Foreshore Area Information

Foreshore at a glance

Situated between the historic city centre and the modern Port of Cape Town, the Cape Town Foreshore is at the forefront of development in Cape Town and a number of major corporate and financial institutions are moving here to join the ranks of the highly successful Convention Centre. It's easy access to the CBD, and V&A Waterfront by foot makes it an attractive place to stay for business or pleasure.

A brief history of the area

The foreshore area of Cape Town was underwater until the 1940s. In total, 194 hectares were reclaimed on the southern and south-eastern shore of Table Bay, facing the central city, Woodstock and Paardeneiland. Of the total, 65 hectares comprise Rogge Bay, the core of the development project being the portion between Van Riebeeck's statue and the Duncan Dock.

The land was reclaimed from the sea by a Dutch firm, the Hollandse Aanneming Maatschappij. The contract was signed on December 9, 1937, and the work had to be completed by July 8, 1941, but owing to the war the date was extended to July 31, 1945. Before reclamation the shore-line skirted the grounds of the present railway station on the main line side, and the row of palm-trees which marked the waterfront at the time and is still standing has been preserved.

City expansion was made possible by the project and many large modern buildings were erected on the foreshore in the few decades subsequent to the reclamation, including Culemborg, the extensive goods station; and the Paul Sauer Building, the southern headquarters of the Railway Administration; the Sanlam Centre, which was for several years the tallest building in Southern Africa; as well as a medical centre, several banks and numerous other commercial buildings, all built in a uniform style and according to a general plan.

Climate

The climate in Cape Town's Foreshore is sunny if a bit windy in summer, and rainy and cooler in winter. It's moderated by its proximity to the sea, and if it all gets too much, there is plenty to do indoors too.

Schools in the area

Curro Foreshore is a brand new private school in the area. The centrality of the Foreshore also means that the schools in the CBD, like the German and French schools, as well as Jan Van Riebeeck are easily accessible. Further into the Atlantic Seaboard, Reddam and Camps Bay Primary and High are very well regarded.

Healthcare in the area

The Netcare Hospital is the jewel of the Foreshore and is within walking distance. Physicians of every kind are available in the CBD, so whether it's a doctor or dentist, you'll be well taken care of in the Foreshore.

Shopping centres

The V&A Waterfront is the obvious choice for Foreshore dwellers, but the cute boutiques in and around Long Street, Church Street (for antiques and art) and Bree Street make for a great day of shopping and exploring. Pharmacies and groceries are accessible from Clicks and Pick n Pay on Long Street.

Distance from key points (Airports/CBD)

The Foreshore is built to be accessible to main highways and so the airport is but 10-15 minutes away. You are right next to/ in the CBD, which is great if you do a lot of business or exploring in the city.

Restaurants

Foreshore residents are spoilt for choice when it comes to dining. Bree Street with it's array of gems like Villa47, SeaBreeze and La Tete is a short walk away. Col'cacchio has you covered for pizza, and the surrounding hotels are great for fine dining. The seafood at V&A Waterfront is also super accessible if one takes a quick stroll over the fan walk.

Special attractions

Access from the foreshore to the heart of the Mother City is excellent. One can walk to the V&A Waterfront, from where there are a number of tour buses around the city, or walk to the city centre, where an array of historical buildings and an eclectic mix of cultures, restaurants and unexpected little avenues, make a day or two of exploring thoroughly enjoyable. The Foreshore currently also houses the civic centre, the Artscape Theatre, the Cape Town International Convention Centre and a range of hotels.

Make the Foreshore your home. Let it be your story.

The Foreshore is an exciting, business-centric area in Cape Town with beautiful apartments and access to the city's best attractions. If you're looking for an investment property, apartment for business use, or simply want to be right in the action of the Mother City, our Seeff Atlantic Seaboard and CBD agents are ready to help you find the perfect pad for your needs.