In 2023, the City of Cape Town announced that it has committed a spend of an estimated R70 million, a budget of R108 million was ultimately allocated to the project: R16 million in the 2022/23 financial year, R48 million in 2023/24 and R44 million in 2024/25 for an upgrade to the Blouberg beachfront. 

It is clear from the progress seen and according to the City of Cape Town that the initial phase of the project which focussed on the rehabilitation of the dune system is making good progress, and in the City’s Coastal Management branch has now commenced with the construction of the new walkway along the coast, reconfiguration of the parking areas, new ablution facilities, and the repair of aged stormwater infrastructure.

The City of Cape Town is making significant progress on its project to rehabilitate and enhance the Bloubergstrand & Big Bay beachfront area, a key tourist destination along the Atlantic coastline. This project entails the construction of a new walkway, spanning from Bokkomsbaai to Marine Circle, providing a safe and scenic route for walking and running, promoting outdoor recreation away from traffic. The upgrades will cater to the diverse needs of visitors, ensuring a more enjoyable and convenient experience at this prime beachfront location.  The objective of this project aims to preserve and enhance the natural beauty of the area, making it more accessible and enjoyable for the thousands of visitors who frequent this iconic beach known for its stunning view of Table Mountain and popularity among kite-surfers.  It will most certainly also add appeal to the Blouberg beachfront again with its new promenade type feel and as a result have a positive impact going forward on property values in the area extending from Dolphin Beach to Big Bay. 

The work will be ongoing for about two years, and although the public will have access to the beach at all times, this will cause some inconvenience.”  The public will have access to the beach, despite the ongoing work. However, the construction areas will be closed off, and the project will be done in phases to minimise the impact on residents and visitors as far as possible.  The project is expected to be completed by June 2025.

Changes you can expect to benefit from include: 

NEW WALKWAY: The new walkway will be constructed along the coastline from Bokkomsbaai in the north to Marine Circle in the south and the existing walkway from Marine Circle to Dolphin Beach will be restored.  The new walkway will cover a distance of 2km, and the section to be restored is approximately 1km long.  Once done, visitors will be able to walk safely along the Table View coast without needing to meander through parking areas. 

ABLUTION FACILITIES: One new ablution will be constructed between Shell and Seal Roads, and another ablution adjacent to the parking area to the south of Marine Circle and the existing ablutions will be refurbished. 

PARKING AREAS:  All parking areas, sidewalks and sections of Beach Boulevard will be impacted by the work, but visitors will always have access to the beach. The work will be done in phases.  A new parking area will be created opposite Visagie Street to supplement parking bays that will have to make way for the new walkway; and parking bays will be added at Bokkomsbaai.  New parking will be provided within a reasonable radius to popular areas where the demand for parking is high.  The dune rehabilitation project includes wind nets and vegetation to mitigate the impact of windblown sand on the adjacent infrastructure, including the parking areas. 

STORMWATER INFRASTRUCTURE: Existing stormwater infrastructure will be repaired and replaced where needed and sections of the beach will be impacted, but the work will be done in phases. 

We looking forward to a newly revived Blouberg beachfront over the coming year as we watch this project develop to completion. Very exciting times for local residents indeed! 

Yours in local updates

Jax and Jen