Construction of R16bn CBD precinct well on track

Cape Town’s largest and most ambitious sustainable mixed-use development, Harbour Arch, is steadily taking shape on the city’s foreshore, with construction having commenced back in January last year. 

In recent months, motorists passing the site at the eastern side of the city would have noticed the development, in particular the residential towers, rising above the construction site inching skywards. 

“Construction is well on track at what is set to be an iconic landmark that will feature a world-class live, work, and play precinct within the city’s CBD,” says Nicholas Stopforth, Managing Director of Amdec Property Developments. 

The development currently sits at around 25 metres above ground level, and can be clearly seen rising above Table Bay Boulevard. Concrete and structural work on the 3-level basement, ground and first two floors have been completed and the contractor is moving ahead with brickwork and the installation of services.  Floors four to six are also moving ahead at pace. 

According to Stopforth, the transformation of what has been an uninspiring site characterised by vagrancy, warehousing and light industrial, into a safe and enjoyable community-focused environment, heralds a new era of urban living for the CBD.

“Our main contractor, WBHO, is managing the site with great efficiency, and we remain on schedule for completion of Tower One Harbour Arch in May 2023,” says Stopforth. “On any given day we have around 300 workers on site, all of whom are screened and sanitised in accordance with Covid-19 protocols.”

Once Harbour Arch is complete, these six residential towers will sit above landscaped public spaces lined with shops, restaurants, cocktail bars, two Marriott branded hotels, offices, gyms and the like. With scenic views and modern, luxurious finishes, apartments in Tower One are largely sold out, with only a few remaining for sale. 

The concept of development as a vibrant 24-hour precinct for diverse communities is in line with property trends driving urban densification developments that have a positive fiscal impact. Bringing together residential properties with work and lifestyle elements, such as shopping facilities, hotels and restaurants, means that Harbour Arch promises to become a new centre of activity in Cape Town’s CBD – so bringing new business and work opportunities to all Capetonians.  

According to Stopforth, “It is not by coincidence that we have joined forces with WBHO as our main construction partner. The fact that WBHO is a Level 1 BBBEE company reflects our commitment to creating an environment that can be beneficial to South Africans from all walks of life.” 

The building of the precinct will provide around 20 000 jobs and many thousands more will be created upon completion via retail, extensive hospitality services and the sophisticated security services.

“The Covid-19 pandemic has in many respects changed the way we live, blurring the lines between work and play, highlighting the necessity for community and connectivity. Mixed-use developments like Harbour Arch are perfectly placed to satisfy this kind of lifestyle because they are designed to offer dynamic, safe, sustainable environments that combine commercial, retail, leisure, and residential components,” says Stopforth. 

“While it’s been a buyer’s market for some time now, mixed-use developments like Harbour Arch remain in high demand. All-inclusive precincts make it easier for people to live close to where they work. The move from suburban to inner city living makes good financial sense if you factor in escalating traffic and sky-rocketing petrol costs. Less time spent commuting not only reduces traffic congestion and carbon emissions, it also allows people to live healthier, less stressful lives,” he concludes.