Cape Town's breakwater was built in 1860 (with Prince Alfred tipping the first load of stones). After a while that basin became too small and the Victoria Basin was built. By the mid-1900s the Victoria and Alfred basins were unable to cope with large container ships and they fell into a state of disrepair.
In 1988 work began on the restoring of the Waterfront. The Waterfront remains a working harbour for small vessels and fishing boats, but it's is primarily a shopping, eating and entertainment venue.
Old buildings which have been restored include:
the Port Captain's Office (1882) |
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the Time Bell Tower (1894) |
a location and time check reference point for passing ships |
Union Castle House (1919) |
home to the old mail steamship service to England |
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