Anonymous Cape Town family donates towards St James coastal walkway extension

An anonymous Cape Town family has made a substantial contribution toward the expansion of the St James coastal walkway, bringing the ambitious project closer to realization. The donation, which was formally presented to Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis in 2025, enables the city to initiate the planning and approval phases for the first phase of the extension. This phase aims to stretch the walkway from Muizenberg toward Clovelly Corner, offering enhanced public access to a cherished coastal area. The donation, though undisclosed in value, marks a pivotal moment for the project. According to the City’s mayco member for spatial planning and environment, Eddie Andrews, the donor family will decide which specific section of the walkway should be developed first. This decision will be guided by the outcomes of the Environmental Impact Assessment and public engagement processes. These steps are essential to ensure the project aligns with environmental standards and community expectations. City officials have emphasized that while the first phase is now viable, determining the exact starting point and construction timeline remains pending. “This is only the start of the process,” Andrews stated, noting that the EIA and public participation processes must be completed before any construction can commence. The city plans to announce the initiation of these processes once they are prepared. To support the project, the City has engaged a team of professional coastal engineers tasked with developing a high-level concept design and preliminary cost estimates. The proposal involves extending the walkway in manageable sections, each requiring careful planning and coordination. The route runs close to the railway line, prompting ongoing discussions with the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA). Initial interactions with PRASA have been favorable, contingent upon detailed design approvals and adherence to rail safety protocols. The proposed extension is structured into four distinct sections. Section 1a spans from Danger Beach to Dalebrook Pool, followed by Section 1b, which extends to Kalk Bay Tidal Pool. Section 2a continues to Kalk Bay Point Tidal Pool, and finally, Section 3 connects Woolley's Pool to Clovelly Beach. These segments represent key milestones in the broader goal of connecting the existing walkway from Surfer's Corner in Muizenberg through St James to Clovelly Corner. Mayor Hill-Lewis expressed his appreciation for the family's generosity, highlighting the significance of the walkway as a beloved public space. He noted that extending the route will enhance accessibility to a scenic part of the coastline, benefiting both residents and tourists. “This commitment is also an opportunity to set a long-term vision for this coastal walking route,” he remarked, underscoring the city’s intention to collaborate closely with stakeholders as the project unfolds. With the first phase now in motion, the city looks forward to advancing the planning and approval processes. The upcoming steps will involve engaging the community further and ensuring all regulatory requirements are met. As the project moves forward, the city remains focused on delivering a sustainable and accessible coastal walkway that reflects the values of inclusivity and environmental stewardship.