The main entrance to Horseshoe Bay Beach will be open on Good Friday for kite flying in what Government has described as a “soft opening”.

The entrance has been closed to the public for improvement work since late January, but on April 14 vehicles and pedestrians will be able to use the main entrance off South Road.

While there will be car parking, cycle parking and minibus/shuttle drop-off areas but, like in past years, parking will not be allowed along the access road leading down to the parking areas.

A Ministry of Public Works spokeswoman said: “It should be stressed that the ‘soft opening’ of this entrance is for Good Friday only, from 7.30am until 10pm. As of 10pm on April 14 the gates will be closed to both vehicles and pedestrians and remain closed to allow improvement works to continue until the grand opening during the first week of May, 2017.

“Any vehicles that are left in the parking lot Saturday morning will be towed at the owners’ expense.”

Craig Cannonier, Minister of Public Works, said it was important for Government to reopen the main entrance for Good Friday.

“Going to Horseshoe Bay Beach on Good Friday has become a longstanding tradition for many people and my team worked feverishly to ensure that the area could safely accommodate beachgoers,” he said.

Department of Parks and TCD staff will be on-site on Good Friday assisting with traffic coordination and to ensure the safety of pedestrians on the newly-constructed boardwalk.

Meanwhile, the concession at Horseshoe Bay Beach — run by Chops Ltd, who operate Red Steakhouse and Bar — will be open for refreshments on Good Friday, while refurbished public restrooms at the beach will also be open for beachgoers.

The improvement works are intended to improve accessibility to the beach, introducing a new pedestrian boardwalk, an integrated storm water management system, a new retaining wall and seating area for the bus passenger drop-off area and improved lighting in the parking area.