Home BusinessTNPA Breaks Ground on R147 Million Latimer’s Landing Redevelopment to Revitalise East London Waterfront and Drive Eastern Cape Growth

TNPA Breaks Ground on R147 Million Latimer’s Landing Redevelopment to Revitalise East London Waterfront and Drive Eastern Cape Growth

by Selinda Phenyo
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TNPA Breaks Ground on R147 Million Latimer’s Landing Redevelopment to Revitalise East London Waterfront and Drive Eastern Cape Growth

East London – The Transnet National Ports Authority has marked a key step forward by breaking ground on the R147 million redevelopment of Latimer’s Landing at the Port of East London. This major project aims to turn the site into a lively mixed-use area, boosting tourism, business, and jobs in the Eastern Cape. Set to wrap up in April 2027 after 24 months of work, the upgrade will blend port operations with leisure spots, creating new chances for locals and visitors alike. As part of Transnet’s push to grow and stabilise, this move highlights how ports can spark wider economic wins beyond just shipping.


The ceremony, held amid excitement from community leaders and business folks, shows years of planning coming to life. Once mainly a working quay for marine tasks, Latimer’s Landing has already grown into a spot for fun, and this revamp will take it further. With new spots for eateries, shops, and tourism hubs, it is expected to draw steady crowds, helping the area bounce back from past slowdowns. This fits into bigger plans to make the Port of East London a hub for growth, linking sea trade with land-based fun and work.


A Strategic Boost for the Eastern Cape Economy


Acting Chief Executive of TNPA, Phyllis Difeto, spoke at the event about how this fits Transnet’s Reinvent for Growth Strategy. This plan focuses on steadying the company while sparking growth in regions like the Eastern Cape. “This development charts a new course for the Eastern Cape economy by supporting value-adding industries. It aligns with our strategic goal of positioning the port within the tourism sector by integrating port operations with the leisure market,” Difeto said.


The project builds on past efforts to spruce up the area, which started gaining steam back in 2019 when early plans got the green light from heritage bodies. That approval cleared the way for changes that respect the site’s history while adding modern touches. Latimer’s Landing sits next to the Princess Elizabeth Dry Dock, a spot with old sheet pile walls that needed fixing to handle new uses. The revamp includes a stronger quay structure to support more boats and people, turning it from a simple dock into a gateway for fun and trade.


Beyond bricks and mortar, the work is set to create real wins for locals. So far, 44 jobs have come from the project, with about 55 in total expected over the two years. These roles cover building, planning, and support tasks, giving a lift to families in East London and nearby spots. The main builder, Stefanutti Stocks, has pledged to team up with small, medium, and micro businesses in the area. This means more chances for local firms to get involved, from supplying goods to handling parts of the build, helping spread the wealth and build skills.


Overcoming Challenges: From Tenders to Court Battles


Getting here was not easy. The project hit snags, like a court challenge in May 2024 from a Western Cape firm unhappy with the tender pick. That bid was for fixing the Latimer’s Landing Jetty, a key part of the revamp. The tender, worth millions, went out in early 2024 and drew interest from builders across the country. After reviews and addendums – the latest in January 2025 – the work could move ahead, showing how careful planning beat the hurdles.


These steps tie into Transnet’s wider goal to make the most of its land and draw in private cash. By upgrading spots like this, the port can pull in investors for shops, boat tours, and events. The Port of East London, one of South Africa’s key sea gates, handles goods like cars, fruit, and grains, but this project adds a fun side. It could help ease joblessness in the Eastern Cape, where many look for work in tourism and services. Experts say such mixed-use spots can add millions to local spending each year, from visitors eating out to staying over.


The site’s spot in the city makes it perfect for this. Close to areas like Arcadia and Southernwood, it links the port to East London’s heart. Plans include better walkways, safe docking for small boats, and green spaces that fit with the area’s natural beauty. This could make it a go-to for families, tourists off cruise ships, and business meets, much like successful waterfronts in other cities.


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