Where mountain meets ocean, a neighbourhood of heritage, culture and connection comes to life.
Rooted in Cape Town’s historic shoreline and harbour legacy, the V&A Waterfront has grown into a neighbourhood shaped by heritage, purpose and belonging.
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Annual visits
Welcoming millions into the neighbourhood each year.
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Small business
Supporting local enterprise and shared growth.
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Stores
Bringing together global brands and local finds.
Shaped by shoreline, heritage and change
Rooted in Cape Town’s historic shoreline, the V&A Waterfront has evolved from a place of arrival and trade into a neighbourhood where heritage, culture and everyday life meet. Its story stretches across centuries and continues to be shaped by the people, communities and experiences that make this place what it is today.
A neighbourhood shaped by shared value
Our purpose is to create one of the world’s most inspiring waterfront neighbourhoods. A place where people, planet and community are at the centre of how we grow. We bring this to life through inclusive growth, environmental stewardship and meaningful experiences that connect people to this place, while creating long-term shared value for the neighbourhood and the wider community.
Three pillars that shape our impact
At the V&A, shared value happens through three strategic pillars: Sustainability, Inclusivity and Opportunity.
Sustainability is reflected in the way we reduce our environmental impact, use resources more responsibly and care for the natural systems that make this place possible. Inclusivity is reflected in how we create public spaces, experiences and stories that welcome more people into the life of the neighbourhood. Opportunity is reflected in how we create platforms for local performers, makers, entrepreneurs and partners to participate in the Waterfront’s economy and cultural life.
Together, these pillars show how purpose-led business can create long-term value, strengthening livelihoods, supporting creativity, protecting the environment and shaping a neighbourhood that benefits the people who visit, work, trade, perform and gather here.
A place shaped by many histories
The V&A is part of a longer Cape Town story, shaped by shoreline, trade, movement and cultural exchange. We honour the many layers of history that have formed this place, including the presence of the Khoekhoe people along this coast long before the harbour took shape.
A neighbourhood shaped by history
The story of this place reaches far beyond the V&A Waterfront. We honour those who came before us, including the Khoekhoe people who first lived along this shoreline.
A neighbourhood shaped by history
The story of this place reaches far beyond the V&A Waterfront. We honour those who came before us, including the Khoekhoe people who first lived along this shoreline.
Purpose in action
Our responsibility is shaped by the history of this place and the people who have brought it to life over time. Today, that responsibility lives in how we care for the environment, support local culture, create access to opportunity and build a neighbourhood that can continue to thrive for generations to come.
Sustainability
We’re working towards a more resilient precinct by reducing waste, reusing water and investing in greener infrastructure.
Over the past year, the V&A Waterfront has achieved an average 71% diversion from landfill, composted more than 230 tons of organic waste each month and increased recycled plastics volumes to an average of 29 tons per month. Our water resilience programme includes wastewater reuse, onsite treatment systems and a 3.3 MLD desalination plant now supplying 90% of the precinct’s water, alongside a seawater cooling plant expected to save 25 million litres annually.
With 30 Green Star-rated buildings, canal clean-up efforts, circular economy innovations and renewable-resource initiatives, we’re building a neighbourhood that is more sustainable, adaptive and future-fit.
Culture & creativity
Creativity is part of the everyday life of the neighbourhood, seen in our museums and galleries, public art, live performance and the local talent that brings shared spaces to life.
By creating platforms for artists, performers, makers and cultural institutions, the V&A helps strengthen creative livelihoods, grow audiences and celebrate contemporary African expression alongside the heritage of this place.
If you’re a member of the media and need information or support from our communications team, please email newsroom@waterfront.co.za