
Or at least, in the Cape town seaside suburb of Muizenberg. Much has been made of Cape Town being the World Design Capital 2014 and the city itself topping many lists as the most desirable destination in 2014 (see the previous post). What is interesting is the effect it has been having on many Capetonians and how the power of good design and art is revitalising this once down at heel seaside resort.
With the Design Capital motto of "Live Design; Transform Life" serving as a leitmotif, Muizenberg is experiencing an unprecedented and exciting wave of investment, community involvement and physical regeneration. Once run down, and derelict corners and buildings have morphed into vibrant areas of activity.
The dead corner and buildings beside the railway station have been transformed since the opening of Stoked Backpackers last year. The entire roadside wall of this Victorian building now hosts a vibrant mural of a surfer running into the ocean with a board in hand. This investment has encouraged many foreign backpackers to come which in turn has accelerated other investment. The Slow Life Cafe (which opened shortly after), which is a pescetarian restaurant, has enjoyed much positive comment; as much for its vibe as for its food.
Another example of this revitalization is the previously grubby corner opposite Muizenberg Pavilion. Investment by the landlords and a dynamic tenant in Surfstore Africa have transformed this corner beyond recognition. A completely open shopfront welcomes and invites people to browse, to look, to speak, to relax and exchange ideas. A vast and amusing mural of a sunglass-wearing giraffe encourages a certain lightheartedness in passers-by.
Murals are also spreading indoors. The Dos Vacas Tex-Mex Cafe on Beach Road and the soon to be opened Swim For Life swimming school in Atlantic Road have also invested in this vibrant art form.
Much excitement is being generated about the new bronze surfer statue in the middle of Surfers Corner. This bronze figure will dominate its surroundings and will hopefully act as a beacon and an iconic structure symbolising the rebirth of Muizenberg as a destination of choice.
The Muizenberg Festival is being held in October. In their own words "the festival is an opportunity to see what happens when we maximise the resources, connections, skills, talents and collective power of our community." As part of this collaboration, the 'Made in Muizenberg' showcase shop has opened in Palmer Road to concentrate and highlight some of the energy of local artists and designers of all kinds.
The Design Capital impetus is crystallising many ideas and investment which have been in Genesis over the last few years. What is for sure, is that Muizenberg is positively impacted by all this energy and the years of decline will become just a faded memory.
Design in Cape Town
- Queen Victoria HotelThe Queen Victoria with her sophistication and luxury is the ideal base from which to explore everything that Cape Town has on offer including the surrounding waterfront. 35 modern rooms all enjoy stunning vistas over the waterfront and up to Table Mountain.
- Cellars Hohenort HotelCellars Hohenort Hotel, having an elegant style and charisma, the hotel features 53 luxurious bedrooms as well as suites, together with magnificent vistas over the 9 acres of internationally renowned gardens and vineyard.
- Three Boutique HotelEvery aspect of your stay meets in perfect harmony at this affordable and yet stylish 15 bedroom boutique hotel in the heart of Cape Town. Owner run and managed The Three offers guests 4-star accommodation, friendly service in chic surroundings.
- The Victoria & Alfred HotelThere is no hotel in the Waterfront that is better positioned than the Victoria & Alfred. The hotel offers up value for money, a relaxed atmosphere with excellent service and all the shopping and restaurants on your doorstep that one could wish for.
- Steenberg HotelWelcome to excellent hospitality, wine, golf, spa and history. A historic wine farm on the foothills of the magnificent Stone Mountains provides the setting for this gracious five-star boutique hotel; It's a beautiful destination.
- Camps Bay RetreatCamps Bay Retreat a Five Star Boutique Hotel can be described as a refuge for the heart and soul, located on 4 acres of lush natural nature reserve overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and Camps Bay.