New Cape Winelands airport project secures major investment

The Cape Winelands Airport, projected to open in 2028 and boost the economy by R8bn has secured a landmark partnership with Growthpoint Properties (JSE:GRT), jointly they are set to deliver the province’s next-generation aviation, hospitality and industrial hub.

Growthpoint Properties, which co-owns the V&A Waterfront and holds group property assets to the value of R155.8 billion across retail, office and logistics properties, made a significant investment announcement on Thursday.

This privately-owned airport, located on the former Fisantekraal airfield, aims to enhance the region's logistics, trade, and tourism infrastructure.

Construction of airport could  begin in early 2026, pending Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) approvals.

The development will proceed in phases, starting with the runway and safety infrastructure, followed by the terminal, cargo and industrial precincts. On this timeline, the  airport is targeted for commissioning by 2028 with capacity for more than five million passengers  annually by 2050.

Growthpoint said its initial investment marks a significant step in a long-term partnership for the design, development, delivery, and management of properties within the Cape Winelands Airport precinct. 

Under this agreement, Growthpoint will be responsible for the property and asset management of the 450-hectare aviation precinct's logistics, commercial, and hospitality components (excluding terminal buildings), with a right of first refusal for future property development co-investments. 

Growthpoint will also oversee the main contractor, ensuring institutional standards in transparent governance, financial discipline, positive environmental and social impact integration, and development delivery.

Earlier this year, the Cape Argus reported on the airport's final public participation phase, including the EIA, which was met with positive reactions. 

The airport is expected to sustain approximately 35,000 direct and indirect jobs and could sustain  just over 100,000 direct and indirect jobs during its initial 20 years of operation. The development  also represents an expected initial investment of approximately R8 billion in Cape Town, which will  deliver the terminal buildings, runway and a 450-hectare developable estate. 

Nicholas Ferguson, Managing Director of RSA Aero, the company that owns and operates Cape  Winelands Airport, said the partnership represents a step-change.

“Growthpoint’s partnership provides the institutional foundation and delivery capacity needed to  build an airport precinct of global quality that will serve the region for generations to come,” he said.

Management said the seasoned team will lead aviation strategy and master planning  of the international aviation hub while Growthpoint contributes institutional capital, property  expertise and sustainability leadership. 

Together, they aim to develop a commercially driven world class airport precinct that meets rising aviation demand, strengthens regional trade and tourism  connectivity while exemplifying sustainability.

Norbert Sasse, Group CEO of Growthpoint Properties, commented on the prospects: “Cape Winelands Airport and  its visionary partners have set in motion a powerful catalyst for long-term value creation and a  legacy asset for the Western Cape that enhances South Africa’s broader growth story. We are  pleased to take part in this opportunity and to contribute to Cape Town’s and South Africa’s  sustainable growth.” 

Riding on the back of the success of the V&A Waterfront Growthpoint said it said it had first-hand insight into how well-planned tourism infrastructure can drive inclusive economic  growth. 

Werner van Antwerpen, Growthpoint  Properties’ Head: Corporate Advisory said it was tourism and economic injection.

“Tourism and foreign direct investment are powerful economic multipliers that go hand in hand and we as Growthpoint have the opportunity to influence the tourist experience at both the Cape  Winelands Airport and the V&A Waterfront,” he added.

“When tourism infrastructure works sustainably and at  scale, jobs follow, cities thrive and communities benefit.” 

Cape Winelands Airport also aims to be the greenest airport in the world,t and will function largely with renewable energy and be supported by  water reuse systems, driving a carbon-neutral agenda. Growthpoint’s established environmental,  social and governance (ESG) leadership will guide the project’s sustainability framework, it said.

 Ferguson added that this partnership ensures the Cape Winelands Airport precinct is backed by South Africa’s most  credible property investor. 

“Together with Growthpoint, we’re not just building an airport – we’re  building a long-term platform for investment, innovation and opportunity in the Western Cape,” he stated.

At least 40 specialist studies have been completed with a range of flora and fauna, noise, socio-economic, avifaunal to airspace and to date there have been four rounds of public participation.

Earlier residents living around the airport said they welcomed the opportunity as an economic boost for local farmers for export and import while the Khoi community called for inclusivity, revealing that the land was once home known as the Aushumato Region, where settlers met with inhabitants.

The expansion plans include a new boutique terminal building with modern facilities such as efficient check-in counters with advanced technology for swift processing, spacious and comfortable waiting lounges with ergonomic seating and an array of retail options. 

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Cape Argus