New access to public beach in Tinley North unlocks benefit of coastal gem for all

For the first time in decades, members of the public will be able to access Tinley North Beach through clearly defined and well-designed entry points.

Tinley North Beach is set to benefit from over R6 million in infrastructure investment as part of the Club Med South Africa Beach & Safari development, with Collins Residential confirming upgrades that will formalise public access while significantly enhancing safety, environmental management and the overall visitor experience.

With increased local and international visitation expected, the upgrades ensure the beach is equipped to accommodate both residents and visitors in a safe, structured and sustainable way.

The investment – which includes the development of formal public parking, structured access routes, boardwalks, ablution facilities and beach safety measures – represents a meaningful change in how this stretch of coastline is accessed and experienced. Importantly, it shifts the site from historically restricted and informal use to a fully serviced public beach environment.

The development includes parking for approximately 30 vehicles at the main access point, dedicated taxi pickup and drop-off areas, and a continuous pedestrian route to the beach via a paved walkway and wooden boardwalk. These elements are designed to support safe, dignified and universal access, including provisions for emergency and assisted use.

At beach level, new male and female ablution facilities have been built, alongside upgraded public amenities such as viewing areas and rest spaces.

All these facilities will not only be delivered as part of Collins Residential’s initial capital investment but will also be maintained by them on an ongoing basis to ensure consistent upkeep, cleanliness and usability. This long-term approach and partnership with local KwaDukuza Municipality is critical to maintaining both environmental integrity and the quality of the public experience.

“Developments of this nature need to deliver real, practical value beyond their immediate footprint,” says Chris du Toit, project lead for Club Med South Africa Beach & Safari. “In this case, the investment is not only about creating access but about ensuring that access is properly supported with infrastructure, safety measures and long-term operational commitment that elevates the experience for the public.

“Our delivery of all this would not be possible, though, without the partnership and collaboration shown already by the local KwaDukuza Municipality, which is a great example of private and public participation in motion.”

A key component of the upgrade is the introduction of public lifeguarding services as part of the Blue Flag accreditation process. “The inclusion of lifeguarding and the pursuit of Blue Flag standards are critical,” adds Du Toit. “They ensure that as the beach becomes more accessible and more widely used, it is supported by the safety, environmental management and quality standards expected of a world-class coastal destination.”

KwaDukuza Municipality’s Mayor, Cllr Sduduzo Gumede, says this is a welcome investment into the district. “We are fortunate as a municipality to be bordered by the coastline, so it’s imperative we use this to our advantage by looking after it and optimising this natural asset as a drawcard to our region. The opening up to locals and visitors of the Tinley North Beach will be a wonderful addition to our other four Blue Flag status beaches in the area that will undoubtedly be appreciated and utilised by all.

“Previously, this particular beach was only accessible to a few in our community. Now, in partnership with the Collins Residential team who are executing the agreed upon beach upgrades, we are able to unlock and bring this hidden gem to all the people of KwaDukuza.”

Environmental rehabilitation is also central to the project. Informal and uncontrolled access routes, which have contributed to dune erosion over time, are being replaced with structured pathways and boardwalks. This enables the protection and restoration of sensitive coastal areas, supported by stormwater management systems and ongoing environmental maintenance obligations.

This commitment and collaborative style reflects Collins Residential’s broader approach to development along the North Coast, where investment is directed toward both private development and public-facing infrastructure that supports inclusive and sustainable growth.

Through these upgrades, Tinley North Beach will be repositioned as a shared coastal asset for the greater region; one that is safer, more accessible, environmentally protected and equipped to serve both local residents and visitors well into the future.