[Updated] Fire erupts at SunSquare City Bowl near Cape Town heritage building

SunSquare Cape Town City Bowl development by Green Willows Properties Pty (Ltd) occupies an entire city block at a major intersection in the Cape Town CBD and is operated by Tsogo Sun.

A fire broke out at the SunSquare Cape Town City Bowl hotel in Buitengracht street, with patrons at the Athletic & Social Club in the adjacent historic building in Castle Street were evacuated at approximately 8.20pm on Monday night.

Emergency services were quickly on the scene. Fortunately, there are no reports of injuries at this time. [updated] SunSquare did not provide comment at time of writing.

Google Maps satellite view of Cape Town city block where the fire occured

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. However, this incident raises concerns as it comes mere months after a devastating balcony collapse at the same venue on the same city block in November 2023.

The Athletic & Social Club is a well-known establishment in the heart of Cape Town, attracting many visitors and becoming a staple of First Thursdays in the city. [updated] Club management declined to make a formal comment on the incident which happened at the neighbouring property but stressed that the safety of its staff and customers is always its primary concern.

The extent of the damage remains to be assessed, but the repeated incidents in this area of the city have raised concerns

Cape Town heritage building balcony collapses, injuring 20

Lindsey Schutters  3 Nov 2023

"We were just escorted out of Athletic Club!" an Athletic & Social Club patron reported to Bizcommunity shortly after the blaze began. "Half my Negroni is inside," he lamented.

Authorities are urging the public to remain patient as the investigation unfolds. They assure the community that all probable causes of the fire will be thoroughly examined.

The City of Cape Town will provide further updates on the situation as information becomes available.