Growthpoint Properties partners in developing Cape Winelands Airport

The planned Cape Winelands Airport was given a significant boost with an announcement by Growthpoint Properties of a planned  investment  in the proposed airport precinct.

With an initial investment aimed at developing the Cape Winelands Airport, the collaboration seeks to create an advanced aviation, hospitality, and industrial hub that stands ready to serve the Western Cape and its booming tourism sector.

Setting the stage for progress, Growthpoint, which has a stellar track record in managing and developing iconic destinations like Cape Town’s renowned V&A Waterfront, aims to leverage its extensive expertise in mixed-use and tourism-related developments. With property assets valued at R155.8 billion spread across retail, office, and logistics sectors, Growthpoint is poised to make significant enhancements to the Cape Winelands Airport precinct, which will take shape on the site of the former Fisantekraal airfield.

The partnership, underscored by a long-term commitment, positions Growthpoint to not only play a key role in the design and management of the 450-hectare precinct but also to ensure that high institutional standards in governance, environmental sustainability, and social responsibility guide the project’s trajectory. The agreement grants Growthpoint the right of first refusal for further investments in property developments, highlighting the firm’s intent to remain deeply involved in the project’s evolution.

“This partnership represents a step-change for Cape Winelands Airport,” stated Nicholas Ferguson, Managing Director of RSA Aero, the airport's owner.

“Growthpoint’s involvement provides the institutional foundation needed to build an airport precinct of global quality.” This development is designed to enhance the region's logistics and trade, as well as establish it as a must-visit destination for tourists.

Norbert Sasse, Group CEO of Growthpoint Properties, echoed this sentiment, emphasising the potential of the airport project as a “powerful catalyst for long-term value creation.” He articulated a vision for Cape Winelands Airport as a legacy asset for the Western Cape that aims to bolster South Africa’s growth narrative.

The preliminary investment is a crucial pillar of the overall development strategy, which is expected to create approximately 35,000 direct and indirect jobs. Remarkably, during its first two decades, the airport could support over 100,000 jobs, marking a significant economic stimulus for the region. Initial financial outlay for the development is projected at around R8 billion, facilitating the construction of vital infrastructure such as runway, terminal buildings, and extensive commercial and logistics facilities.

In alignment with its capital allocation strategy, Growthpoint prioritises investments in high-potential locations and sectors, integrating sustainable practices aimed at achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. The Cape Winelands Airport aims to establish itself as the greenest airport globally by embedding renewable energy solutions and water reuse systems into its operational framework. Growthpoint’s commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) leadership will further guide the sustainability agenda of this groundbreaking project.

Pending necessary Environmental Impact Assessment approvals, construction of the Cape Winelands Airport is projected to commence in early 2026, commencing with the essential runway and safety infrastructure, followed by terminal and industrial precinct development. The first phase of the project aims for completion by 2028, with a long-term capacity target of over five million passengers annually by 2050.

Once operational, Cape Winelands Airport will serve as a critical second aviation gateway for the Western Cape, alleviating the pressure on existing infrastructure, enhancing economic efficiencies, and welcoming countless visitors to the area’s historical winelands. This designation not only supports rising tourism but also promises to stimulate business growth and investment in the surrounding regions.

“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,” said  Ferguson, reinforcing the multifaceted value that this collaborative endeavour will bring to both the local economy and the broader region.