Major construction achieved in Muizenberg beachfront upgrade
Muizenberg beachfront upgrade progress continues to take shape, with new revetment structures and public space improvements becoming increasingly visible as construction advances.
Image: Supplied
The Muizenberg beachfront refurbishment has reached a major construction milestone, with two sections of the new revetment finally connecting as work along the coastline continues to advance.
According to the latest update by Chand Consultants, appointed to lead the community engagement process, the stepped revetment along the central promenade is clearly taking shape, with large precast concrete units extending progressively across the beachfront.
Progress has also continued at Surfer’s Corner, where the curved in-situ concrete revetment is moving steadily towards completion.
Project teams marked a significant achievement last week when the pre-cast revetment advancing from the east met the in-situ casting progressing from the west, creating what has been described as a seamless structure.
An additional dewatering system is now operational on site, helping to keep construction areas dry and allowing marine works to continue for longer periods.
Further work is planned in the coming weeks.
The stepped design has been planned to serve both practical and public uses. Wider steps will provide seating areas along the promenade, while narrower sections will allow access to the beach. Handrails will be installed before construction is completed.
Image: Supplied
Tie-in works linking the in-situ and precast concrete sections at Surfer’s Corner will continue, connecting the two construction methods into a single structure.
With marine works on the western side progressing, earthworks and paving for the western parking area are expected to begin soon.
Civil works for the pergola and showers are also set to start at a new location approximately two metres inland from their original position.
New planters will be installed near Surfer’s Circle and the Walk of Fame traffic circle, while lateral support structures have already been installed to allow safe excavation for the new wheelchair beach access ramp in front of existing buildings along the central promenade.
According to Chand Consultants, current activity on site reflects several phases of the refurbishment, ranging from earthworks and foundation preparation to the installation of rock protection layers and new public seating elements beginning to take shape.
The refurbishment project continues to provide temporary local employment opportunities through its contract participation goals.
To date, 18 job seekers from the local ward have benefited from temporary employment linked to the project, with organisers reporting that local labour targets are on track to be exceeded.
Community engagement remains part of the refurbishment process.
Chand Consultants hosted the project’s eighth Community Liaison Meeting in April, where residents received updates and engaged directly with the project team.
The project team has also responded to questions raised by residents regarding deep excavations and seating along the upgraded promenade.
According to the update, excavations are necessary because foundations must be built on bedrock where possible, or below expected future beach scour levels, to provide greater long-term stability. The structure is designed to last for at least 50 years.
The upgraded promenade will retain a seating arrangement similar to the existing layout, including a low wall with wooden seating on the landward side and integrated seating walls.
Chand Consultants said the inclusion of wooden seating followed requests made by community members during previous Community Liaison Meetings.
Memorial benches previously located in the area will also be reinstated as part of the completed upgrade.
The next Community Liaison Meeting will take place on June 24, at the Muizenberg Civic Centre.