Page 127 - KBHA Bulletin 16

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A Promenade Pier

In 1892 John Walker, the Scottish engineer who had been the moving force behind the

Sea Point railway that opened in that year, proposed construction of a 600 ft long pier
from the foot of Clarens Road. Later that year he left for London to get the necessary

backing and a letter, under the name of Mr Robert Mitchell of London, appeared in the
local press describing the pier and confirming the successful raising of the necessary

capital.

SEA AND GREEN POINT PIER
____________

Sir – I ask the favour of the use of your column to inform the inhabitants of Sea
and Green Point that I have succeeded in negotiating for the erection, and for the
provision of capital for this pier. Now all that remains is for the various authorities to give
the requisite permission to enable me to put a satisfactory conclusion upon the whole,
which I venture to describe as an admirable scheme. I explained when I applied for, and
obtained, the sanction of the Sea and Green Point Municipality to the erection a pier
between certain limits, that the most suitable position was at the bottom of Clarens Road
– crossing the railway by an ornamental bridge for foot passengers – and providing level
crossings for vehicles, protected by the usual gates, etc., the pier extending out to sea over
the following soundings (reference to Admiralty chart), shore to 3½ - 4 - 5 fathoms.
These depths, however, vary with the unevenness of the rocky bottom, and they are
throughout very favourable to the construction, especially as regards its strength and
durability. The main buildings, consisting of concert hall, floral hall, ladies’ rooms,
billiard and smoke room, café, and a few ornamental shops, will be fixed on land. From
this the pier runs out seaward on the slope of rocks plainly visible at low water. At the
end of the pier will be a band stand and glass protected shelters, landing stage for boats in
six fathoms of water. In the hot weather the whole pier will be covered with an awning,
lighted at night by gas or electricity, preferably the latter. Amusements will be provided
for children in the mornings and band for the adults in the evenings. With the usual
steamboat, deck games, etc., as may be deemed desirable. On certain days there will be
galas and fireworks.
Roughly, I have given these particulars to show the desire to keep the pier under
the denomination of a promenade pier, quiet and select, at the same time offering the
advantages to the public of being able to enter by payment without any formality on the
two or three days as may be decided upon, which are not set apart for residents and their
friends.
Robert Mitchell
st
London, May 31 , 1892.
Cape Argus, 9 June, 1892.