SILO DISTRICT OVERVIEW
The development of the V & A Waterfront ’ s ( V & A ) Silo District development commenced in 2010 when the V & A was in the process of identifying its next growth node . The area around the existing Grain Silo , historically called the Clocktower Precinct , was identified as the most opportune expansion zone for a number of reasons : the area was not being effectively utilised and the land around what was now a derelict grain silo was being used as a car park . The other reason being the V & A ’ s long term goal of integrating the Waterfront more with the urban fabric of the City of Cape Town - ensuring that any visitor experience when visiting the City and the Waterfront is a seamless process . The Silo District was viewed as an area of growth extending out from the heart of the Waterfront , from the shopping centre , across the Clocktower area , past the Silo District and into the Canal District , which the V & A is now busy developing .
Development Plan The original plans the V & A inherited from the previous owners viewed the Clocktower Precinct as being largely retail led and had planning rights in place for ‘ big box ’ retail and podium parking extending right the way across the precinct and wrapping around the Grain Silo . This plan basically turned the focus of new development away from the Silo . It was decided to scrap this plan and the V & A held a workshop in March 2010 where a number of respected professionals met to pull the existing plan apart and put it back together again . The site was reconceptualised as the Silo District with the Grain Silo as the hero and with a focus on developing a modern mixed use , pedestrianised and sustainable precinct that should be lead by commercial development but not overpowered by it . The V & A wanted to ensure that they got the balance of the mix right so that the District felt active throughout the week as well as on weekends . Ensuring active shopfronts on the ground floors , hotel and residential development would ensure a sense of place and community . It was through this successful workshop that the idea of the Silo Square was first formulated – a circular space around the Grain Silo building . The footprints and the massing of the buildings envisaged started to be unpacked .
Silo District Buildings At the same time the V & A was in talks with Investment firm Allan Gray , who had been tenants at the V & A for many years . Due to rapid growth , the company was accommodating staff across a number of buildings and they were looking to consolidate into one head office , considering the V & A and other sites around the City . Due to these requirements , accommodating Allan Gray was essentially the catalyst for the initial development at the Silo District . Now known as No 1 Silo the building was presented as a sustainable , world leading development and capable of holding its own in any major city in the world in terms of its architecture and performance . Importantly Allan Gray bought into the vision of the Silo District and construction commenced in 2011 , completing in 2013 .
At the same time No 2 Silo , the first residential development outside of the very successful V & A Marina , was built abutting No 1 . These new apartments would offer a more urban residential experience compared to the Marina . Important to any development at the V & A is the maintenance of the gritty , industrial essence of a working harbour . This unique atmosphere is considered
20 Silo District Overview