{"id":52466,"date":"2022-09-13T06:01:06","date_gmt":"2022-09-13T04:01:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/peoplespost\/muizenberg-beachfront-upgrade-plans-draws-mixed-emotions-from-residents-20220913\/"},"modified":"2025-03-19T20:02:47","modified_gmt":"2025-03-19T18:02:47","slug":"muizenberg-beachfront-upgrade-plans-draws-mixed-emotions-from-residents-20220913","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/peoplespost\/muizenberg-beachfront-upgrade-plans-draws-mixed-emotions-from-residents-20220913\/","title":{"rendered":"Muizenberg beachfront upgrade plans draws mixed emotions from residents"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The City of Cape Town has commenced its first round of public participation for the proposed upgrade of the Muizenberg beachfront. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The proposed upgrades will take place at Surfers Corner, on the western part of the beachfront along Beach Road in Muizenberg with the main upgrade including the connection to St James walkway, Surfers Corner steps, the main promenade area and the Western and Eastern parking area. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Locals have since reacted with mixed emotions to the City\u2019s proposal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

On social media Llewellyn Neer wrote that it was time for a change. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFinally. Time for change in Muizenberg. Change is good.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, Steve Misplon disagreed: \u201cI can\u2019t see how destroying the natural way and good of the beautiful beachfront and nature, that has provided for all over so many generations, is good for all except for filling the pockets of politicians and concrete suppliers.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bill van Oudtshoorn commented that an upgrade of the beachfront would destroy nature. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAnything to destroy a bit of nature, hell no. The \u2018corner\u2019 already does not look like the beach I grew up on, learned to surf and spent almost more time in the water than on land. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe pollution from sewage in the bay and Zandvlei has ruined our natural resources. I used to fish these waters and canoe in the lake. Now I won\u2019t eat what comes out of the waters and refuse to put my toes into the sea. Instead of wasting our tax money, use it to fix what you broke!\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While Richard Still wrote that the proposed plans seemed like an improvement. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLooks like a huge improvement. Would give my approval. The gravel parking area has to go in order to make parking more accessible. We need change to uplift the area and if we wait too long the window period will close. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOnce completed even the naysayers will be happy.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The City\u2019s coastal management branch is currently running a National Environmental Management Act Basic Assessment process in order to obtain the necessary environmental approval for the proposed upgrade. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eddie Andrews, Cape Town deputy mayor and Mayco member for spatial planning and environment, said it was important to get input from the community. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMuizenberg beachfront is a coastal destination place and is one of the most utilised and diverse coastal beachfronts in Cape Town. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am therefore very happy to see that the project process is well underway and look forward to reviewing the proposed upgrade designs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAlthough we are in the initial phase of the project it is important that we get input from the community now, while we are still finalising the concept design.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The City has appointed a professional team to investigate and prepare designs for the proposed upgrades and repairs that will include: .<\/span> New stepped revetment coastal protection structure. .<\/span> Refurbishment of hard and soft landscaping and amenities along beachfront as well as improved connection to the St James coastal walkway. .<\/span> Incorporating a three-metre wide universally accessible promenade. .<\/span> Formalising of the western and eastern parking areas. .<\/span> Upgrade of recreational areas and playground. .<\/span> Demolition of existing ablution facility on the beach and construction of new ablution block. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The public are invited to register as an interested and affected party for the Environmental Impact Assessment of the proposed upgrades and to stay informed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n