Upgrade on the horizon for Umhlanga Beach’s whalebone pier

A significant transformation is on the horizon for the whalebone pier at Umhlanga Beach, north of Durban.

Over the upcoming months, the landmark will be treated to an extensive upgrade, unveiling new features just in time for the anticipated surge of holiday tourists.

While eThekwini municipality, has not released any details about the budget for the upgrade, the planned work has been confirmed by ward councillor Nicole Bollman, and Umhlanga Rocks Tourism.

Ms Bollman said the focal point of the upgrade, that was scheduled to start yesterday, Tuesday August 29, would be the 7.5-meter-long luminous platform.

The project's prime objective will be to reinforce and restore the platform, with particular attention directed toward fortifying its concrete foundation. Work is anticipated to be completed by the end of November and pier will be closed to the public during the revamp.

Andre Duvenage of the Architects Collaborative said the steel-reinforced concrete structure came about originally to get rid of storm water – but had to be reconsidered when the Pearls of Umhlanga development came about.

Ms Bollman said plans for the upgrade also included a new paint job and fresh mosaic for the pier which opened in 2007.

"The contractor's main project is to apply Penetron to the concrete structure. Penetron is a chemical concrete additive providing total concrete protection to commercial, industrial, and infrastructural components. Work on the mosaic – that includes additional artwork features, will also be done in this period,” said Ms Bollman.

Mr Duvenage said in 2000, he and urban designer Nathan Iyer had been looking for ways to improve the Umhlanga Rocks Promenade to maintain its aesthetics.

“The plan was to route all storm water pipes to the ocean while keeping the place looking like a Blue-Flag beach. The eThekwini Municipality then hired a company called Leomat Construction to build an underground stormwater channel from the intersection of Lagoon Drive and Tanager Road to the promenade. Leomat had to channel the stormwater underground for about 400 metres from the intersection to the promenade. Thereafter, Nathan Iyer and I took over and that resulted in the pier in its current form. We are excited to see what comes next,” said Mr Duvenage.