside facilities, landscaped promenades, tidal pools, pedestrian paths, and open public spaces, he said.
The shoreline protection infrastructure would be built in phases over approximately three years.
Mr Kau said the project is currently undergoing environmental assessments.
The scoping report has already been accepted by the Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, and permission to proceed with the Environmental Impact Report was granted on Monday, March 2.
According to the statement on the Pre-approval application notice, the environmental approval process is expected to continue until around mid-2027.
Construction of the revetment and breakwaters could begin towards the end of 2027 if approvals are granted.
Of the 3.81 hectares proposed for reclamation, about 0.80 hectares would be used for coastal protection infrastructure, 1.47 hectares for open public spaces and amenities, and 1.54 hectares for mixed-use development, said the notice.
A socio-economic study estimates that the broader development could cost around R24 billion and create approximately 27 000 jobs during the construction phase, which could span 15 to 20 years. Once operational, the development is expected to support about 822 direct jobs each year.
However, some Atlantic Seaboard residents have raised concerns about the potential impact on traffic in surrounding neighbourhoods.
Sandra Dickson of Stop CoCT said congestion around the Waterfront is already severe.
“The traffic in the area of the Waterfront is already a nightmare, and this new development will vastly compound it,” she said.
In terms of national coastal management legislation, the minister must decide whether to grant pre-approval after considering public comments.
If approved, the decision must still be ratified by Parliament, and environmental authorisation would be required before any reclamation work can begin.
Members of the public can submit comments by email to reclamation@dffe.gov.za or rpeter@dffe.gov.za.
To deliver your comments and enquiries by hand, drop it off at The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment’s Ocean and Coasts branch in East Pier Building 1, East Pier Road V&A Waterfront, for attention to Mr Ryan Peter
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