The challenge of an effective governance process and the demand for inclusive development form a tension, traceable in contemporary (Re)development Projects in South Africa. Based on the legislative premise of urban planning and architectural design, private sector developers must engage with urban authorities in the Project-related Governance Process (PGP). Within the PGP, municipal and provincial authorities have the opportunity to share contextual information and thus steer planning intentions. However, the ambiguous understanding among involved actors how an effective PGP should look like and what degree of influence urban authorities should have on the planning fuel the above stated tension. This research project investigates the Cape Town Waterfront Development in three distinct episodes: Firstly, the initiation of the Waterfront Development and the setting up towards a negotiated environment. Secondly, the completed Silo District project and thirdly the current stage of the Canal District project. The research insights presented concern the work of key actors involved and their interactions linked to these episodes. Hence, the question is answered what effect these interactions have on the development process as well as the materialized outcome of todays Waterfront.