Comment on V&A Waterfront bid for land reclamation

Approval sought to reclaim 3.81 hectares in Granger Bay

SOUTH AFRICA: V&A Waterfront Holdings (Pty) Ltd has formally applied for approval to reclaim nearly four hectares of land from coastal waters at Granger Bay, stating that the project could contribute substantially to the country’s gross domestic and create significant employment opportunities.

The proposal, published in the Government Gazette on 13 February 2026, would see 3.81 hectares of coastal waters transformed into a mixed-use precinct featuring residential accommodation, a hotel, leisure facilities, tidal pools and beaches, a coastal promenade, and publicly accessible open spaces.

The Waterfront believes the project would generate a total production output of approximately R24.2 billion and contribute R8.8 billion to South Africa’s gross domestic product. During the construction phase, 26,929 jobs are said to be created, with a further 5,105 positions projected over 20 years of operation.

The reclamation site sits north of the Granger Bay Point Precinct, between the western dolos revetment and the Oceana Power Boat Club Public Launch Site, on the Atlantic Ocean side of the V&A Waterfront.

A two-stage approval process

Under the National Environmental Management: Integrated Coastal Management Act (2008), reclaiming land from the sea requires both a ministerial pre-approval and subsequent ratification by Parliament. Minister Willem Aucamp of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is currently overseeing the first stage which involves a public consultation process.

If pre-approval by the Minister is granted, the Waterfront will still need to obtain a separate environmental authorisation under the National Environmental Management Act before any final reclamation decision is made.

The overall environmental impact of the proposed reclamation project has been described by the applicant as “low”, with specialist studies on fisheries, currents, tides, water quality, longshore sediment transport, and biodiversity available for review online.

PHOTO: Map of V&A Waterfront illustrating a proposed land reclamation area

SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS: Members of the public and stakeholders are invited to submit written representations on the pre-approval application within 30 days of the publication of this notice in the Gazette (13 February 2026), or the publication of a notification in the newspaper — whichever date is later. Representations received after the 30-day period may be disregarded.
All representations must be submitted in writing to:
Mr Ryan Peter, Deputy Director-General, Branch: Oceans and Coasts
Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
East Pier Building No. 1, East Pier Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, 8000
Email: reclamation@dffe.gov.za or rpeter@dffe.gov.za