The long-neglected Table View Tourism Centre may soon have a new lease on life, with the City considering leasing the building to BlueCape, an ocean sports and safety organisation with a proven track record in beach management and industry development.
Local Ward councillor Sue van der Linde welcomed the development. She said: “We’ve just had a really great meeting with officials and with the heads of BlueCape, who are looking to take over this rather dilapidated building. I’m sure you will join me in encouraging these people to take this building as soon as possible. Not only do they offer ocean safety, which is a huge concern of mine and my neighbouring councillor, Jonathan Mills, but they also work with kite surfers and bring vital industry norms and standards to our area. These guys are an asset to our wards and I ask you to back them every step of the way.”
In recent years, the old Table View Tourism Centre has fallen into neglect and, with no formal management in place, the premises gradually became a shelter for street people. What was once a vibrant community facility stood vacant, its disrepair making it an easy refuge for rough sleepers seeking protection from the elements. While the building offered temporary relief for those without homes, its occupation highlighted the lack of proper upkeep and security, further contributing to its decline and sparking concerns among nearby residents about safety and the wasted potential of the site.
Safety a priority after recent drownings
The move comes at a time of heightened concern over safety at Table View and Milnerton beachfronts. TygerBurger recently reported on a spate of drownings in the area, where kite surfer, Graham Howes tragically lost his life and two are still missing at sea. These incidents have underscored the urgent need for a stronger ocean safety presence along this popular stretch of coastline, which attracts swimmers, kite surfers and tourists throughout the year.
Van der Linde added: “As you know, we’ve had three awful drownings on our beaches of late. After such tragedies, BlueCape’s presence is so, so welcome. Their expertise in both ocean safety and water sports makes them the perfect partner for this space.”
Sarah Mitchell, Table View resident for 15 years, said: “It’s about time something was done with that building. Seeing it fall into disrepair has been such a waste, but knowing it could now serve the community and improve beach safety is really encouraging.”
Daniel Olivier, a local kite surfer, said: “As someone who spends a lot of time on the water, I can’t think of a better use for the centre. BlueCape brings both safety and support for ocean sports — it feels like a win-win for everyone.”
About BlueCape
BlueCape is a non-profit organisation established in 2019 to grow Cape Town’s ocean sports economy while boosting safety and training in the sector. The organisation focuses on five key aims:
- Formalising the ocean sports, recreation and adventure tourism sector and providing a hub.
- Addressing training shortfalls and creating career pathways.
- Facilitating funding for ocean sports and safety training.
- Creating jobs within the ocean sports sector.
- Supporting international competitiveness, including Cape Town’s position as a global stopover destination for ocean sports and superyachts.
The group was formed after research highlighted the economic value of the Western Cape’s ocean economy, including a booming R2,2 billion boat-building industry and rising superyacht visits. By combining safety, sport, and industry growth, BlueCape aims to unlock new opportunities while improving public safety along the coastline.
Public participation
The City of Cape Town has advertised the proposed lease of the property in accordance with its Immovable Property Policy and the Municipal Asset Transfer Regulations:
- Property: City-owned premises, formerly Table View tourism centre;
- Proposed lessee: Kite Beach Ocean Safety and Windsports Club (BlueCape);
- Purpose: Ocean safety and sporting use and
- Rental income: R6 700 (excluding VAT) per month.
According to the City, granting the proposed lease will generate revenue, ensure maintenance of the building, and bring direct community benefits through enhanced beach safety and ocean sports development.
Comments on the lease proposal closed on Monday 22 September for public participation. Alternative proposals are also invited in line with Section 17 of the Municipal Systems Act.
A safer future
Currently occupied by rough sleepers and standing in disrepair, the building has long been seen as a wasted opportunity. With BlueCape eager to transform the site into a hub for safety, training and sport, residents and officials alike are hopeful this move will mark a turning point for the Table View beachfront.
As Van der Linde concluded: “After three drownings, their presence is not only welcome, it is essential. Thank you so much — we look forward to welcoming BlueCape to our area.”
