Considered to be the most ambitious reclamation initiative of its time, the 1940s project to roll back the sea and create 194ha of land along the shore of Table Bay, created space for construction of the Civic Centre, Artscape Theatre and the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
The CTICC is considered the prime convention destination in Africa and annually attracts thousands of visitors.
For Foreshore resident Cressida Convery it’s like being at the centre of the universe.
“* love living here. You are within a few minutes of all of the city’s highlights - CBD, the V&A Waterfront and the Atlantic seaboard.”
“On a Saturday morning take a water taxi or a stroll down to the Silo District, where I buy a bunch of indigenous flowers, followed by a delicious breakfast.”
The sustainability and attractiveness of the Foreshore, and the entire CBD, is largely due to the success of the Cape Town Central City Improvement District.
Strides they made in assisting the City of Cape Townhave meant the city avoided the decay experienced by so many others.
“There has been a significant uptick in availability of residential accommodation on the Foreshore,” says Law Real Estate agent Ron Read. “This is primarily because of the excellent security, but also because it is close to the financial hub of the city”.
“Several multi-national companies have their offices close to the Foreshore, and the popularity of the CTICC is facilitating short-term rentals in the area.”
The V&A Waterfront is recognised as South Africa’s most popular tourist destination, entertaining more than 1.2 million visitors in 2018.”
There are several noteworthy developments underway.
“Construction is well advanced on The Rockefeller. This 19-storey building, providing 420 apartments, is set to bring New York living to Cape Town with micro-studios ranging from 23m² to 44m².
"There will be a host of in-building services such as laundry on offer, obviating the need for each apartment to have its own washer/dryer.”
Masterminded by the Amdec Group - responsible for large tracts of the successful Melrose Arch project in Johannesburg - Harbour Arch is a R14billion project at the confluence of the N1 and N2 highways on land previously owned by Transnet.
However, there is concern among several groups that not enough is being done to include affordable housing among the development mix, not only in the Foreshore precinct but in the CBD as a whole.
“Cape Town is definitely on the global destination map: the huge success of the Federer/Nadal charity tennis match in the first week of February is testimony to the drawing power of the Mother City - 50 000 seats sold out in minutes.
"And the Foreshore is prime space in this popular city.
"There are opportunities for relatively inexpensive entry into this residential market, so now could be the time to take the plunge,” adds Read.
Cressida’s favourite things to do
l love living in the Foreshore. There’s an eclectic mix of people – locals and visitors alike. You are within a few minutes of all of the City’s highlights – CBD, the V&A Waterfront and the Atlantic seaboard. - Cressida Convery, resident
Picture: Supplied
1 Outdoors
The Amsterdam Battery was built in 1784 to defend Table Bay from attack. Today it has been repurposed to an entertainment zone offering an array of outdoor activities such as stand-up paddling, skateboarding, basketball and soccer. Entry is free and there are great places to picnic with the family. 021 408 7600.
2 Eat
The Yard, in the trendy Silo District of the V&A Waterfront, offers Indian and Asian cuisine from casual cafe eats to fine dining.021 879 1157.
The staircase at the Silo Hotel. Picture African Inspiration
3 Drink
Views from the Willaston Bar, at the Silo Hotel, will take your breath away. The hotel, a granary until 2001, is built above the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa. 021 670 0511.
4 Shop
Opus A botanical florist brings an innovative design-led approach to hanging plants, indoor plants, fresh flower arrangements and hand-tied bouquets. 072 785 6002.