Strandfontein Pavilion redevelopment: A new chapter for Cape Town's coastline

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26-03-2026
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Plainsman
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Demolition crews tore into the ageing Strandfontein Pavilion on the False Bay coastline on Tuesday, March 24, as community members watched a decades-long vision finally take shape - a R300 million redevelopment of the historic beachfront site.

Cape Town mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, sub-council 17 councillors, and residents gathered at the coastline to mark the official launch as sections of the old structure came down, making way for a new era.

The Pavilion, built in 1975 around the Southern Hemisphere’s largest tidal pool, has long been one of Cape Town’s most iconic recreational spaces.

The City’s flagship upgrade will see a full refurbishment of the precinct, new commercial and restaurant spaces, a new National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) base and boat launch ramp, indoor and outdoor event venues, improved access for people with disabilities, and enhanced safety and security measures.

Mr Hill-Lewis said breaking ground on the project was deeply meaningful.

He described it as a promise fulfilled, recalling how Mitchell’s Plain residents had shared childhood memories of the Pavilion with him. After extensive planning, construction is now underway, he said. The project is ahead of schedule after funds were brought forward in the adjustment budget.

Mayoral committee member for community services and health, Francine Higham said the project followed public participation processes and reflects a shared vision for a revitalised coastal destination.

Emil Sinclair, head of planning and development for the project, said that while the coastline has served generations, the facility itself had deteriorated.

Parts of the structure had been condemned, and the ageing infrastructure limited its functionality ("Construction for Strandfontein Pavilion refurbishment project starts February 2026" Plainsman November 26, 2025; "Strandfontein Pavilion plans tabled" Plainsman April 6, 2022).

He said the pavilion’s strategic location along the False Bay coastline positions it as a future integrated coastal development node. “This is not just maintenance. It is a catalytic investment to unlock the site’s potential while addressing urgent needs,” he said.

For community activists, the moment was decades in the making.

Moira Krige, co-director of Sonwabe Tourism and Fishing Front, said the vision began nearly 40 years ago, with renewed mobilisation in 2012 alongside the fishing community.

“We don’t want to become consumers in our own backyard. This coastline is our legacy."

Co-director Bridgette Opelt said the formation of their forum helped shape a shared vision with local fishermen and civic leaders. “We are very happy and even shed a few tears,” she said.

Ward 79 councillor Danny Christians said the coastal initiative dates back to 1985.

“Today I am emotional and excited to witness the first fruits of that labour. It has taken many years, but this work has always been about creating economic opportunities for our community and strengthening the ocean economy. This development represents hope for our young people and long-term sustainability for families who depend on the sea,” he said.

Sub-council 17 chairperson and ward 43 councillor, Elton Jansen, said residents had consistently raised the pavilion’s future with him over the past 12 years.

“Built in 1975, 50 years later, it’s getting a new chapter. This is for the community. It shows what can happen when residents stand together, remain persistent, and work closely with local government to protect shared spaces,” he said.