Major upgrade for this popular beachfront in South Africa

The City of Cape Town has said that it is on track embark on major refurbishment of the Muizenberg beachfront.

In a recent statement published by the City, its said that project will kick off in February 2025 and is expected to be complete by the end of 2026.

“The refurbishment of the Muizenberg beachfront is one of the biggest capital projects the City’s Coastal Management branch will undertake in recent years,” said Cape Town Deputy Mayor and MMC for Spatial Planning and Environment, Eddie Andrews.

“We are extremely excited about the revamp and the long-term benefits it will bring to the area, the local community, and visitors… [it] will be a quality destination for decades to come,” added Andrews.

The City said that given the challenges with extortion and construction mafias in Cape Town, it no longer provides the contract values of capital projects.

What the upgrade entails

“The beach will remain open, but the reality is the work will have an impact on all of those who live and work in Muizenberg, and visitors frequenting the beachfront,” said Andrews.

The City said that the upgrade involves:

• Coastal protection:

The failing wooden and masonry coastal infrastructure will be replaced with a stepped revetment, featuring a 3m wide, universally accessible promenade and a beach ram with a sandstone aggregate finish.

“The new revetment is a key element of the upgrade, designed by coastal engineering experts to protect the beachfront from future impacts of climate change such as increased wave action due to sea level rise and more frequent storm surges,” said the City.

• Parking:

The gravel parking area along the railway line will be formalised with clay pavers, improving layout and safety without reducing beach space.

The eastern parking area by the Pavilion will also be optimised, with parking remaining free of charge.

• Buildings:

The City said that refurbished buildings will retain the heritage style of Muizenberg.

Existing NGO buildings will remain, with informal trading opportunities preserved. Waves for Change will move to a new building, and the Shark Spotters building will stay unchanged.

• Station Forecourt:

The forecourt will be refurbished to be more pedestrian-friendly, with special needs parking and an accessible ramp.

• Landscaping:

Locally indigenous vegetation will be included, with no trees due to the harsh coastal climate.

• Beach Huts:

The eight huts will be relocated to the central plaza, providing wind shelter for the shower area.

• Ablution Facilities:

The City said that the existing ablution facilitywill be demolished and rebuilt landward, near the central shower plaza, with universal access, family rooms, and wheelchair-accessible showers.

• Pergola:

The pergola will be relocated landward to accommodate the new revetment, preserving its design and heritage.

• Playground:

The playground will be upgraded with a kelp forest theme, featuring a universal access ramp and interactive play equipment.

• Services:

Sewer and stormwater mains will be realigned to avoid coastal impacts.

Location of the upgrade project

The upgrades will take place at Surfer’s Corner, on the western part of the beachfront along Beach Road, including the connection to the St James walkway, the Surfer’s Corner steps, the main promenade area and the existing informal gravel parking area along the railway line and eastern parking area.

“Once construction begins, there will be impacts on beachgoers and businesses along Beach Road and the surrounding areas,” said Andrews. “Those operating from the Muizenberg beachfront, including private businesses and NGOs, should plan ahead for these changes.

Visitors will face reduced parking and altered traffic flow during construction.

“We will share more details about the construction and its effects on beachfront activities in the new year,” added Andrews.

Done in phases

The project will be done in phases and the first work will commence along the western section of Surfer’s Corner, next to the railway line.

The beach will remain open and accessible at all times.

Andrews said that engagements are already under way with the local businesses, other stakeholders, and residents to inform all about what is coming and how the work will be phased.

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