Swallow Park: A fresh start with a new bridge
The wooden bridge along the Cliff Path between the Windsor Hotel and Swallow Park in Hermanus has been closed for many years due to serious structural concerns. Spanning 14 metres and situated high above the coastal rocks, the boardwalk was declared unsafe and will stay off-limits to the public until it can be rebuilt.
Now, thanks to the efforts of the Hermanus Business Chamber's CBD Revitalisation Cluster, plans are in motion to replace the condemned structure as part of the Swallow Park upgrades. Rotary Hermanus has pledged funding for a new viewing platform, while Tim Moffat has offered to remove the old structure free of charge. Work is set to begin shortly.
The initiative, led by Trevor Edwards and supported by a dedicated project team - including Fynbos Gardens' Meindert Jonge Poerink, Ross Dewar of the Cliff Path Management Group, architect Lize Fick, and Mike Vidas of KVB Construction - aims to transform Swallow Park into a showcase indigenous fynbos garden. The park’s redesign will include improved pathways, exhibition spaces, seating areas and enhanced safety measures.
As part of his regular Wednesday clean-up, Mayor Archie Klaas invited Anke Deysel from the Hermanus Business Chambers, nearby businesses and the project team to join a clean-up in the Swallow Park area and to get an update on the progress of the plans. He was impressed by the developments and said this project demonstrates the strength of local teamwork and the Hermanus community’s commitment to restoring and reimagining public spaces.
Issued by:
Overstrand Municipal Manager, Dean O’Neill
