balance the divide between the north and south sides of the city - an integration that has literally been left hanging for more than three decades because the freeway bridges that were designed to connect the city remain incomplete .
Hopes of closing this circle were dashed when the city ’ s ambitious Foreshore Precinct Project was cancelled in 2018 , but the development of Harbour Arch now makes the eventual removal of the elevated freeway a real possibility . The developer , the Amdec Group , has strategically designed Harbour Arch in a way that will provide the municipality with an opportunity in perpetuity to reprise its vision for the foreshore by relocating the freeway either on grade or underground , thereby extending the city ’ s footprint , opening up views , and reconnecting the inner city to the shoreline .
Public access at Harbour Arch is paramount - this will be a space for all Capetonians . Imagine the largest landscaped urban park in the CBD , with water features , splash parks , bike tracks , skateboarding , and outdoor markets . Designed to extend the city ’ s pedestrian routes , Harbour Arch will ultimately provide a direct link from the CBD to the V & A Waterfront , the east city precinct , and eventually to Woodstock . This will create new walking routes from other suburbs into the city , and has the potential to enhance the quality of life for many of the city ’ s residents .
There is no doubt that the Amdec Group ’ s vision will dramatically alter Cape Town ’ s skyline and create a magnificent new gateway to the City , but it will also create significant opportunities for the city - not only economically , but also for the people who want to live , work and play in a dynamic , accessible , convenient and safe environment with a premium commercial , retail and residential offering .
Harbour Arch is ultimately about creating an efficient and sustainable neighbourhood of the future , one where diverse communities can congregate in safe and appealing public spaces . “ A robust night-time economy is internationally regarded as a key catalyst for boosting a city ’ s appeal , safety and investment offering . Designed to encourage a live , work , and play lifestyle , Harbour Arch will bolster Cape Town ’ s economy , around the clock , making this part of the city safer through purposeful design .”
Concludes Wilson : “ We are confident that Harbour Arch will bring major benefits to all Capetonians who will see more growth and innovation in our city flowing from the project . Through the meaningful use of under-utilised land in a prime location , coupled with dynamic urban design , we can better serve the City of Cape Town , contributing to its sustained economic growth while providing a new iconic destination of which Capetonians can be truly proud .”
Project Watch 13