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after demolition the Council considered viable alternatives, and an open space was all that was

evident until the late 1970s when today’s Pavilion / Civic Centre was constructed on the site.

The Kalk Bay Pavilions

The first Kalk Bay pavilions were ‘poor cousins’ of the Muizenberg Pavilion as the KB-MM did
not have the finance to embark on anything quite as large and, in any event, Kalk Bay catered for

(in the eyes of the Municipality) a far less opulent visitor. The beach also did not hold the same

attractions as Muizenberg with the result that any pavilion construction would be on a much
reduced scale of quality, size and finish.

Initially, alongside the seaside railway platform, the KB-MM in 1906 constructed a rather crude
ladies’ bathing house of timber and weatherboard, but the facility thus provided was regarded as

unsatisfactory (see box).

Bathing at Kalk Bay
_______________________

TO THE EDITOR OF THE “CAPE TIMES.”
Sir – It is time the attention of the Municipality of Kalk Bay and Muizenberg was
directed to the disgraceful bathing facilities afforded to the residents and visitors at Kalk Bay.
The prevailing conditions are hardly seductive enough for visitors to “repeat” next season their
favours unless those responsible for the present chaos provide something more modern than the
present tumble – down bathing house. A new house was commenced with, I believe, some three
weeks ago, and I am hopeful of seeing it finished by next summer if the present rate of progress
in erection continues. The ladies’ bathing house, like the gentlemen’s, needed repair also, and, of
course, the summer season was chosen as the most suitable time to effect same. Whoever is
responsible for the present chaotic bathing arrangements at Kalk Bay the residents should learn,
if they desire to make this desirable spot attractive for visitors – I am, etc., .
A. V. PENGELLY.

Kalk Bay, November 30, 1910.

The successful tenderer for the new pavilion was W. Delbridge who was awarded the contract on

24 August 1911 at a cost of £765. The new pavilion was a timber construction and had a tea-

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