The Cape Winelands Airport has appointed Wilson Bayly Holmes-Ovcon (WBHO) to take responsibility for the technical development and construction of its new R8-billion airport in Cape Town.
The aviation hub will be built on the historic Fisantekraal Airfield, which was established in 1943 as a Lockheed Ventura bomber base for the South African Air Force. The privately led project is located 13 kilometres north-east of Durbanville. The airfield currently serves as a general aviation facility and flight training base.
With WBHO now formally on board, the project enters a crucial new phase focused on detailed technical development and planning.
Cape Winelands Airport MD Deon Cloete explains, “This appointment will enable the team to begin developing the specific designs and engineering frameworks required to move the project toward construction readiness. This process will also provide clearer insights into overall timelines and costs.”
Construction work will include a large-scale terminal, extended and realigned runway infrastructure, upgraded airside facilities, enhanced cargo and logistics operations, and a modernised general aviation precinct.
WBHO director Russell Adams says, “WBHO is honoured to have achieved this significant milestone with the Cape Winelands team. This partnership will enable the acceleration of the technical design processes and subsequent construction completion of the airport project. WBHO is excited to be part of a greenfield project of this scale and complexity. Successful completion will showcase the talent and competence of South Africa’s local development, investment, design and construction capacity in delivering significant economic infrastructure.”
Cloete adds, “With WBHO’s proven track record in delivering complex infrastructure projects, the project is positioned to achieve excellence in execution.”
The signing of the construction agreement follows the recent confirmation of Growthpoint Properties as a development partner for the airport project. The JSE-listed group will carry the long-term property and asset management responsibilities for the 450-hectare aviation precinct, covering logistics, commercial, and hospitality components.