- The City of Cape Town has announced a major upgrade to Muizenberg beachfront, starting mid-February 2024.
- The renovations include improved accessibility, a new playground, upgraded parking, and restored heritage structures, enhancing the area for both residents and visitors.
- While disruptions are expected, the long-term benefits aim to boost tourism and community engagement.
Major upgrades to the Muizenberg beachfront, which are expected to impact traffic and businesses in the area, have been confirmed to start early next year.
In a statement last week, the City of Cape Town announced that plans are in place to start the refurbishment process in mid-February.
Deputy Mayor Eddie Andrews confirmed that the beach will remain open during the process, however, residents and beachgoers would likely be affected.
“We are extremely excited about the revamp and the long-term benefits it will bring to the area, the local community, and visitors,” he said. “The beach will remain open, but the reality is the work will have an impact on all of those who live and work in Muizenberg.”
The upgrades will take place at Surfer’s Corner, on the western part of the beachfront along Beach Road, including the connection to St James walkway, the steps at Surfer’s Corner, the main promenade area and the existing informal gravel parking area along the railway line and eastern parking area.
“The refurbishment of the Muizenberg beachfront is one of the biggest capital projects the City’s coastal management branch will undertake in recent years,” he said.
The intention to upgrade Muizenberg beachfront was first proposed in September 2022, which was followed by a public participation process (“Mixed reactions to beach upgrade”, People’s Post, 13 September 2022).
Engagements with business owners and the local community have commenced to inform them of the anticipated impact and expected inconveniences.
“The City will be monitoring the project closely to ensure we remain on track. We will be counting on the support and collaboration of our local community,” said Andrews. “We will do everything we can to mitigate the impact… a project of this magnitude will cause inconveniences.”
Ablution facility
The existing ablutions will be demolished and rebuilt in the same architectural style just landwards of the revetment, opening up more beach space.
The new facility will be located at the central shower plaza area and universal access parking will be provided in the central area at the ablution.
The facility will be universally accessible with family changing rooms and wheelchair accessible showers.
Playground
The pergola will be demolished and rebuilt further landward to allow for the construction and setback of the new revetment structures and promenade.
Pergola
The existing playground will be upgraded with a kelp forest theme and will include a universal access ramp and interactive play equipment for children with various abilities.
Paved areas
The surfaces landwards of the new promenade will be surfaced with clay pavers matching the existing colours and style.
Station forecourt
The forecourt will be refurbished to make it more pedestrian friendly. Parking for people with special needs and a universally accessible ramp to access the promenade will also be located in this area.
Beach huts
All eight huts will be relocated to the central plaza, as opposed to on either side of the main plaza, and thus serve as a wind shelter for the central shower area.
Buildings
The existing NGO buildings will remain, this means those who are currently operating from the beachfront will keep on doing so.
“Where existing buildings are refurbished or demolished, these will be rebuilt in a style similar to the existing buildings to ensure we retain the heritage value, look and feel of Muizenberg.
“Once the construction has started, there will be an impact on beachgoers and businesses along Beach Road, as well as the surrounding areas. Those who operate from the Muizenberg beachfront – be it private businesses or NGOs – must please plan ahead, and consider the anticipated impact on their operations,” said Andrews.
Unfortunately visitors will have less parking while construction is ongoing.
