After heated social media debates over the width and layout of the ongoing Table View Beachfront Upgrade, Ward councillor Jonathan Mills met with concerned residents on site last week to address their questions directly.
One of the project’s key goals, Mills explained, is to create a more pedestrian-friendly space. “Pedestrians will take priority in design choices,” he said, noting that similar beachfronts, such as those near Dolphin Beach Hotel and Melkbos, already make use of parallel parking without causing major disruptions.
Walkway width
Several residents queried why sections of the new walkway measure only three metres instead of the planned four metres. Mills clarified that the reduction occurs in less than 5% of the total length, specifically near Marine Circle.
“The road lanes there have to widen around a solid median for safety reasons. We can’t shrink the lanes or bays, so at that point the walkway narrows by one metre. The rest remains four metres wide, expanding to six metres at busy points,” he explained.
Parking concerns
Concerns were also raised about the perceived loss of parking. Mills reassured residents: “We’re not losing parking.
Some angled bays are now parallel, but we are adding bays along the service road and in the main car parks to balance it out.”
For those who prefer enjoying the beachfront views from their cars, Mills confirmed improvements: “More parking bays facing out to sea will be added on the service road. These are an upgrade from the old bays angled toward Robben Island, as they are also more elevated.”
Public participation and plans
Mills emphasised that the current design follows plans approved years ago after public participation processes, as TygerBurger reported last week. While some earlier illustrations circulated online differed, Mills said these were never the final designs.
He also committed to raising additional issues with project managers, including preventing vehicles from driving onto the paving, the use of recycled paving bricks, providing boardwalks to the beach, and ensuring benches remain functional without attracting overnight sleepers.
Despite criticism on social media, Mills noted that most feedback from residents – both online and during his meeting – has been positive.
“I understand not everyone is happy, but adding this walkway will make a big difference to the beachfront,” he said. “It’s about creating a safer, more welcoming public space for everyone.”
The upgrade, expected to be completed later this year, aims to balance pedestrian use, safe traffic flow, and sufficient parking while revitalising one of the West Coast’s most popular beachfronts.
