Muizenberg Beachfront upgrade: What’s new and what’s next?

Work on the Muizenberg beachfront refurbishment is steadily progressing, with new facilities opening to the public and further construction underway.

According to Chand Environmental Consultants, the firm appointed by the City to lead the stakeholder engagement process, the eastern parking area, located in front of the Civic Centre and Pavilion, has reopened with 34 parking bays and four bicycle racks.

Minor works are still ongoing, while construction continues at the western parking area and on the stepped revetment walkway at Surfer’s Corner.

The stepped revetment is a key feature of the project. It is designed to strengthen the shoreline, create a more resilient beachfront, and improve beach access while also providing a recreational space.

Recent progress, according to the team, includes casting the first two concrete panels, preparation for the lower and seating steps, and completion of piling at the Surfer’s Corner section.

Other works underway are the foundation construction for the new Waves for Change building and concrete casting for part of the St James Walkway and stepped revetment.

Upcoming works will see landscaping of the former lawn area, which is expected to open soon, as well as continued progress on the Waves for Change facility.

The public is reminded not to sit or climb on the old Surfer’s Corner sea wall, which Chand Consultants said has become unstable due to excavations.

When complete, the upgraded beachfront will include a three-metre-wide promenade, a gently sloped beach access ramp, gender-neutral accessible toilets and changing rooms alongside standard facilities, showers, storage for adaptive surfing equipment, a playground designed for children of different abilities, and step-free connections at curbs and building entrances.

At a recent community liaison meeting, residents raised several questions.

The Consultants confirmed that the rocks moved during construction will be reinstated as closely as possible to their original layout, using photographs as a guide.

They also noted that the upgrade does not cover the elevated promenade on the eastern side of the Civic Centre, but runs from the Beach Road circle through to the start of the St James Coastal Walkway.

Handrails will also be installed at the steps leading to the beach, as well as along all ramps.

The next community liaison meeting will take place on Wednesday, October 15, at the Muizenberg Civic Centre.