HERITAGE RESTORATION

Dedicated volunteers breathe new life into Sea Point Pavilion entrance

  • Fouzia van der Fort
2 min read
Sea Point Pavilion entrance building restored to its former glory.
Sea Point Pavilion entrance building restored to its former glory. Picture: Supplied

The iconic Sea Point Pavilion entrance building has been restored through the significant efforts and investment of the Friends of the Sea Point Pavilion (FSPP), a dedicated local volunteer group.

FSPP vice-chairman Kieran Palframan accepted a civic award on behalf of the non-profit organisation at the Subcouncil 16 meeting on Monday, March 16, in Cape Town.

FSPP chairman Ram Barkai told the Atlantic Sun on Tuesday, March 17, that reconstruction started in June last year and was completed in December.

Councillor Francine Higham with representatives of the Friends of Sea Point Pavilion outside the swimming pool before the revamp last year.
Councillor Francine Higham with representatives of the Friends of Sea Point Pavilion outside the swimming pool before the revamp last year. Picture: City of Cape Town

The volunteers have an arrangement with the City to run the adjacent food court. 

All the funds generated from the food court were then put back into the pool and precinct for the benefit of all users. The restoration cost more than R2 million, entirely funded by the Friends, who had saved money over the last five to ten years.

"It was a great project, we are just amazed at the difference we could make to the pool, and its swimmers are loving the pool," said Mr. Barkai.

Friends of Sea Point Pavilion received a civic award their contribution in revamping the entrance, seating and tuckshop. Pictured from left are heritage profession officer for the City of Cape Town Elize Mendelson, councillor for Ward 54 Nicola Jowell, Friends of Sea Point Pavilion representative Kieran Palframan, and Subcouncil 16 chairman Matthew Kempthorne.
Friends of Sea Point Pavilion received a civic award their contribution in revamping the entrance, seating and tuckshop. Pictured from left are heritage profession officer for the City of Cape Town Elize Mendelson, councillor for Ward 54 Nicola Jowell, Friends of Sea Point Pavilion representative Kieran Palframan, and Subcouncil 16 chairman Matthew Kempthorne.Picture: Fouzia van der Fort

He added they were grateful for the award but were motivated by their "passion to give something back as swimmers."

He explained that the building, unrevamped for decades, received extensive repairs, including fixing cracked walls, replacing wood and glass, cleaning rust, redoing the electricity conduit, and renovating the entire building.

"We think it is very beautiful and necessary to connect the street to the sea through the swimming pool," he said. Mr Barkai detailed a proper private tender process for the contractor, overseen by the City of Cape Town's heritage department.

"We oversaw together with the City of Cape Town's heritage department what needed to be done. We were there every day," he said.

Councillor for Ward 54 Nicola Jowell praised the restoration as essential for instilling pride in the beloved facility, coinciding with the City's long-term plan to re-examine the entire pavilion precinct.

This followed their 2024 restoration of benches and sitting areas during emergency pool repairs.

"The commitment of the volunteer group is truly remarkable," Ms Jowell said.

"The amount of time and energy that the Friends dedicate to this facility is actually not quantifiable - it is so much. And they do it for the love of the pool, the community, and this wonderful facility."

The project was closely monitored by the City’s heritage official, Elize Mendelsohn, who was instrumental in documenting the heritage, securing permissions from Heritage Western Cape (HWC), and ensuring historically accurate restoration, from fittings to paint colours.

Ms Jowell said that while the City's broader overhaul would take years, this completed restoration is a testament to the power of community dedication in preserving Cape Town's treasures.

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