Projects costing more than R6-billion are set to transform the face of central Cape Town and the V&A Waterfront - boosting investment and providing thousands of new jobs.
And that is only taking into account developments either in the pipeline, OK'd to go ahead or already under construction.
Another R3-billion of big projects could be approved in the medium- to long-term.
Large projects under construction include the Waterfront's Clocktower Precinct, with 5 000sq m of retail space, at R850-million; the Waterfront's residential marina at R1,3-billion; Mediterranean Shipping's new regional headquarters at R70-million; and and the Roggebaai Canal Tourism Precinct (R35-million).
Already up is Investec's new R100-million regional headquarters.
The Cape Town international convention centre at a cost of R320-million is expected to pump more than R11-billion into the province's gross domestic product (GDP) over 10 years and create an estimated 15 000 jobs, according to an economic impact study.
And the big plans include the Cape Town harbour syncro-lift redevelopment at a whopping R2-billion, the West Quay offices in the Waterfront (R50-million), the Cape Town station redevelopment (R1-billion) and an office developmentt costing R200-million and funded by direct foreign investment.
According to Wesgro, the province's trade and investment promotion organisation, projects valued at R2,4-billion are under construction, with approved projects costing R320-million starting this year.
A further R3,2-billion of projects are planned for the central city and harbour area in the short- to medium-term.
Wesgro head Peter Pullen said information garnered from an eight-month-old database on large projects had enabled the compilation of the latest detailed picture.
Michael Farr, head of the Cape Town Partnership, said wide-scale new development was the "broad-brush macro-plan" which would allow them to pursue the objective of a successful and competitive global city.
"This level of planning by all players involved seeks to achieve three things: the retention of existing business in the CBD, the creation of new business and investment in the CBD, and an increase in job opportunities through the CBD, given that 28 percent of all jobs in the metropole are created in the area," he said.
Spearhead Property Holdings managing director Mike Flax said these costly and extensive developments - and the proposed infrastructure to go with them - should encourage private development.
"A number of other projects may need their buttons pushed. It could mean a huge amount of future development," he said.
Flax said his company was already looking at adding a floor to an existing building and the construction of a couple of parking garages.
The big developments under way would help construction companies stay busy and keep employment at its present level.
There were a number of skilled professionals, who had just finished with the Canal Walk and GrandWest developments, who could be used in the new projects.
The success of some of the planned development would depend on the interest shown by tenants.
Farr agreed that there was serious potential investment in the medium- to long-term and said unicity plans had already been drawn up for funds for many proposed projects.
He said these included the refurbishment of the Civic Centre at a cost of R70-million, transport infrastructure improvements at R56-million, development of an area on the northern Foreshore at R5,5-million, development of the power station and the area around it and a wharf development on the foreshore.
Other planned projects included an inner-city light-rail transport system which will cost about R200-million, the general improvement of public spaces at R400 000 and pedestrian facilities and other areas at R500 000.
"The construction of a light-rail system is an integral part of linking the city with the Waterfront, as plans include a stop at the new Clocktower Precinct from the city," said Farr.
Mike Thompson, president of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and managing director of the Cape of Good Hope Bank, said the development was "terribly exciting" and would increase interest in tourism, but warned that planners should take into account issues such as increased traffic flows when putting together proposals.
Farr admitted the traffic flow situation was a "challenge", but said local government, business and others involved were using an integrated approach to overcome any difficulties.
