Foreshore Area Guide

Matthew Miller, Commercial Property Broker

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Area Overview

Foreshore Cape Town: The Ultimate Guide for Businesses and Tenants


Introduction

Foreshore isn’t just another patch of Cape Town concrete — it’s the city’s beating commercial heart. If you’re scouting for office space in a spot that's buzzing with business opportunities, culture, and some pretty iconic views, you’re in the right place. Sitting snug between the city centre and the harbour, Foreshore is home to major landmarks like the CTICC, the Civic Centre, and easy access to the V&A Waterfront.

Whether you’re a start-up ready to make a splash or a heavyweight business looking for prestige, Foreshore’s where the action is — and we’re here to show you how to find your perfect spot with ANVIL Property Smith.

 


Section 1: The History and Development of Foreshore

Back in the 1930s and ‘40s, Foreshore was literally underwater. Through a massive land reclamation project, Cape Town pushed back the ocean, building new ground for docks, railway lines, and warehouses. Fast forward a few decades, and the area evolved into a booming commercial playground.

While the ‘70s and ‘80s saw a bit of a dip thanks to urban decay and apartheid-era challenges, the 2000s flipped the script. The CTICC’s opening, the revival of the Waterfront, and the 2010 FIFA World Cup all breathed new life into Foreshore, turning it into the sought-after spot we know today.


Section 2: The Commercial and Industrial Profile of Foreshore

Foreshore is basically a magnet for major sectors. Here’s a quick lowdown:

  • Finance: Banks like ABSA, Nedbank, and Standard Bank have big footprints here.

  • Tech: Amazon Web Services calls Foreshore home, and it’s packed with IT innovators.

  • Tourism: The CTICC and nearby luxury hotels keep the tourism wheels spinning.

  • Media: Naspers, one of the world’s media giants, anchors the area.

  • Education & Research: Cape Peninsula University of Technology’s main campus adds some serious brainpower.

Honestly, it’s hard to find another Cape Town suburb this diverse, business-wise.


Section 3: The Benefits of Foreshore for Businesses and Tenants

Why pick Foreshore? Here’s why it ticks so many boxes:

  • Location, location, location: 20 minutes to the airport, quick access to N1/N2, and a 10-minute stroll to the station.

  • Office options for days: From sleek new builds to charming refurbishments.

  • Pricing: R110 to R250/m², depending on the space — pretty competitive for Cape Town CBD.

  • Networking goldmine: You’re rubbing shoulders with banks, tech giants, creatives, and big-name corporates.

  • Work hard, play hard: Grab after-work drinks at the Waterfront or catch a show at Artscape.

Sure, peak-hour traffic on the N1 can get sticky, but with flexible working hours being the norm, most businesses here don’t even bat an eyelid.


Section 4: The Latest Developments in 2024 on Commercial Development and Parks in Foreshore

2024’s been a cracking year for Foreshore developments:

  • Foreshore Freeway Precinct: Finally tackling the "unfinished bridges" eyesore with mixed-use spaces, retail, offices, and public parks.

  • Harbour Arch: A 5.8-hectare mega project — three residential towers, two office towers, a hotel, and a retail arcade — plus some of the best coffee haunts popping up.

  • Foreshore Park: Transforming an old car park into a lush urban park with rainwater harvesting, solar lighting, and playgrounds.

The area’s shifting fast — think greener, smarter, and more vibrant.


Section 5: The Infrastructure in Foreshore

No business can run without proper infrastructure, and Foreshore delivers:

  • Transport: Quick hop onto the N1 and N2, plus excellent MyCiTi bus links.

  • Utilities: Stable electricity, fibre internet everywhere, reliable water services.

  • Facilities:

    • Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital — top-notch medical care.

    • Cape Town Central Police Station — for that extra peace of mind.

    • CPUT and UNISA campuses nearby for a young talent pipeline.

It’s one of the best-connected patches of Cape Town, no debate.


Section 6: Proximity to Key Locations

You’re literally minutes from:

  • V&A Waterfront (5 mins)

  • Cape Town Stadium (7 mins)

  • City Centre (you’re in it)

  • Green Point (5 mins)

  • Sea Point (10 mins)

Need a last-minute meeting room at the Waterfront? No problem. Dinner with clients in Green Point? Easy as.


Section 7: Office Spaces Available for Rent in Foreshore (ANVIL Property Smith)

Here's a taste of what we’ve got on the books:

  • The Halyard: Iconic, 24 floors of premium space, killer views, rates from R200/m².

  • Convention Tower: Right next to the CTICC. Perfect for event-heavy businesses.

  • Harbour Arch: The new kid on the block. Super modern, lots of lifestyle perks.

  • 38 Heerengracht Street: Great mix of affordability and prestige.

  • 35 Lower Long: Perfect for professional services firms wanting a polished image.

Spoiler alert: Harbour Arch’s street cafes are becoming "the" morning meeting spots.


Section 8: FAQs

Q: Is Foreshore a safe area for businesses?
A: Yes — it’s one of the best-policed and monitored areas thanks to the CCID and SAPS presence.

Q: What’s the vibe like after hours?
A: It’s lively! The Waterfront’s just up the road, plus the CTICC and Artscape Theatre often have events.

Q: Are there flexible or short-term leases available?
A: Absolutely. We’ve helped companies with everything from hot-desks to full-floor 5-year deals.

Q: What’s parking like?
A: Depends on the building, but most premium offices come with secure basement parking. Otherwise, there's decent public parking too.


Section 9: Conclusion and Call to Action

Foreshore’s not just another postcode — it’s a serious statement. It’s where Cape Town does business, makes deals, and innovates. If you want to be close to the action, show off a killer address, and make a smart move for your team’s future, there’s nowhere better.

And hey — that dream office won’t find itself.

Contact Matthew Miller at ANVIL Property Smith today. We’ll help you find your perfect office in Foreshore and make your next move your best one yet.

 

 

 

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Foreshore Office Space

 

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