Page 51 - Bulletin 22 2019

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As the boxes, being privately owned, were not available to the public the KB-MM in 1907

and 1908 erected Ladies and Gentlemen’s bathing booths / screens on the backshore area.

Since 1900 it had been Municipal policy to do away with bathing boxes and provide proper
bathing accommodation in the form of a pavilion with changing rooms, showers and toilets

for men, women and children. But municipal finances were insufficient and the Council
looked to private enterprise to provide these. From 1902 – 08 there was promising interest

from the Muizenberg Foreshore Syndicate which sought a 99-year lease over a foreshore area

of 500 acres (202 ha) where they would invest £100,000 in beach amenities that included an
esplanade and bathing accommodation. But the Council was uneasy about the duration of the

lease and the extent of land involved. It also feared the growth of a second competitive

Muizenberg farther along the shore. Ultimately, Council and the Syndicate could not agree on
a satisfactory down payment of £2,000. Other schemes were also proposed:

South Africa, January 18, 1908.

MUIZENBERG BEACH IMPROVEMENTS
ANOTHER scheme has been propounded for the improvement of the Muizenberg beach.

It has been placed before the Muizenberg Council for its consideration. The plan provides
for an esplanade, bathing boxes for ladies and gentlemen, shelters, paths, and ornamental
beds. The plan shows a concrete wall running on a level with the roadway in front of

Muizenberg Station, extending towards the vlei for a distance of about 900 yards. It is
proposed that the wall should be of concrete, due provision being made for efficient
foundations. The wall would be wide enough to constitute the esplanade, which would be

raised. Underneath the esplanade would be the bathing boxes, the entrance being from the
sands in front. Therefore the bathing accommodation would be free from sand and water.
The space between the esplanade and the road at the back, which is about 6 ft. above the

sands, would be levelled and laid out in tar-paved walks. As the esplanade and the rest of
the scheme would be on a level with the road, the view of the sea would not be obstructed.
The scheme is estimated to cost about £3000, and if the promoters are allowed to proceed,

it will be completed before next season.

This scheme also came to nought, and instead the KB-MM took the bold step of raising funds

and building a wooden pavilion, designed by the Municipal Engineer Mr DP Howells. It

straddled the beach berm and high water mark where it was vulnerable to wave and wind

attack. This was pointed out by whalerman Abraham Auret who recommended, to no avail,
that it be sited 25 yds (23 m) m further back. It opened in October 1910 and due to its instant
popularity was considerably enlarged and re-opened on 18 December 1911. It was now 100

m long with a new wing added at each end. (Figs. 2.17 & 2.18.)