The Muizenberg Improvement District is mindful of the unique architectural character of the village; the value of a vibrant beachfront, and the appeal of public green spaces which combine to make Muizenberg an attractive place to live, work and play.
Managing Buildings
The level of attractiveness of the village does much to affect the level of crime and the value of properties. A shabby looking village attracts shabby people. The MID collaborates with property owners, the City of Cape Town and other decision makers to manage the conservation and maintenance of buildings protected in terms of South Africa’s heritage laws and City by-laws. Derelict and abandoned buildings have a negative influence on the safety of the area. The MID drives collaboration with City departments like the Problem Building Unit, the Building Inspectorate, Health, Safety and Fire to support our efforts in tackling the problem of derelict buildings, absentee landlords and over-crowding of rented properties.
Over the last few years, significant upgrades have taken shape in the Village and on the Beachfront. It is encouraging when estate agents notice the steady transformation of Muizenberg. Rawson Properties’ Errol King said: “We really notice the difference in Muizenberg! It’s become a destination, a lifestyle – mountains, sea and vlei, people popping down for a surf before work! Families are buying houses in the village and settling down here. Properties are seen as great value for the quality of life here.”
Beachfront Transformation
The redevelopment of Muizenberg Beachfront has been pivotal in shaking off the seedy image of the past and the growth of surfing schools and restaurants is attracting a constant flow of visitors. Yet despite our blue flag beach and iconic beach huts, the traffic circle at Surfer’s Corner remained an eyesore. In response, the MID partnered the City’s Roads Department and Ward Councillor, Dave D’Alton to commence work on an upgrade of the traffic circle. This complements the ongoing transformation of the beachfront that is being driven by substantial private investment. The MID keeps a watchful eye on tourism activity and has successfully negotiated with Cape Town Tourism to have their mobile tourism unit stationed in the centre of the beachfront area on busy weekends.
Muizenberg was recently named one of the 20 Best Surfing Towns in the world by National Geographic Adventure. If we promote surfing we must also promote safety and awareness and the Muizenberg Improvement District welcomes the presence of the shark spotters in their new premises in the heart of the beachfront. They play an important role in alerting beach-goers to shark activity and supporting them to be safe.
Greening Public Spaces
Greening projects have met with a good degree of success and community support. The Royal/Alexander Road corner has been landscaped and local residents are undertaking the watering and maintenance of the plants during the early stages of growth. An indigenous and medicinal herb garden was created in Royal Road with partial funding from the Rowland and Leta Hill Trust. This is an on-going community project. The MID also oversees maintenance of previously planted gardens like the one one on the corner of Palmer & Holland Road, gardens in Beach Road and the Municipal Clinic Garden.
Future environmental upliftment progress is dependent upon support from various interested organisations like the Friends of Muizenberg Park, Zandvlei Trust, businesses and community members.
Environmental policies: