V&A Waterfront has been chosen to finance, design and develop the terminal for around R179 million
By
Rebecca Gibson |
Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) is to upgrade the cruise terminal facility at the Port of Cape Town in South Africa.
Local South African company V&A Waterfront has been chosen to finance, design and develop the terminal for around R179 million. The agreement also covers the operation and maintenance of the facility for 20 years, before it is transferred back to TNPA.
V&A will redevelop the existing cruise terminal facility, which is located at the port’s E berth, Duncan Dock, to ensure it can accommodate various sized cruise vessels. Due to be completed by December 2017, the facility will also feature retail and hospitality services to provide an enhance passenger experience.
“We recognise that cruise tourism is one of the fastest growing areas of tourism,” said David Green, CEO of V&A Waterfront. “Our area of responsibility is that of contributing positively to Cape Town, the Western Cape and South Africa. This award is an opportunity to positively contribute to the economy, job creation and providing a positive experience for all visitors.”
V&A and TNPA will also work with South African tourism authorities and cruise companies to boost the city’s tourism business.
“The upgraded Cape Town cruise terminal facility to be developed by V&A Waterfront will be a gateway to a unique African experience in cruise tourism,” Richard Vallihu, chief executive of TNPA. “Transnet is excited about playing a role in entrenching Cape Town as a leading destination in Africa and the world. The city will benefit from a world-class facility that will attract greater international cruise liner calls, create jobs and strengthen the tourism offering of not only the ‘Mother City’, but South Africa as a whole.”