Welcome to Battery Park

The V&A Waterfront Battery Park is a one-of-a-kind destination for locals and tourists alike. Steeped in history, our waterfront area has been transformed into a dynamic public space that offers a multitude of experiences for every visitor.

Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Cape Town as you explore Battery Park's historic roots. This iconic landmark has been carefully restored and repurposed, blending old-world charm with contemporary design.

Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey for both the young and the young at heart.


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About Battery Park

Battery Park is a new urban park that forms the gateway to the V&A Waterfront and integrates Cape Town’s CBD and the V&A Waterfront through a series of pedestrian routes, including one alongside the canal. Visitors to the park will also be able to engage in a range of outdoor recreation, entertainment and retail activities in various levels of public spaces.

V&A Waterfront’s vision for the park

David Green, V&A Waterfront CEO said: “A key objective of the V&A Waterfront has always been to re-establish the connection between the city and the sea, which we have achieved with the pedestrian path that runs alongside the Canal. Equally important, the ruins of the historic Amsterdam Battery have been retained in the Park as a new heritage site.

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Key elements

Amsterdam Battery

The site is of archaelogical importance as it still contains the rear ramparts of the historical Amsterdam Battery, one of the oldest structures in Cape Town. Archaelogical digs of the area were undertaken prior to construction of the park, and they uncovered the two circular walls which have been retained.

  • The Amsterdam Battery was constructed by the Dutch in 1784 on the site of an earlier fort (dating back to 1781) to defend Table Bay Harbour from attack, particularly from enemy ships.
  • In 1827 the Battery was converted by the British to house prisoners from the Eastern Cape Frontier wars.
  • The Battery was substantially remodelled by the British in 1882 and strengthened in 1879 with surplus material from the Breakwater quarry. In 1898 it was disbanded. It was partially demolished in 1905 to make way for the harbour and railway network extensions into the dock area.
To accentuate the look and feel of the old Battery, stone-filled gabian walls have been used throughout the park.

Canal

Battery Park will host a range of water sport activities from standup paddling to kayaking and swimming. The canal also provides a link between the V&A Waterfront and the Cape Town International Convention Centre through water taxis that ferry passengers between both points.

Piazza

The Piazza forms one of the levels of the park. It comprises of retail outlets, pedestrian paths, benches, gardens. Stairs leading down from the Piazza give visitors access to the canal, from where they can watch water activities or simply meander along the water’s edge.

Park

The elevated park area offers views across the V&A Waterfront and the surrounding city streets. The park is fully accessible to disabled visitors. This family friendly area consists of a jungle gym, swings, rocking horses and a scooter path.

Skate and scooter park

  • It is the first skate park of this quality built within the city to world class skate park standards using lightweight construction.
  • Includes combination of various skate and scooter elements including a bowl with spine and pump hump, quarter pipes, layback bank, gaps, a small plaza with hubba's and rails, a frame set and a long ledge and rail. It was designed by California Skateparks in the USA with local input from local talent Marc Baker at CA Skateparks Africa.

Multi court

  • For general basketball and or mini soccer games during the week or weekends. With adjustable hoops this makes it accessible for younger players.

Retail

The Piazza is home to niche companies offering specialist services as well as food and beverage retailers.