- New signage has replaced the Great White Shark mural at the entrance to Glencairn Heights and Simon’s Town, eliciting mixed reactions from residents.
- Councillor Simon Liell-Cock says the change was commissioned by the Simon’s Town Historical Society to preserve the area’s heritage.
- While some residents appreciate the new signage, others miss the mural and feel the location of the sign is confusing.
New signage has replaced the mural of a Great White Shark that marked the entrance to Glencairn Heights and Simon’s Town, which has garnered a mixed reaction among residents.
Ward 61 councillor Simon Liell-Cock shared that the Simon’s Town Historical Society received permission to have the new signage, which was completed two weeks ago, commissioned.
“The pedestal was originally built by the Simon’s Town Municipality when it was still a municipality in those days,” he said. “Back then it became derelict and broken down, so the Simon’s Town Business Association wanted to jazz it up with a mural.”
Liell-Cock added that while he enjoyed the mural, Simon’s Town is a heritage area and the heritage needs to be protected.
“I personally enjoyed the mural art and there were many people who liked it and also many who did not,” he commented. “There is lots of opposition to street art, but there is also a need for balance, but personally I don’t mind the murals.”
Commenting on the new signage, Glencairn Heights community leader Pamela Gush described it as beautiful.
She added that the spot was a whale-watching area.
The new signage has already made a big difference.
“Instead of graffiti, the historical society decided to have it cleaned up and since then, we have fewer street people stopping there.”
Mixed reactions
Residents had mixed reactions, voicing their opinions on social media either for or against the new signage.
“An artist needs to get busy there again,” a Simon’s Town supporter wrote. “I love this crisp and clear message.”
Residents questioned why the Simon’s Town signage was placed opposite Glencairn and Welcome Glen.
“That’s not the entrance of Simon’s Town,” one pointed out. “As a local of the area, I really feel there needs to be a consensus.”
Another agreed: “The location seems off, but it’s a nice sign and I suppose would be nicer closer to Simon’s Town with penguins incorporated.”
Meanwhile, others felt the new signage would be confusing to tourists.
“The naval depiction would be better suited to Simon’s Town and would be very confusing to any tourist looking for Simon’s Town. The mural was lovely, what a waste to cover it up.”
Change needed
However, not everyone agreed with this sentiment.
“It’s so fantastic that things are maintained and are kept looking good for us and, especially, the local and international tourists,” another commentator said. “I hope it gets people excited about visiting Simon’s Town, for wonderful adventures await them.”
While residents disagreed on signage, a mural and the location they agreed that good signage was needed.
“It looks clean and professional with a Cape heritage feel, giving a hint of the historical naval town… just what we need to help and impress international visitors.”
