Muizenberg beachfront enters new phase of major upgrade

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23-01-2026
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Cape Town Etc
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Muizenberg’s iconic beachfront is entering a visibly transformative phase, with construction activity ramping up as the City pushes forward with its long-term coastal upgrade project.

After the builders’ break, work has resumed in earnest, bringing new infrastructure, temporary closures, and safety measures that beachgoers can expect to encounter in the weeks ahead.

At the heart of the project is a comprehensive refurbishment aimed at strengthening ageing seawalls, modernising public amenities, and future-proofing the shoreline against the growing impacts of climate change.

While access to the beach remains a priority, sections of the promenade will be fenced off as construction intensifies, a necessary step to ensure public safety during this stage of the build.

One of the most noticeable changes is the demolition of the existing beachfront ablution block, as crews are currently removing the roof, pergola and windows before full demolition begins.

Excavation will follow, making way for a new seawall and a universally accessible ramp leading down to the beach. In the meantime, temporary ablution facilities are operating on the western side of Surfer’s Corner, near the railway line and opposite the main parking circle.

Heavy equipment will soon become part of the beachfront landscape. A large crane is set to be installed at Surfer’s Corner to place concrete precast units for the stepped revetment and promenade walkway.

To allow the crane to operate safely, nine parking bays will be closed off for approximately three months before the equipment is relocated further along the shoreline, as highlighted by the City.

Further along the promenade, the central shower area is also being dismantled, as the space will be raised and rebuilt to align with the original design, with a temporary shower installed behind the existing Waves for Change building during construction.

Seasonal access points introduced over the festive period are now being withdrawn. The temporary gravel parking area on the western side and the pedestrian route linking to the St James walkway have closed, reflecting the shift back to full construction mode.

While some buildings are being removed, others are staying put. The structures housing Waves for Change and Shark Spotters will remain intact, although both organisations have temporarily relocated to alternative premises along the beachfront to accommodate the construction work.

A familiar sight along the sand, the eight colourful beach huts, will also be replaced, as new huts, matching the historic design, colours and patterns, will be installed at the central plaza later this year.

Their relocation further inland by roughly 2m responds directly to rising sea levels and storm surges, while ensuring the new seawall does not encroach on the beach itself. The huts will also double as wind shelters for the central shower area.

City leadership has signalled that the project is now entering a decisive stage. ‘We are moving into sixth gear,’ said the City’s Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Alderman Eddie Andrews.

He noted that increased activity and fencing are unavoidable but necessary to meet the project timeline, with completion targeted ahead of the 2026 festive season.

Acknowledging the disruption, Andrews thanked local businesses and residents for their patience and cooperation.

‘This is a mammoth project,’ he said, adding that the long-term benefits will secure Muizenberg’s place as one of Cape Town’s most loved beach destinations ‘for generations to come’.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to stay informed as the project progresses. Regular updates are available by signing up through the project’s communication channels, emailing muizenberg@chand.co.za, or attending the bi-monthly community meetings.

The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, 25 February, from 5:30pm to 7:00pm at the Muizenberg Civic Centre.

As construction reshapes the shoreline, the City maintains that balancing access, safety and long-term resilience remains central to the upgrade, a vision that aims to preserve Muizenberg’s character while preparing it for a changing coast.