Brighton Beach’s derelict buildings get a facelift

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23-10-2024
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Southlands Sun
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The old buildings at Brighton Beach have been renovated as part of the council’s plans to improve the promenade at the beach.

THE dilapidated Brighton Beach Lifesaving Club has finally been renovated. This comes after numerous concerns from the public about the dire situation of the iconic buildings along the beach promenade. The ceiling and roof have been replaced with new tiling.

Despite an initial R1 million that was set aside early last year by eThekwini Municipality for the upgrade of the beach promenade, Ward 66 councillor Zoë Solomon said the money was initially used for other projects throughout the city. This year, however, the municipality managed to source the necessary funds for the upgrade.

“The community improvement project fund (CPI) this year will be spent on the recreational space at the Ansteys Beach paddling pools. This will include the ablution and change rooms and all the seating that is dilapidated and unsafe.

“The refurbishment is absolutely necessary since the second phase of the beach upgrade has not been implemented due to [lack of] funds. This money is made available for the councillor to upgrade visible issues that affect residents. A visible improvement is the prerequisite and benefit to the community.

“Along with the recent replacement of the roof at Brighton Beach and last year’s upgrade of the paddling ponds, the reinstatement of the fisherman’s walkway and wall, and the dune vegetation regeneration, the beaches will be regenerated in any way that is possible with any available funds. It has been a frustrating and slow process, but we are seeing the results,” Solomon said.

Ward 66 councillor Zoë Solomon at the Brighton Beach Lifesaving Club before the refurbishment.

The SUN first reported on the dire situation of the Brighton Beach buildings in May this year following complaints from residents and the fishing community about the neglect of the buildings.

Brighton Beach is a beloved destination for leisure and recreation, and the municipality’s investment underscores its commitment to maintaining and enhancing public spaces for the community.