Table View's beachfront is getting an R86.5-million makeover, and the City of Cape Town says it will be finished by mid-December, just in time for the festive season. The upgrade covers a new 3km coastal walkway from Dolphin Beach in the south to Bokkombaai in the north, along a stretch of sand known for its postcard views of Table Mountain across the bay. Work started in July 2022 and is now in its final phase.

And we can’t wait to see what it’ll be like this December.

Much of the work is already done. The City has restored the existing walkway, rebuilt and added parking along Beach Boulevard, Otto du Plessis Drive and opposite Visagie Street, created new beach access paths between Marine Circle and Dolphin Beach, upgraded the stormwater outlets and rehabilitated the dunes. The contractor is now refurbishing the toilets and changing facilities at Dolphin Beach and Bokkombaai.

"Table View beach offers iconic views of Table Mountain," said deputy mayor Eddie Andrews. Table View is not the only Cape Town beach with a new look this summer. Across the peninsula, the City's rebuild of the Muizenberg beachfront at Surfer's Corner, budgeted at about R200 million, was more than 84% complete in late October and is also due to wrap up by mid-December.

It includes a new stepped sea wall built to cope with rising seas and storm surges, a rebuilt promenade, a new playground, wheelchair access to the beach and Muizenberg's famous painted beach huts, rebuilt in their original colours and moved slightly inland.

Tabletalk reported the City's update on the project's final phase. Daily Investor also covered the makeover. The Newspaper reported that the Muizenberg upgrade is opening in phases so holidaymakers can use finished sections as they are completed.

For anyone heading to the Cape this December, the beachfronts at Table View and Muizenberg should look quite different from last summer, with new walkways, better parking and refreshed facilities.

These are not just cosmetic jobs, either. Both projects include work to protect the coastline from stronger storms and rising seas, which will matter long after this holiday season. They also land in a big year for Cape Town tourism, with a second international airport on the way in the Winelands and new Airbnb rules taking effect for holiday bookings.

The real test comes in mid-December: will both be finished on time, and what will the view from the new Table View walkway look like on a clear summer evening?

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