After an 18-month impasse, the City of Cape Town and Brass Bell have signed a memorandum of agreement concerning the restaurant’s extensions and public access to the tidal pools now encircled by Brass Bell property.
Nearly two years ago, the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) extended Brass Bell’s lease area, enabling the popular Kalk Bay eatery to enlarge its seating capacity to include the tidal pools and kiddie beach adjacent to its Bikini Bar. Concern was raised that this would limit public access to the coast, pools and harbour wall, a long-time favourite swimming and fishing spot for locals.
The new memorandum guarantees unhindered public access to the pools and coastal environment between 6 am and midnight from September to May, and 8 am and midnight June to August. Security, provided by Brass Bell, will be available to open the gates to the public as needed outside of those hours.
Public access to the kiddies pool and beach area will be controlled by Brass Bell, who will also be responsible for keeping the area clean and providing shower facilities. Management of the tidal pools, including signage and coastal access, falls to the City, with assistance by Brass Bell and PRASA.
As for the questionable legality of the lease extension by PRASA, capitalised upon by Brass Bell … that’s to be decided by the Western Cape Government’s Department of Environmental Affairs and DEvelopment Planning, a process that is currently under way.
Photography Jade Cooke
WOW, at last and well done. Together it will make a difference and a good change for the better future.
Sat in that same very rusty (could not have been brass) Bell for 3/4 of an hour before I was was asked if I’d like a menu. Asked for a Castle for me and Coke for my wife. 20mins later it arrived. He dumped the drinks and disapperaered before we could order. Downed our drinks and walked out. Said to the doorman that they’d better start polishing the bell before it rusted away. Will never go there again, ever!!!!