CAPE TOWN – The Muizenberg beachfront refurbishment project remains on schedule for completion by December this year, with contractors having placed approximately 15% of precast step and promenade units that will provide enhanced coastal protection and beach access.
The ambitious project, which commenced in February last year, involves replacing aged seawalls and delivering major upgrades to public amenities along the popular stretch of coastline.
About 15% of the concrete precast units for the new promenade walkway has been placed already by using a large crane that is operating from Surfer’s Corner.
Iconic beach huts face temporary removal
Next week, the contractor will start with the dismantling of the four Muizenberg beach huts on the western side of the beachfront. The huts on the eastern side will be dismantled by mid-year, as the project progresses to that section.
Most of the steps will be below beach level and invisible to visitors as it will be buried under sand under normal conditions.
Large sections of the beachfront are currently fenced off for public safety while excavations continue. Artisan steel formwork has been installed by hand to create the curved design for the stepped revetment at Surfer’s Corner.
Deputy Mayor and mayco member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Eddie Andrews, reported significant milestones. “The construction of the connection to the St James Walkway is now complete,” he said.
The City has also completed construction of a new building that the non-governmental organisation (NGO), Waves for Change, will occupy.
“However, public access to the St James Walkway awaits completion of the western parking precinct next to the railway line. We will make a public announcement when we reach this milestone. The old ablution building was demolished in January and currently, we are busy placing the precast concrete units that form the stepped revetment and promenade walkway,” he added.
The iconic beach huts face temporary removal as part of the upgrade. All eight will be replaced with improved-quality replicas following historic design and pattern arrangements.
The 2m inland setback addresses climate change impacts, including rising sea levels and storm surges, while ensuring the it doesn’t reduce beach width.
Community access and timeline updates
The unfenced beach sections remain open for recreation and surfing.
“We are making use of the good weather as much as we can before the rainy season. I want to thank the public for their patience and support and reiterate that the sections on the beach that are not fenced off remain open for recreation, as well as the surf,” he said.
A complimentary community event is scheduled for Saturday 14 March starting at 07:30, featuring beach clean-up and ocean-inspired guided movement sessions. The western beachfront fencing should be removed by end-July, with marine works then shifting eastward while civil works continue in the central plaza area.
For more information email muizenberg@chand.co.za.
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