Tinley North Beach North of Durban will benefit from over R6 million in infrastructure investment as part of the Club Med South Africa Beach & Safari development, with Collins Residential.
Image: File Supplied/Club Med
Tinley North Beach North of Durban will benefit from over R6 million in infrastructure investment as part of the Club Med South Africa Beach & Safari development, with Collins Residential.
The investment will allow members of the public to access the beach for the first time in decades.
Club Med South Africa Beach & Safari on Wednesday said that with increased local and international visitation expected, the upgrades ensure the beach is equipped to accommodate both residents and visitors in a safe, structured and sustainable way.
“The investment which includes the development of formal public parking, structured access routes, boardwalks, ablution facilities and beach safety measures represents a meaningful change in how this stretch of coastline is accessed and experienced. Importantly, it shifts the site from historically restricted and informal use to a fully serviced public beach environment,” said Club Med in a statement.
“The development includes parking for approximately 30 vehicles at the main access point, dedicated taxi pick-up and drop-off areas, and a continuous pedestrian route to the beach via a paved walkway and wooden boardwalk. These elements are designed to support safe, dignified and universal access, including provisions for emergency and assisted use.”
At beach level, new male and female ablution facilities have been built, alongside upgraded public amenities such as viewing areas and rest spaces.
“All these facilities will not only be delivered as part of Collins Residential’s initial capital investment but will also be maintained by them on an ongoing basis to ensure consistent upkeep, cleanliness and usability.”
Chris du Toit, project lead for Club Med South Africa Beach &; Safari, said that developments of this nature need to deliver real, practical value beyond their immediate footprint.
“In this case, the investment is not only about creating access, but about ensuring that access is properly supported with infrastructure, safety measures and long-term operational commitment that elevates the experience for the public,” he said.
“Our delivery of all this would not be possible though without the partnership and collaboration shown already by the local KwaDukuza Municipality which is a great example of private and public participation in motion.”
Du Toit said that a key component of the upgrade is the introduction of public lifeguarding services as part of the Blue Flag accreditation process.
“The inclusion of lifeguarding and the pursuit of Blue Flag standards are critical.They ensure that as the beach becomes more accessible and more widely used, it is supported by the safety, environmental management and quality standards expected of a world-class coastal destination.”
Sduduzo Gumede, Mayor of KwaDukuza Municipality, said this is a welcome investment into the district.
“We are fortunate as a municipality to be bordered by the coastline, so it’s imperative we use this to our advantage by looking after it and optimising this natural assetas a drawcard to our region,” he said.
Gumede added the opening up to locals and visitors of the Tinley North Beach will be a wonderful addition to other four Blue Flag status beaches. Previously, this particular beach was only accessible to a few in the community.
He added that Environmental rehabilitation is also central to the project.
“Informal and uncontrolled access routes, which have contributed to dune erosion over time, are being replaced with structured pathways and boardwalks. This enables the protection and restoration of sensitive coastal areas, supported by stormwater management systems and ongoing environmental maintenance obligations.”
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