Heritage Cases

The recently constructed sea wall on the Strand beachfront is experiencing wave overtopping, wave reflection and seawall toe scour on the western side of the Strand Pavilion, in the area known as known as Bart’s Corner. This is undermining the foundation of the wall and having an impact on the adjacent pavilion. To reduce the action of the surf on the sea wall, the construction of a revetment directly below the wall is proposed, in the area immediately to the west of the pavilion. This will require the demolition of a portion of the Strand Jetty. The jetty was constructed in 1934 and is thus protected as a structure older than 60 years by the NHRA. A permit is therefore required for the proposed demolition of a portion of the structure. Because this jetty lies below the high water mark, this application falls within the remit of SAHRA's Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage Unit. The jetty is a wooden structure, constructed of Jarrah beams. It was originally 70m long and 2.5m, with a larger platform (7.5 x 9m) at the seaward end. It was a popular local landmark and before the construction of the municipal slipway about 50m to the west of the jetty, it was where local fishermen landed their catches. More than 80 years of exposure to the sea have taken their toll, however, and in 2002 the jetty was severely damaged in a storm. Deterioration and damage was such that the City of Cape Town, who leased the jetty from the Department of Public Works was forced to close it to the public and propose that it be demolished. A public outcry prevented that, but despite attempts since then by a variety of groups to have the structure restored, this has proved too costly for both the City and interested groups. The jetty is now in a parlous state and the portion closest to the beach has collapsed and broken up so there is no longer a connection from the shore to the structure. The remainder of the structure is missing structural members and many of the iron fastenings have corroded away. The impact of the proposed revetment on the jetty will be confined to the shoreward end where the structure is already most compromised. The revetment will require the removal of the two sets of exposed upright supports on the beach and the following four sections of the jetty structure (up until the first set of uprights that retain their X-shaped cross bracing). Although the future preservation of the jetty is not germane to this application, it is worth noting that the planned revetment can re-establish the link between the shore and the jetty end and this work could be the catalyst for a decision as to the future of the jetty.