Umhlanga promenade upgrade

As part of eThekwini Municipality’s “Tourism Nodes and Corridors” programme, the Umhlanga promenade has undergone a transformation over the last few years. The upgrade began at the northern section of the promenade past Breakers and subsequent phases have progressed south along the promenade as available funding has allowed.

Last year saw the completion of the Phase 3 which extended from Main Beach south to the Umhlanga Lighthouse. Phase 4, currently under way, will see the final section of the promenade from the lighthouse south up to and including Durban View Park being upgraded.

The city sees the upgrade as an important element to ensuring that Umhlanga remains a key tourism destination in the city and believes it will ensure that the public space compliments the investments that have been made, and will continue to be made by the private sector along this key stretch of coastline.

Phase 4: Budget, scope of work and time frames

The estimated budget for Phase 4 is R11.2m, which is budgeted for in the 10/11 and 11/12 capital budget, and was awarded through a public tender process to DC Earthmoving contractors. Construction started on site on April 11, with an anticipated completion date of December 15 this year.

The following are included in the scope of works for this phase of the upgrade:

• Repairs to the waterloffestein sea wall
• Promenade walkway paving, including retaining/seating walls
• Dune rehabilitation
• The beach access points at Ocean Way and Blue Waters Lane will be upgraded
• Traffic calming measures along Marine Drive at Durban View Park and Blue Waters Lane
• Increase in the number of parking bays at Durban View Park from 40 to 100
• Construction of an access ramp to the beach for cleansing and emergency vehicles on the southern end of the promenade
• Upgrading of the toilet block at Durban View Park with installation of new showers.

Phasing and closures

To accelerate the upgrade, construction will commence simultaneously at the Lighthouse (north) and Durban View Park (south) and the following pedestrian access restrictions will be in place:

• Durban View parking area will serve as the construction depot and will therefore be fenced off.  There will be no beach access from Durban View Park
• Blue Waters Lane will be closed
• The entire length of the promenade from Lighthouse to Durban View Park will be closed, and the access point down Ocean Way and on the beach will be restricted by means of hoarding fences.