The long-running upgrade of the Table View beachfront has entered its final phase, with the refurbishment of ablution facilities at Dolphin Beach and Bokkomsbaai now under way.

The City of Cape Town said work on the facilities started earlier this week and is expected to be completed by mid-December, if all goes according to plan.

The beachfront will remain open to the public during the work, but visitors are asked to stay clear of demarcated construction areas, use designated beach access routes and follow safety signage and instructions.

Temporary ablution facilities will be available while the upgrades are under way.

Table View resident Lauren Jacobs said she was pleased to see the project nearing completion.

“It’s good to see the project finally reaching the end. The walkway and parking improvements have made a noticeable difference, and hopefully the ablutions will be finished before the busy season,” she said.

Final phase underway

The Table View beachfront project started in July 2022 and covers about 3km of coastline between Dolphin Beach and Bokkomsbaai.

The final phase includes connecting the refurbished ablution facilities to the City’s sewer network, as well as constructing a post-and-rail fence between the Bokkomsbaai parking area and Foam Street.

Michael Samuels, another Table View resident, said the improved facilities would be important for the many people who use the beachfront.

“The beachfront is used by so many people, so having properly maintained facilities is important. I’m glad the work is nearly done, although the construction has been disruptive at times,” he said.

Major upgrades completed

Much of the project has already been completed, including the rehabilitation of the dune system between Dolphin Beach and Bokkomsbaai. The dunes were reprofiled and replanted with dune-specific vegetation.

The rehabilitated dune cordon is now in an adaptive management phase, with the City monitoring and maintaining the vegetation and wind-net infrastructure.

The City said the established dune corridor will provide a natural buffer against storm surges and the effects of rising sea levels.

Other completed work includes upgrades to beach access, stormwater infrastructure and retaining structures at Bokkomsbaai, as well as improvements to the White Waters parking area.

A new parking area opposite Visagie Street has also been completed, along with the refurbishment and upgrading of parking areas along Beach Boulevard and Otto du Plessis Drive between Marine Circle and Perlemoen Street.

The new 2km coastal walkway from Marine Circle to Bokkomsbaai is complete, while the existing walkway and beach access paths between Marine Circle and Dolphin Beach have also been restored or upgraded.

Project targets December completion

City Deputy Mayor and Mayco member for spatial planning and environment Eddie Andrews said the project was now in its final stretch.

“We are now in the final stretch with all of our efforts focused on meeting the project deadline,” he said.

Andrews thanked local businesses and residents for their support during the project and said he expected the completed upgrades to benefit the area in the years ahead.

Resident Nadia Adams said the changes were already noticeable.

“The upgrades have changed the area quite a bit. I’m looking forward to seeing the completed project and having the beachfront ready for summer,” she said.

The project is expected to be completed by mid-December, ahead of the festive season.

“Come December, we will be able to enjoy the full complement of upgrades,” Andrews said.

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