Strandfontein Pavilion development plans that have been in the pipeline for decades are finally coming to fruition.
The first phase of the full refurbishment plans will get underway early next year. The second phase will begin later next year and will overlap with the first phase.
“The nature of this project has forced us to overlap exercises as far as possible. There’s a lot of pressure for us to get on site in 2026,” project manager Jude Carollissen told the sub-council 17 meeting last week.
Included in the two-storey design are beach huts, a restaurant, a skatepark, basketball hoops, an outdoor gym, lawn areas, play parks and a conference room.
“We are hoping to break ground with our proposed phase one construction towards the end of February, beginning of March next year. That would involve earthworks and hard surfacing using existing framework tenders. That work will commence while we’re running our once-off tender process,” Carolissen said.
The tender for demolition of parts of the current structure is set to go out by 7 November, he said.
“While all of this is happening, we will then also be advertising a second once-off tender, and that’s for the full construction,” Carolissen said, adding that construction is expected to continue until 2028.
Transparent design
The new design will be “completely transparent”, he said.
“The main goal of the design is to have visual access from the back of the site to the front,” he said.
“The steps are being completely redone to make them not only health and safety compliant, but also to allow for you to actually sit down with the family on a section of steps.”
Architect Ken Webster said the design will incorporate materials from the demolished site and pebbles from the beach.
“We’re looking at using natural stone quite a lot,” he said.
Officials assured continuous access to the beach and tidal pool throughout the multi-phase project.
They said a cultural mapping exercise is currently underway to ensure the site’s historical significance is properly preserved. Engagement with community groups is currently underway to incorporate their input into the design process.
The plans also include adding educational and artistic elements such as historical signage and artwork throughout the facility.
Sub-council 17 greeted the news with excitement and caution.
Ward 81 councillor Ashley Potts said: “This is very exciting. I’m looking forward to this new shift of what the pavilion is going to look like.”
Proportional councillor Bernie Clark asked: “I’d also like to know what are the security plans for every phase because we do not want a repeat of Fisherman’s Lane, where we spent millions and it was vandalised.”
Carolissen said several security measures had been put in place, including Community Liaison Officers (CLOs).
“Besides the general safety on site, we always appoint CLOs and then as many EPWP opportunities as possible. We will be notifying safety and security, law enforcement and rec and parks, so there will be full knowledge of when we plan to go to site. We will also engage the public participation unit again,” Carolissen said.
