The beloved Muizenberg beachfront is a famed home to Surfers across the Cape and beyond, those looking to learn the skill, thousands of onlookers, beach lovers, and everyone else that enjoys the simple pleasures served in the many coffee shops and restaurants nestled between the surf shops of Surfers Corner.
For better or for worse, the City of Cape Town’s coastal management team of civil and coastal engineers, architects and landscaping consultants is proposing a set of “upgrades” for this popular area alongside Muizenberg station on Beach Road for 2024.
“This project is about the proactive replacement of key infrastructure in order to protect and improve the beachfront,” says Manager of Coastal Management, Gregg Oelofse. “This will make a big difference to Muizenberg for everyone’s benefit.”
The proposed upgrades and repairs include:
- New stepped revetment coastal protection structure
- Refurbishment of hard and soft landscaping and amenities along the beachfront as well as improved connection to the St James coastal walkway
- Incorporating a three-metre-wide universally accessible promenade
- Formalising of the western and eastern parking areas
- Upgrade of recreational areas and playground
- Demolition of existing ablution facility on the beach and construction of new ablution
An open day hosted by the City took place at Muizenberg Civic Centre on 7 September so that any member of the public had an opportunity to present any questions or concerns regarding the development plan. At the time of commencement, the Civic Centre was chock-a-block full with some locals open and excited about the makeover while some business owners, locals, and tourists were a bit more doubtful.
Also read: Muizenberg beachfront is getting an upgrade – have your say
According to Oelofse, the possibility of the current wooden revetment structure collapsing is the most pressing concern and driving force behind the project. If this structure fails, it will have a detrimental snowball effect on the water lines, sewage lines, drains, and all underground structures. Ultimately, the structure needs to be replaced in order to prevent floods arising from high tides and storm surges.
While most members of the community agreed that the replacement of the seawall is indeed necessary, it was the general enhancements above the surface that had many feeling less enthusiastic.
One of the concerns expressed to the Daily Maverick included the fact that there are a number of other more pressing needs within the Muizenberg community that could be addressed instead of refurbishing for the sake of merely refurbishing. There should be more value behind it, says owner of Hang Ten Café, Craig Owens.
Another concern was that the addition of a paid parking lot will deter customers and result in less business, especially during the peak summer and festive season.
Many locals also felt that there’s a danger that the Surfers Corner and general Muizenberg beachfront area could lose its charm as a result of “overdevelopment.”
Also read:
Muizenberg’s Corner Surf Shop turns 50: riding the waves of history like an icon since ’71
Picture: Cape {town} Etc gallery