The City of Cape Town has started its 12-month Sea Point Promenade and Granger Bay parking area project to the tune of R42.2 million.
“After finalising the concept design and receiving comment on the design by stakeholders, the estimated proposed budget was approved by council. The tenders received were in line with the approved budget,” said the mayoral committee member for spatial planning and environment, Eddie Andrews.
The following infrastructure will be implemented:
– Fort Road play park,
– Additional walkways to connect the Beach Road’s sidewalk with the promenade
– Construction of a rock revetment, low retaining walls and a walkway at the Granger Bay parking area,
– Interpretive signage which will provide heritage information,
– Additional coastal vegetation and swales to improve the drainage of saline water
– Public art inside the Sea Point library to display bottles found on the Sea Point Promenade during a previous phase of work.
“The Granger Bay parking area is currently closed for public use and will be formalised. The aged paving in two sections of the Sea Point Promenade will be replaced. The staircases that give access to Rocklands Beach, will be upgraded. Lastly, coastal vegetation and lawn will be replaced in areas where those that are there currently have not flourished due to wave overtopping,” Mr Andrews said.
The Granger Bay parking area will be closed for public use for the duration of the construction period. Provisions for temporary traffic and pedestrian accommodation have been made and signage will be placed in affected areas.
Safety and accessibility is a key issue for the City and Mr Andrews says that in spaces where areas cannot be cordoned off, signage will be in place and during working hours the contractor will have a safety representative on-site.
“Hand rails will be installed, existing staircases improved (Rocklands Beach) and new staircases constructed. Wheelchair access will now be available to the beach from the Granger Bay parking area via a ramp,” he said.
All works will be performed in accordance with environmental authorisation and additional coastal vegetation and paspalum lawn will be planted.
“There was an environmental impact assessment done to ensure that the new infrastructure does not negatively impact the environment. The project will include the construction of the new Fort Road play park. None of the existing outdoor gym, play parks or recreational facilities will be improved,” he said
Mouille Point Ratepayers’ co-ordinator, Jane Meyer, says they are proud to have contributed and collaborated with the City on this upgrade.
“The gravel parking area, at the foot of Fritz Sonnenberg Road, is in dire need of an upgrade, so we are particularly looking forward to this aspect of the project,” said Ms Meyer.
“Along with an upgrade to the immediate area surrounding this parking, a path across the promenade vicinity Rothesay Road (to make wheelchair access easier) and new grass with proper drainage in problem areas; we are looking forward to an improved and revamped promenade,” she said.
The Sea Point Fresnaye Bantry Bay Ratepayers’ and Residents’’ Association (SFBRRA) said they too are happy to support the City’s upgrades.
“The consideration for the environmental impact and public space is evident. We are confident that the long-term benefits will be enjoyed by local and foreign tourists,” said the SFBRRA statement.
“The Sea Point Promenade is an iconic destination and one of the most popular among locals and visitors. We are continuously improving the infrastructure and look forward to seeing more visitors once the project is complete,’’ said Mr Andrews.
