Cape Town residents are being invited to help piece together the past of one of False Bay’s most historically layered coastal spaces, not through policy submissions or formal hearings, but through memories, photographs and personal stories.
The call comes as plans quietly advance to reimagine Miller’s Point, a stretch of coastline south of Simon’s Town that has long served as both a recreational escape and an ecological gateway, as highlighted by the City of Cape Town.
With early planning work underway, officials are now turning to the public to help fill in historical gaps before any long-term upgrades take shape.
Situated along the False Bay shoreline, Miller’s Point occupies a unique position within Cape Town’s environmental landscape.
The narrow 300m-wide coastal strip forms a transition zone between the UNESCO-recognised Table Mountain National Park and the Table Mountain Marine Protected Area.
It also serves as an entry point to the ‘Great African Seaforest’, while archaeological shell middens scattered across the area offer evidence of early indigenous coastal life.
Last year, residents contributed ideas through an online survey exploring the future of the coastal conservancy. That consultation laid the groundwork for what comes next: deeper historical research.
As outlined by the City’s Coastal Management branch, planners are now gathering detailed information about historic structures on the site, many located near the well-known Black Marlin restaurant.
Several buildings have deteriorated over time, and restoration proposals depend heavily on understanding how they originally looked and functioned.
Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment Alderman Eddie Andrews explained the intention behind the public appeal.
‘We are calling on those who have old photos of the historic buildings at Miller’s Point to please contact us. We want to get an idea of how these buildings can be restored to resemble the original structures as far as possible.’
He added that the broader goal is to ensure future upgrades respect the site’s character while protecting its heritage value.
While physical improvements form part of the long-term vision, the project extends beyond maintenance work.
Plans under consideration include addressing aging amenities, repairing eroded pathways and improving visitor facilities, issues frequently raised by regular users of the tidal pool, campsite and public boat launch.
Officials are hoping former residents, historians, past municipal workers and long-time visitors can help reconstruct a fuller narrative of Miller’s Point, how it evolved, how buildings were used and how the space shaped community life over decades.
Andrews noted: ‘Residents, former City employees, historians, and visitors with information are encouraged to contact us and help us put the puzzle together. We also want to document residents’ memories of Miller’s Point. Please come forward and tell us your stories.’
Those with photographs, documents or historical information can contact project coordinator Ancunel Steyn at [email protected].
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