WATCH: Old sea wall removed as Muizenberg's heritage-conscious upgrade unfolds

The City of Cape Town's upgrades to Muizenberg’s beachfront infrastructure are well underway - with the old seawall being carefully dismantled.  Its original sandstone blocks are to be preserved for reuse in the new design unfolding in one of False Bay's most popular beachfronts. 

As part of the City's ambitious R413 million investment into coastal infrastructure projects, the multi-phase upgrade of the Muizenberg beachfront - a much-loved destination for surfers, families and tourists alike began earlier in February. It is set for completion by the end of 2026 and aims to address ageing infrastructure while improving accessibility, safety and the overall visitor experience. 

Beachfront revamps are also underway in Strand, Small Bay, Monwabisi, Table View, Miller’s Point, Soetwater, Kogel Bay, Macassar, Zandwolf, Mouille Point and Granger Bay.

SEE: Sea Point Promenade upgrade wraps up

As the Muizenberg project unfolds, the newly upgraded parking area near the Civic Centre is set to reopen on 1 August 2025.

"The project is moving along well, despite the rainy weather. I know our surfing community will be very excited to hear this," says the City’s Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Alderman Eddie Andrews.

"Next is the removal of sections of the existing seawall at Surfer’s Corner. These original sandstone rocks that make up the wall will be stored and later assessed for incorporation into the new design, as they are key to the Corner’s heritage. The next community meeting is on 20 August 2025, at 17:30, at the Zandvlei Lookout. I encourage local residents and business owners to attend to get the latest updates about the project timelines and progress,’ said Andrews.

What’s being upgraded at Muizenberg?

Designed with input from local communities and coastal engineers, the upgrade balances modern climate-resilient design with Muizenberg’s distinct heritage character. Here’s what’s included in the transformation:

• New stepped revetment seawall with a 3m-wide promenade for improved coastal protection
• Universal beach access ramp and upgraded pathways
• Redesigned parking areas with lighting, clay paving, and pedestrian-friendly layouts (parking remains free)
• Upgraded ablution block, set back from the beach and built with universal access, family change rooms, and mosaic art
• New pergola, rebuilt further inland in its original design
• Modernised playground with a kelp forest theme and inclusive play equipment
• Enhanced forecourt at Muizenberg Station with accessible ramps and special needs parking
• Soft landscaping using indigenous plants; wind-resistant design with no trees
• Relocated beach huts to the central plaza to act as windbreaks
• Improved stormwater and sewer infrastructure
• Support for local NGOs and traders, including a new Waves for Change building and a retained Shark Spotters site