Kloof Civic Hall undergoes R1.4m revamp
The upgrade, which started in March this year, is due to be completed by the end of July.
DUE to its state of disrepair and the ease of access that criminals had to the grounds during large, family-friendly events, the eThekwini Municipality allotted a budget of R1.4 million to secure, refurbish and upgrade the popular Kloof Civic Hall.
The renovation process began in March and was put on hold during the first two levels of the nationwide Covid-19 lockdown.
According to the eThekwini Municipality’s spokesman, Msawakhe Mayisela the building was set for a planned upgrade and it included the installation of a high visibility fence that would not interfere with the aesthetic of the historical building as well as a retaining wall.
Ward 10 councillor, Tex Collins welcomed the upgrade.
“It would seem that the fence around the hall has elicited some controversy, but it has been placed for very specific reasons. Unfortunately, the times in which we live has necessitated the fence as a measure of security. There have been a number of thefts and vandalisation of the premises as well as vagrants using the area as a place to sleep. When the hall is being used, there have been a number of vehicles that have been broken into and stolen while owners are in the hall,” said Collins.
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Three pedestrian entrances have been included in the fence line as well as two vehicle entrances.
“These will be open throughout the day, so there should be no problem for those who jog or walk along Old Main Road. The access road is not a through road and is only a one way, so motorists should not be using it at all, except to get to the hall,” noted Collins.
The toilet facilities in the hall will be upgraded and the hole in the stage floor has already been repaired.
“The stage fascia was in a very sorry state and this too has been repaired and a new fascia installed. The upstairs mezzanine also required a new floor and this will also be done. There are a number of leaks in the roofing and hopefully these will soon be repaired,” said Collins.
“The age of the hall has taken its toll on the old building and the side facing the library has sagged quite badly and will need to be jacked up and secured. I am not sure at this time when this will occur, but it is important if we are to ensure that the building is safe and good for the foreseeable future,” said Collins.
The Kloof Project’s, Sandra Wickee said, “The car park element we support as the kerbing was crumbling and tatty, along with the new bank retainer blocks it will provide an opportunity for attractive, colourful planting.”
Mayisela said the upgrade was due to be completed before the end of July this year.
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