New tidal pool project at Hout Bay Beach aims to enhance community access

A new tidal pool project at Hout Bay Beach has been approved, with the first phase—appointing an Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP) — set to begin soon.

The initiative was spearheaded by the Feel Good Initiative (FGI), led by Sandy Daniel, who said the goal of the project was to create a safe, inclusive, and environmentally sensitive swimming space, especially benefiting underserved communities like Imizamo Yethu and Hangberg.

Key project goals include enhancing community well-being, ocean safety, marine education, and eco-tourism, as well as minimising environmental impact by conducting a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

Ms Daniel said designing the pool to blend with the natural shoreline and replace an aging revetment was also among the project's key goals

She said: "This is a major community project we are working on through The Feel Good Initiative. The first phase of the project involves appointing a qualified Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP), and we are in the process of securing the necessary funding to move this stage forward."

They are currently in the process of developing a sponsorship prospectus, with the project estimated to cost around the R50m mark.

"The prospectus is still being finalised and is not yet ready to circulate to potential sponsors," Ms Daniel said.

"The new tidal pool will especially benefit residents of Imizamo Yethu and Hangberg, who currently have limited access to secure, recreational coastal facilities. Our vision is to establish a sustainable and inclusive tidal pool that promotes community well-being, ocean safety, marine education, and eco-tourism, all while enhancing the natural beauty and biodiversity of Hout Bay Beach." Ms Daniel said.

Surfer and Hout Bay resident, Jean Rossling, said the construction of a tidal pool was long overdue at the beach.

"This beach is one of the most popular in Cape Town, and during the Summer months, you will see how people, especially from these surrounding communities, flock to the beach, and this is where the safety becomes important," he said.

"The tidal pool is a great idea that will be supported by many."

Ms Daniel said plans to build the proposed site fall within a Marine Protected Area (MPA) and understood the importance of protecting these sensitive ecosystems.

"We recognise that environmental considerations are critical in the development of this tidal pool, and we are committed to ensuring that the project will have no negative impact on the surrounding marine and coastal ecosystems," she said.

To achieve this, they will be conducting a thorough Environmental Impact Assessment and design the pool to incorporate natural rock formations, ensuring that it blends with the existing shoreline.

"The site currently has an aging revetment, which will need replacement in the near future. We propose that the revetment be replaced in tandem with the construction of the tidal pool, ensuring a seamless integration of the two. We will collaborate closely with marine biologists, coastal engineers, and environmental specialists throughout the process and ensure ongoing monitoring and maintenance to protect the surrounding environment for the long term," Ms Daniel said.

Ward councillor Roberto Quintas said this was an "exciting proposal for a public-private partnership" which sees the Feel Good Initiative proposing to explore the possibility of a tidal pool for Hout Bay Beach by Chapmans Peak.

"I connected the FGI with relevant officials within the City, Provincial and National Governments and advised them of the process and possible mechanisms that could work. Hout Bay has a very proud history of successful PPPs, one of which is the Eyethu Skate Park at the Hout Bay Sports Complex," Mr Quintas said.

He suggested that the FGI consider a similar model and supported their project.

"The EIA will be the first and most important hurdle, and thereafter the funding mechanism. I sincerely hope that they can collaborate widely and get the necessary support and funds, should the EIA be positive,” Mr Quintas said.