Thanks to the generosity of the public, sponsors and specialised contractors, work has started on renovation to the second beach hut on Muizenberg beach.
‘Support for the Save Our Beach Huts campaign has been amazing,’ says Beach Trust chairperson Angela Gorman. ‘It’s thanks to the likes of Leith Roofing, The Pole Yard, Buco, Cockburn & Son Construction, with project management by BFH de Jager Project Managers, and financial support from Pick n Pay that we are able to resume our renovation programme.’
The globally recognisable multi-coloured beach huts dotted around the False Bay coast are inextricably linked to Cape Town and have featured not only in thousands of family pictures but also major films and advertising campaigns. Unfortunately, they have fallen into varying states of disrepair and are in urgent need of refurbishment.
‘I spent a fair amount of my youth in Muizenberg either surfing or just fooling around, the beach huts were always there as part of my consciousness,’ says Leith Roofing managing director Andrew Gilbey. ‘I can’t imagine Muizenberg without them, hence our support of this worthwhile campaign.’
The beach huts are located in one of the harshest environments adds Paula Cockburn: ‘The salt-laden south-easter coming off False Bay, scooping up abrasive sand particles on its way, presents a real challenge for any coating on a structure like a beach hut. It’s critical that our processes and quality of products used are of the highest standard to ensure a long-lasting paint job.’
One of the innovative materials used in the refurbishment process is Everite’s Nutec fibre cement range of products. Nutec is used for the roof and wall claddings of the renovated beach huts. It provides a number of characteristics such as water, hail and fire resistance – all conditions that have contributed to the demise of the existing wooden structures.
The Save Our Beach Huts campaign was established in 2020, and the first hut was renovated in November last year. The aim is to refurbish the more than 48 beach huts in the Muizenberg and St James beaches along the False Bay Coast. All funds raised are administered by the Beach Hut Trust.
‘We are actively fundraising and looking for donors to help get the project rolling,’ says Angela. ‘We are at the beginning of this programme and much remains to be done. If you can contribute financially or with products or services, please visit our website for more information.’
[ends]For further information:
- The Save Our Beach Huts campaign – Angela Gorman 079 504 1933
- Leith Roofing – Andrew Gilbey 021 671 3126
- Cockburn & Son Construction – Paula Cockburn 083 511 1580
- Everite – Connor James 083 777 9986
- BFH de Jager Project Managers – Sean Scholtz 079 883 6162
- Buco – Randy Williams 021 701 1360
- The Pole Yard – Josh Roode 066 301 4765
