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, set to be built in Cape Town.

The aviation hub will be constructed on the site of the Fisantekraal Airfield, which was established in 1943 as a Lockheed Ventura bomber base for the South African Air Force.

The project is a privately led development located 13 km north-east of Durbanville.

The airfield currently serves as a general aviation facility and flight training base.

“With the contractor now formally on board, the project advances into a crucial new phase – detailed technical development and planning,” says Cape Winelands Airport MD Deon Cloete.

“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 the construction of a large-scale terminal, extended and realigned runway infrastructure, upgraded airside systems, enhanced cargo and logistics operations, as well as a modernised general aviation precinct.

“WBHO is honoured to have achieved this significant milestone with the Cape Winelands team,” says WBHO director Russell Adams.

“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.”

“With WBHO’s proven track record in delivering complex infrastructure projects, the project is positioned to achieve excellence in execution,” adds Cloete.

The signing of the construction agreement follows the recent confirmation of Growthpoint Properties as a development partner for the airport project.

This JSE-listed group will carry the long-term property and asset management responsibilities for the 450-ha aviation precinct’s logistics, commercial and hospitality components.