The V&A Waterfront’s Cape Wheel has reopened after a seven-month break during which it was moved to a new location – the V&A’s Breakwater Boulevard.
The new location will give passengers memorable views of the city and Granger Bay on one side, Robben Island in the distance, views of Table Mountain on the other end, as well as sights of Signal Hill and the Cape Town stadium.
The wheel is 40m tall and passengers will also have views of commercial shipping traffic, large cruise and charter boats heading in and out of the harbour, kayakers accompanied by schools of dolphins as well as the possibility of spotting the whales that visit the bay from time to time.
V&A Waterfront CEO, David Green, said the time was right to restart the operation of the wheel, just ahead of the coming Easter holidays. This is part of the large package of changes that have been implemented as part of the economic recovery of the Waterfront.
“We had to find the perfect location for the wheel and I’m excited that we will be reopening the experience once more. I think our visitors will especially enjoy repeat visits to experience the different views at this new location. The recent signs of economic recovery for tourism and retail have been extremely positive and at the V&A Waterfront we are looking forward to the return of the iconic Waterfront Wheel as part of our attractions that offer jobs and support livelihoods of so many Capetonians,” said Green.
The Cape Wheel came into operation in 2008 and was previously located between the Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre and the Union Castle Square in front of the kids’ playground and food court.
The new site, close to the Waterfront’s Boardwalk, has easy access to the Breakwater parking garage, while also providing a more open and relaxed public space for visitors to access the wheel.