Construction of the highly-anticipated, state-of-the-art Visitor Education Centre at the Harmony Flats Nature Reserve between Strand and Gordon’s Bay has ground to a sudden halt.

The City of Cape Town confirmed that the contractor tasked with building the five-star Green Star-rated facility has been dismissed as a result of poor performance, pushing the project’s completion date back by nearly two years. The termination apparently relates to the slow pace that construction followed.

On query, the City declined to reveal the name of the contractor.

The project broke ground adjacent to the Gustrouw Sports Grounds in March last year and was originally on track for a February 2027 opening. But motorists and residents had noted that activity on the site had stalled.

Eddie Andrews, deputy mayor and Mayoral Committee member for Spatial Planning and Environment, confirmed that the City moved to terminate the contractor’s contract.

“The contractor performed poorly and therefore their contract was terminated by the City,” Andrews said. “Unfortunately, the opening will not take place in February 2027. If all goes as planned, it is anticipated that the work will be completed in December 2028.”

The City is working to get the project back on track. Construction is expected to resume this October, subject to finalising the supply chain management process to appoint a new contractor.

DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette first reported on the Harmony Flats Visitor Education Centre, with the City specifically pointing to the would-be facility’s sustainability goals, its plan to use biomass insulated concrete – or “biocrete” – made from cleared invasive alien vegetation (“Education centre rising,” 12 November 2025).

Structural safety

While most of these design elements remain intact, the building has undergone some structural modifications during the initial construction phase.

Andrews said the majority of the original sustainable design elements have been maintained, though portions of the biomass wall had to be omitted due to structural safety considerations. It has been replaced with conventional concrete walls.

While the City previously withheld total cost estimates, Andrews disclosed that around R5,4 million has been spent on the project to date.

With the site dormant until a new contractor is appointed, concerns have been raised about vandalism and building hijacking. Andrews confirmed that security will be on duty at the site around-the-clock.

The delay is a setback for local conservation and educational initiatives. The Harmony Flats Nature Reserve protects one of the last remaining pockets of critically endangered Lourensford Alluvium Fynbos and provides a sanctuary for rare flora including the peacock flower (Moraea villosa).

Once complete, the facility is set to serve as a centre for environmental education, community workshops and school tours.

Community leader Brent Louis is disappointed to learn of the delay, as the project is eagerly anticipated by the residents of Ward 100. “We understand that proper processes need to be followed to ensure that the project is completed successfully, but we hope that the appointment of a new contractor will not result in further unnecessary delays,” he said.

“We also call on the relevant authorities to ensure that local economic opportunities are prioritised during the remainder of the project.”