The City of Cape Town is set to begin the much-anticipated refurbishment of the Muizenberg beachfront by mid-February 2025, Cape {town} Etc reports.
This extensive project will involve significant upgrades to public facilities and the replacement of deteriorating seawalls, with completion expected by the end of 2026.
In the meantime, consultations with local stakeholders, business owners and the community are underway to provide information on timelines, potential disruptions, and measures to minimise inconvenience during construction.
‘This is one of the largest capital projects undertaken by the City’s Coastal Management branch in recent years, and we are thrilled about the long-term benefits it will bring to both the community and visitors,’ said Alderman Eddie Andrews, deputy mayor and mayoral committee member for Spatial Planning and Environment. ‘While the beach will remain open, the work will inevitably affect those living, working, and visiting Muizenberg.’
The project will be completed in phases, starting with the western section of Surfer’s Corner, near the railway line. Despite the work, the beach will remain open and accessible at all times.
Alderman Andrews emphasised the City’s commitment to minimising disruption: ‘We are engaging with local businesses, residents, and other stakeholders to ensure everyone is informed about the project and how it will be phased. We are setting up forums for ongoing dialogue and will closely monitor the progress of the work to keep things on track. We ask for the community’s support and understanding during this time.’
Information displays have been placed along the Muizenberg beachfront, offering artist impressions and project details. Visitors can also scan QR codes to receive updates and learn more about the upgrades.
The improvements will be focused on the western beachfront at Surfer’s Corner, along Beach Road, and extend to the St James walkway, the Surfer’s Corner steps, the main promenade and the adjacent parking areas.
The current wooden coastal protection structures, stone masonry steps and curved seawalls are outdated and failing and will be replaced with a new stepped revetment. This will feature a 3-metre-wide promenade with a universally accessible beach ramp.
The new revetment, designed by coastal engineering experts, will protect the beachfront from future climate change impacts such as rising sea levels and more frequent storms.
The promenade and steps will be constructed from durable concrete, while the areas landward of the promenade will be paved with clay segmented pavers.
The design also includes a retreat in the corner area of the revetment, providing a wider beach space and better access for recreational activities and seating during high tides. The finish will feature sandstone aggregate and a sandblasted texture to enhance its appearance, avoiding a plain grey concrete look.
The upgraded promenade will be universally accessible, linking the Muizenberg beachfront with the St James walkway and improving access to the beach and public amenities. This will include facilities for adaptive surfing, further enhancing the area’s appeal to all users.
Once construction begins, there will be impacts on beachgoers, businesses along Beach Road, and surrounding areas. Local businesses and organisations are encouraged to plan ahead and anticipate potential disruptions to their operations.
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Picture: Rockefeller / Unsplash
