Latimer's Landing's R147 million construction to take a year longer
Construction of the Latimer's Landing at the Port of East London is expected to finish in April 2027, instead of 2026. The construction activities were initially planned to occur over 12 months, but have been expanded to 24 months.
The R147 million flagship project is set to revitalise the city's waterfront and inject renewed energy into the tourism and economic development of the province. The early 1900s structure was demolished to make way for a modern fit for purpose structure. It was closed down in 2009, due to the negative impact sea water had on its wooden structural integrity. It is the only waterfront and leisure development of its kind in the region.
The focus will be on the quayside, adjacent areas as well as upriver on both the East and West Bank sides of the Buffalo River. The redevelopment includes various business operations, including restaurants, leisure outlets, tourism centres, as well as related water-based activities that will draw steady traffic into the precinct.
According to the Transnet National Ports Authority, the revitalising of the dilapidated structure was necessitated by the fact that the building is a critical port infrastructure asset. It was originally designed for marine operational use but has over the years transitioned into a public recreational area essential for local tourism activities.
According to TNPA's Acting Chief Executive, Phyllis Difeto, "The development further supports TNPA's strategic goals of optimising its real estate portfolio by attracting new ventures such as tourism, whilst fostering private sector participation and unlocking opportunities to stimulate economic growth. This development charts a new course for the Eastern Cape economy by supporting value-adding industries". TNPA has a strategic objective; to expand the port's service offering by integrating with the leisure market.
So far 44 jobs were created in October 2025 of the expected 55. The appointed contractor for the project has committed to collaborating with local Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) to unlock additional business opportunities.
The Port of East London is a popular cruise destination with the SH Diana making it a pit stop during the cruise's journey from Mombasa, Kenya to Cape Town. This development will bring human and ocean traffic to the East London waterfront; making it a premier tourism and leisure destination.
Landing is situated along the Buffalo River. Although built in the early 1900's, it is named after Dr Marjorie Latimer, the curator of the East London Museum because she identified the Coelacanth in 1938; a living fossil thought to be extinct for 80 million years. In 2004, UK newspaper The Independent said Dr Courtenay-Latimer's discovery was "the zoological find of the 20th century".
The Landing originally served as a fishing wharf. It measures approximately 2 400 m² and is in close proximity to the historical Princess Elizabeth Graving Dock, built in 1947, with exquisite views of the yacht basin, cruise liners, car carriers, as well as the world-renowned East London Car Terminal, which imports and exports various vehicle brands ranging from Mercedes-Benz, Smart, Porsche, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep including popular commercial vehicle brands.