Lookout Hill is one of Cape Town’s hidden treasures in the heart of Khayelitsha, providing an ideal vantage point for views of the city and our iconic mountain.
It now forms part of the Table Mountain Frames project – a World Design Capital (WDC) 2014 project that offers visitors a different visual perspective of the New7Wonder of Nature.
Khayelitsha, which means ‘new home’, is now home to a giant yellow picture frame that captures the beauty of South Africa’s New7Wonder of Nature, Table Mountain, while creating a new attraction in the community.
The frame was unveiled at Lookout Hill in Khayelitsha on 11 June 2014, providing a unique vantage point for residents and visitors to Khayelitsha where they can photograph themselves with Table Mountain as a backdrop.
The best point to realise the actual size of Khayelitsha is Lookout Hill – its highest point situated at the corner of Spine Road and Mew Way. One has the chance to overlook the various parts of the township and enjoy views up to the ocean.
‘We are delighted that Khayelitsha has been included as part of this WDC 2014 project. We encourage tour operators to include this newest attraction in their itineraries. Tourism in our historical communities is a valuable industry to local entrepreneurs, and we urge locals and visitors to support the small businesses within communities to help create much needed jobs,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Tourism, Events and Marketing, Councillor Garreth Bloor.
Constructed in 2004, Lookout Hill is a tourism facility that houses a function hall, restaurant, and arts and crafts stalls – attracting a number of tourists. The frame is installed on the 164-step high viewing deck, providing 360-degree views across the Cape Flats.
‘Our communities tend to rely on mainly international tourists for support; we urge Capetonians to do something different by exploring what their own city has to offer. Hop on a tour bus and experience the rich cultural diversity of our city. The view from Lookout Hill makes it well worth a visit,’ added Councillor Bloor.
The Table Mountain Frames Project entails the erection of seven frames, painted in the WDC yellow, in strategic locations around Cape Town to perfectly frame Table Mountain from well-known and unusual views.
The 2,8 m tall and 4 m wide frame was produced by South African artist Porky Hefer as part of the Table Mountain New7Wonder of Nature legacy project, and the interactive artwork is listed as an official World Design Capital 2014 site.
As with the other Table Mountain New7Wonder frames installed at the V&A Waterfront, Signal Hill and Eden on the Bay, visitors can share their photos here. Other frames are proposed for the city centre, Robben Island and Blouberg Beach.
PHOTO CREDIT: Bruce Sutherland l CoCT
