Whether you go for the beginner-friendly surf, or the wave of coffee shops and eateries that have flourished on the shore, Muizenberg is one of the most popular beaches in Cape Town.
And in what will be happy news for fans of this colourful corner of False Bay, the City of Cape Town has announced an ambitious redevelopment project for Muizenberg’s iconic beachfront.
The rebuild of the extensive public areas is set to begin in mid-February 2025, with the refurbishment, scheduled for completion by the end of 2026, set to upgrade public amenities, improve parking and replace deteriorating sea walls.
The redevelopment will start in Surfer’s Corner, close to the railway line, with a rebuild of ageing coastal infrastructure, including wooden seawalls, stone masonry steps and curved concrete structures. These will be replaced with a stepped revetment, or retaining wall, featuring a three-meter-wide promenade and a universally accessible beach ramp.
Designed by coastal engineering experts, this revetment will offer enhanced protection against rising sea levels and frequent storm surges while improving connectivity to the St James walkway. The concrete promenade will feature a sandblasted and sandstone aggregate finish to better blend with the natural environment.
Other key upgrades include formalising the parking areas – currently gravel – along the railway line and Pavilion, while the existing ablution facilities will be moved landward to create additional beachfront space and incorporate family-friendly and wheelchair-accessible features. Local mosaic art reflecting Muizenberg’s heritage will adorn the new structures.
The hugely popular children’s playground will also be enjoying a makeover, introducing a kelp forest theme and interactive equipment. The historic pergola will also be rebuilt further inland, while preserving its original design to maintain the area’s character.
During construction ‘the beach will remain open, but the reality is the work will have an impact on all of those who live and work in Muizenberg, and visitors frequenting the beachfront,’ said the City’s Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Alderman Eddie Andrews.
You can avoid the beach with a dip at the Best Tidal Pools In Cape Town!