Construction for Strandfontein Pavilion refurbishment project starts February 2026
The Strandfontein Pavilion Refurbishment project is underway, with the first phase of construction expected to start in February 2026.
Multi-year capital budget funding has been allocated by the Recreation and Parks Department within the Community Services and Health Directorate.
The pavilion was built in the 1980s as a day resort and includes the largest tidal pool in the southern hemisphere.
The project includes removing unsafe sections of the pavilion, refurbishing the remaining structure, and improving access to the tidal pool and other coastal amenities. It also includes renovating the amphitheatre, upgrading parking areas, and altering the surrounding landscape, said the City's mayoral committee member for community services and health, Francine Higham.
She said the project has already reached several milestones.
“The public participation process happened a year ago, where community members could share their insights directly with the project team.”
Those insights are being incorporated into the ongoing design process, and “we look forward to breaking ground in the first quarter of next year,” she said.
The City's mayoral committee member for community services and health, Francine Higham said the project has already reached several milestones.
Image: Supplied
She said the Cultural Mapping process linked to the project has played a role in shaping the design.
“It captured individual stories and memories of this coastal node, and the design team has drawn on these experiences to make sure that the redevelopment is inclusive and reflects the unique identity, heritage, and values of the Strandfontein community and surroundings.”
Sub-council 17 chairperson and ward 43 councillor, Elton Jansen, said he’s excited and very optimistic about the progress of the Strandfontein Pavilion Refurbishment project.
“I request the public's patience when the first phase of construction is expected to start in February 2026.”
Mario Oostendurp, former Strandfontein Ratepayers' and Residents' Association chairperson, said that during his tenure as SRA chairman, the association was part of a think tank about four years ago.
Mayoral committee member for community services and health, Francine Higham, with project staff and attendees at the open day.
Image: Supplied
They attended workshops to explore ideas for the pavilion revamp. He noted that it is positive that these ideas are now being shared with the broader community for public participation. Soon after the workshops, the mayor announced that funding for the project would be prioritised.
Mr Oostendurp said: “Coastal development from Strandfontein Pavilion towards Maccassar has been delayed, while other False Bay coastal resorts have continued to receive attention.”
The upgrades align with developments at Fisherman’s Lane and the 2022 Conceptual Development Framework for the Strandfontein Coastal Urban Node, and they incorporate themes that emerged from the cultural mapping process, said Ms Higham.
The work covers the refurbishment of the pavilion and associated coastal amenities, improvements to the condition and capacity of existing facilities, an approach that supports multi-functional use to reduce operational costs, and changes to underutilised land for further development, she said.
The first phase of construction is expected to start in February next year. The cultural mapping process and results will be available for viewing online from Monday, November 24, on the Strandfontein Pavilion Project Information page on Infinity.