The City of Cape Town has taken a major step toward redeveloping the Good Hope Centre precinct, following support from the Mayoral Committee to release the site for redevelopment. The recommendation, put forward by the City’s Economic Growth Directorate, will now go to Council for final approval. If supported, the property will be brought to market through a public auction expected in early 2026, handled by the appointed auctioneer Claremart.
Alderman James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, said the redevelopment is expected to attract significant private-sector investment and act as an economic catalyst for the inner city. He noted that the project aims to balance urban regeneration with heritage preservation. “This redevelopment will breathe new life into a strategically located part of the inner city, protect our heritage, unlock investment, and generate jobs,” he said.
The Good Hope Centre precinct is regarded as one of Cape Town’s most valuable inner-city regeneration opportunities. The site covers 2.4 hectares and is currently underutilised. According to the City, it has potential for mixed-use development including residential, commercial, retail and events-focused facilities.
Vos said the redevelopment approach reflects the City’s broader strategy to release well-located municipal assets to unlock investment while ensuring that revenue from the sale supports service delivery across the metro. “This decision is responsible, future-focused, and aligned with our commitment to economic growth, urban regeneration and job creation,” he said.
The City expects the redevelopment to trigger major investment in supporting infrastructure, funded by the private sector. The project is anticipated to create a range of direct and indirect employment opportunities during the construction period, as well as long-term jobs linked to commercial, retail and events-related activities once the precinct is operational. It is also expected to strengthen municipal revenue through increased property valuations and utilities consumption, while contributing to higher economic activity in surrounding communities.
The Good Hope Centre is considered a heritage asset. The landmark domed Exhibition Hall, designed by Italian architect Pier Luigi Nervi, along with three adjoining halls and parking facilities, forms part of a Grade 3B heritage resource. The City has confirmed that the conditions of sale will require the preservation and adaptive reuse of key architectural features, including the dome. Heritage impact guidelines endorsed by the Impact Assessment Committee will inform how the development proceeds.
Vos said heritage preservation will remain central to the redevelopment process. “The conditions of sale will safeguard this heritage element, protect future community access where appropriate, and guide the precinct’s revitalisation in a way that delivers meaningful value for the community and the City,” he said.
The site forms part of the City’s Development Focus Area in the Table Bay District Plan and is included in the City’s Consolidated Land Pipeline and Release Programme. Its proximity to the CBD, transport routes and the District Six cultural and educational precinct places it in a strategic location for high-impact redevelopment. Potential future uses outlined by the City include commercial and retail space, residential units, structured parking, a revived heritage venue inside the dome, and improved public spaces.
The proposal will now be considered by Council. If approved, the Economic Growth Directorate will begin preparing the site for auction, with further details to be made public once finalised.
