Nearly 500 residents have had their say on the future of Miller’s Point, and the message is clear: keep it natural, with modest improvements.
The City of Cape Town’s Coastal Management branch is developing a long-term vision for the popular coastal site along the False Bay coastline, a few kilometres south of Simon’s Town.
Miller’s Point is home to a well-used tidal pool, campsite, beach, and public boat launch site, and is valued for both its natural beauty and heritage significance.
The planning process began in November last year with an online survey inviting input from residents, visitors, and stakeholders. A total of 490 people completed the survey. Of those, 25% said they visit Miller’s Point weekly, while 45% visit at least once a month.
According to the City’s Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Alderman Eddie Andrews, the strong public response shows how much the area means to the community.
He said the majority of participants do not want major new developments, but rather upgrades and repairs to existing facilities, along with improved universal access to ensure people with disabilities can more easily enjoy the site.
Miller’s Point is a 300-metre-wide strip of land that serves as a transition zone between the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Table Mountain National Park and the Table Mountain Marine Protected Area. It is also an important gateway to the “Great African Seaforest” and contains shell middens that offer insight into indigenous history.
However, the site faces several challenges. Infrastructure has deteriorated over time, with outdated amenities, eroded pathways, and limited visitor facilities. Historic buildings on the site also require restoration.
What the survey found
Survey results show that Miller’s Point attracts visitors from across Cape Town, with nearly 90% of respondents travelling more than 5km to get there. Most people visit for leisure activities or to launch boats.
Respondents highlighted the area’s recreational value, conservation importance, and unique marine environment as key reasons it should be protected.
The overwhelming view was that the character of Miller’s Point should be retained, with a focus on conserving the environment while upgrading existing features such as the tidal pool, ablution facilities, and access points.
Common priorities included:
- Safe, universally accessible walkways
- Improved security
- Better waste management
- Improved traffic flow and launch control for boats
Focus on conservation and careful upgrades
The City’s revitalisation programme aims to balance access and conservation. Plans include promoting socio-economic benefits, preserving cultural heritage, investing in resilient infrastructure, and creating opportunities for education and small-scale commercial activity where appropriate.
Andrews said there is strong alignment between public feedback and the City’s approach, which will prioritise repairing existing infrastructure, improving access for all users, and protecting the site’s biodiversity, heritage, and local character.
The survey results will now inform the City’s long-term vision for Miller’s Point. Further consultation and detailed investigations are expected as the planning process continues in the coming months.
