AFTER undergoing a R12-million upgrade, the new look Virginia Beach will be unveiled to the public this Friday. The beach access road, previously a gravel road, is now fully tarred. The new look pier has also been completed, the mesh wire fence previously surrounding the beach has been replaced by clear view fencing. The parking lot is tarred and is now clearly demarcated. There are also two new wooden boardwalks leading to the beach.
Earlier this year Northglen News covered the story on the decision to extend the culvert, which marked the second phase of the Virginia circle detention pond, which sees excess flood water move more easily under Virginia Airport and out to sea.
Durban North ward councillor, Shaun Ryley, said it was hoped the new look beach would be more family friendly.
“This sort of development is key for Durban North and will allow residents to once again freely use the beach as well as being an attraction for tourists. We also cannot overlook the job creation component that will encompass this project
“The bushes around the beach had huge holes cut into the fences which was being used by vagrants. Now the fence has been replaced by clear view fencing which is sturdier and will help the vagrancy problem,” Ryley said.
The northern section of the road has been closed off to rehabilitate the sand dunes.
“Previously fishermen were driving up onto the dunes to park their cars and there weren’t demarcated parkings or a pavement. But now that has all changed, the municipality has also undertaken to rehabilitate the dunes which is fantastic,” he said.
The new pier, which is part of the culver project, extends 50m out to sea.
