2nd-tallest skyscraper in Cape Town is finally here

Cape Town’s skyline is about to get a stunning new addition that’s causing quite the stir. 

After years of waiting and watching, construction is officially underway on the city’s second tallest skyscraper — One on Bree. 

This striking 41-storey building is set to soar to a height of approximately 131 metres, right in the heart of the bustling Cape Town CBD at the corner of Bree and Strand Streets.

One on Bree isn’t just a tall structure; it’s a whole new urban experience.

The mixed-use tower will house 505 hotel rooms to accommodate the city’s growing number of tourists, alongside 270 residential apartments for locals wanting to live amidst the energy of downtown. 

On top of that, there’ll be around 4,000 square meters of retail space, making it a buzzing hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment.

For those who love a bit of luxury, the 22nd floor will feature a rooftop swimming pool with sweeping views of the cityscape and Table Mountain — not a bad way to unwind after a busy day. 

Architecturally, the building is a marvel as it seamlessly incorporates the existing historic corner building into its sleek glass façade, keeping a tangible connection to Cape Town’s rich heritage while boldly stepping into the future.

Behind this ambitious project is a developer known online as Acsiopolis 2, with a solid record across South Africa and Cyprus in mixed-use developments.

Construction approvals are in place, and demolition of old structures on the site has begun, signalling the long-anticipated transformation is finally in motion.

Considering Cape Town’s post-pandemic hotel scene has been pretty quiet, this massive hotel development couldn’t be timed better. 

It brings fresh accommodation options closer to the city’s vibrant dining, nightlife, and cultural spots on Bree Street, not to mention just a leisurely stroll from the V&A Waterfront and the financial district.

As for the construction timeline, it’s slated to continue over the next few years, with completion expected around 2028. 

Given the scale — a total built-up area of roughly 66,000 square meters — this project is a significant investment in Cape Town’s urban future. 

Speaking of investment, while exact construction costs haven’t been publicly pinpointed, but commercial construction potentially exceeds R25,000 ($1,408) per sqm.

That would work out to about $93 million potential project cost for One on Bree, though developments of this size and quality in Cape Town’s CBD generally run into the hundreds of millions of dollars when factoring in prime location and premium finishes.

All in all, One on Bree is more than just a skyscraper — it’s a sign of confidence in Cape Town’s growth and a taste of the city’s potential to blend lifestyle, history, and modernity in one spectacular vertical package. 

For locals, visitors, and architecture fans, this is one of Cape Town’s most exciting projects to keep an eye on over the next few years. 

The Mother City’s skyline is about to get a major makeover.