Muizenberg beachgoers have another reason to look forward to summer, with the reopening of the St James Walkway beach access and a refurbished western parking area marking a major step forward in the beachfront upgrade, Cape {town} Etc reports.
The improvements mean visitors can once again reach the western side of the beach from Surfer’s Corner, while the newly paved parking area next to the railway line offers additional convenience ahead of the busy festive season.
According to the City of Cape Town, the project is more than 84% complete, with most construction work expected to be finished by mid-December 2026, before the builders’ break.
Easier beach access ahead of the festive season
The newly opened parking area has a paved surface, new kerbing made with recycled plastic, and benches. Streetlights will be switched on once the broader project has been completed.
Universal-access parking bays and pedestrian walkways have also been incorporated into the design, helping make the beachfront easier to navigate for people with different mobility needs.
City Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning, Alderman Eddie Andrews, welcomed the progress as the popular coastal destination prepares for its busiest summer period.
He said the reopening of the St James Walkway access was a significant milestone, while the upgraded parking area should ease pressure on visitors during busy beach days.
The wider project, which began in February 2025, involves replacing deteriorating seawalls and improving public facilities along the beachfront.
According to the City, much of the old sandstone and other seawall structures has already been demolished. Where possible, the existing stones will be reused in the new landscape design, playground, seating areas and stone cladding around the reinforced wall on the western side.
Construction is continuing on the new central ablution facility, with roofing scheduled to follow. Refurbishment of the Shark Spotters and Adaptive Surfing buildings is also nearing completion.
Work remains under way on the final sections of the seawall, the stepped coastal protection structure, a pergola, planters and seating areas. Construction of the playground has also started.
Around 85% of the precast steps and promenade units have been installed. These structures are designed to help protect the coastline while providing access to the beach at different levels. Most will normally remain buried beneath the sand.
‘Universal access parking and pedestrian walkways are also incorporated in the parking area. I’m extremely proud of the project management team who has made great progress over the past few weeks to ensure that most of the work will be done by mid-December.’
– Alderman Eddie Andrews, City’s Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning.
The improvements are intended to do more than refresh Muizenberg‘s appearance. Replacing ageing coastal defences and upgrading public amenities are central to maintaining the beachfront as a well-used public space for residents, surfers and holidaymakers.
However, the scale of the construction has meant months of noise, machinery and disruption, particularly for people trying to access the beach and surrounding businesses.
Andrews thanked local residents, business owners and regular visitors for their patience throughout the work, acknowledging the inconvenience caused by the lengthy project. ‘This is a mammoth project, but we are nearly there,’ he said.
With the St James Walkway access and western parking area now open, visitors can already see progress on the ground. The remaining work is expected to bring the beachfront closer to its intended final layout before the height of the summer holiday season.
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Picture: City of Cape Town / Facebook
