Heritage of Muizenberg's beachfront huts safeguarded in upcoming upgrade

Residents can be reassured that Muizenberg’s iconic beachfront huts will retain their historic design, colours and pattern, despite being relocated as part of the Muizenberg beachfront upgrade, the City said.

The eight existing huts will be replaced with new structures that match the look and feel of those currently located next to the Waves for Change and Shark Spotters buildings.

Mayoral committee member for spatial planning and environment, Eddie Andrews, said the City is committed to preserving the heritage aesthetic that has made Muizenberg beach an internationally recognised landmark.

He said the upgrade will also improve resilience to climate change impacts and enhance public amenities for beachgoers.

He said the huts need to be set back by approximately two metres from their current location to allow for the construction of a new seawall, without reducing the width of the beach. The relocation is in response to climate change impacts, including rising sea levels and storm surges.

“Simply moving the existing huts is not feasible due to the risk of damage during dismantling, storage and reconstruction,” Mr Andrews said.

The new huts will be installed at the central plaza, where they will also serve as a wind shelter for the central shower area.

Removal of the existing huts is expected to begin in mid-March, subject to progress on site.

Installation of the new huts will take place later in the year once construction of the promenade and central area has been completed.

Mr Andrews confirmed that the new huts will be covered by a 12-month defects liability period once construction is completed.

During this time, the huts will be handed over to the City by the contractor and managed in line with the existing Memorandum of Agreement with the Save-the-Beach-Huts NPO. Any defects identified during this period will be investigated and addressed accordingly.

Save-the-Beach-Huts will be responsible for the ongoing management, cleaning and maintenance of the huts, as well as for repairing any damage caused by vandalism, while any design-related faults will fall under the warranty, Mr Andrews said.

The eight original huts will be handed over to the Save-the-Beach-Huts NPO once removed and may be used as spares for maintaining huts on the eastern side of the beach or for fundraising initiatives.

Angela Gorman, chairwoman of the Beach Hut Trust, welcomed the City’s approach, saying the project strikes a careful balance between heritage preservation and long-term protection.

“The Muizenberg beach huts are an internationally recognised symbol of Cape Town, and it’s heartening to see their heritage, functionality and long-term protection being carefully balanced through this beachfront upgrade project,” she said.