A group of local residents is up in arms over the construction of a wooden deck over a historic former children’s tidal pool at the Brass Bell restaurant in Kalk Bay, sparking a public discussion on the issue.

A group protested outside the restaurant on Heritage Day 24 September, decrying the curtailment of access to public coastal space and a historic swimming area.

Among the concerns were claims that the restaurant’s raised wooden deck has encroached on public land over the years and that the deck now occupies an area that was previously available to the public.

The contested site holds a rich history.

Residents raise concerns over public access

The Brass Bell tidal pools in Kalk Bay, Cape Town, originated from a natural rock pool called Bishop’s Pool, named after Bishop Robert Gray, the first Anglican bishop of Cape Town, who swam there in the 1860s.

In the 1930s, seawalls were built to protect the beach areas.

In 1938, a seawall was extended southwards to enclose a sand beach, and a new children’s pool was built to replace the former one.

Today the land is reportedly owned by the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa).

“The restaurant is not on City land, but on Prasa land,” confirmed Ward 64 councillor Isabel Sherry. “The residents are very upset about what’s going on there, but unfortunately we can’t get involved or comment as it’s not our jurisdiction.”

Local heritage advocates hope the tidal pools will be preserved for future generations.

“I am in full support of the kiddies’ pool being restored to its intended purpose,” stated Muizenberg Heritage member Sue Stewart.

“The Brass Bell already has sufficient restaurant space, and tidal pools are such an important community space.”

Sue Maude, curator of the Fish Hoek Valley Museum, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the cultural toll of the development.

“These pools have been freely available to the Kalk Bay community for over a century and represent a significant part of the heritage of Kalk Bay,” Maude said. “Tidal pools are a great asset to Cape Town. We are in danger of losing all our historic gems due to a lack of appreciation for our heritage buildings and public infrastructure.”

People’s Post reached out to the Brass Bell restaurant, Prasa and the protesters for comment,  but no responses were received by the time of publication.

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