One of Cape Town’s most recognisable city landmarks is preparing for a new chapter.
Image: Supplied
Golden Acre, the long-established shopping centre and transport hub in the heart of the CBD, is undergoing an extensive redevelopment that will transform the historic complex into a mixed-use destination combining residential living, retail, hospitality and flexible workspaces. The project also includes upgrades to public spaces and pedestrian routes, with the aim of creating a more connected and accessible city precinct.
A new vision for a city landmark
The redevelopment marks the latest phase in Golden Acre’s ongoing revitalisation under its new owners, who are seeking to reposition the property for the way modern cities function.
Rather than serving primarily as a shopping destination, the precinct is being reimagined as an 18-hour urban hub where people can live, work, shop, socialise and commute in one location. According to the developers, the long-term vision is to strengthen Golden Acre’s role in everyday city life while preserving its heritage.
Retail offering to evolve
The shopping centre itself will also see significant changes.
Plans include a refreshed tenant mix focused on everyday convenience, grocery shopping, food and beverage outlets, health and wellness, technology, banking, lifestyle retailers and commuter essentials. The intention is to better serve residents, office workers, visitors and the thousands of commuters who pass through the precinct each day.
Hundreds of new city apartments planned
A major component of the redevelopment is the introduction of residential accommodation through The Acre by Neighbourgood, which will convert underutilised office space into contemporary city apartments.
The 27-floor residential development will comprise 302 long-term apartments alongside 115 short-term units designed for stays ranging from one night to three months. Occupation of the first 100 apartments is expected to begin in October.
Golden Acre Mock Apartment/Supplied
Golden Acre Mock Apartment/Supplied
The development will offer semi-furnished studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments, with rentals expected to start from R10,500 per month, depending on unit type.
Residents will have access to shared amenities including a clubhouse with a restaurant and bar, co-working spaces, a coffee shop, gym, communal laundry facilities and outdoor exercise areas, reflecting the growing demand for integrated urban living.
Blending living, working and hospitality
The project embraces the concept of blended living by combining residential accommodation with hospitality services and flexible workspaces.
Short-term residents will have access to services such as housekeeping and linen changes, while dedicated co-working facilities are intended to support professionals seeking a work-life balance within the city centre. The developers say this approach reflects changing lifestyles and increasing demand for connected urban communities.
Improving access and safety
Alongside the redevelopment of the buildings themselves, upgrades are also planned for the surrounding public environment.
The project includes improved lighting, enhanced security systems, upgraded pedestrian routes and stronger connections between Golden Acre, Cape Town Station, the MyCiTi bus service, bus terminal and minibus taxi interchange.
Developers are also working with the City of Cape Town to improve mobility between the CBD, Grand Parade and the Castle of Good Hope, while maintaining the precinct’s existing parking facilities.
Looking ahead
Construction and tenant integration will continue throughout the year, with further milestones expected before the official unveiling later in 2026.
Once complete, Golden Acre aims to become more than a shopping centre. The redevelopment reflects a broader shift towards mixed-use city precincts that bring together housing, retail, transport and hospitality within a single destination, supporting Cape Town’s evolving urban landscape.
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