WATCH: Take a trip down the iconic Lane of Fame
A names board containing more than 60 names of present and former residents of Benoni who have put their handprints and footprints at the centre is displayed on the wall.
With its own unique story to tell, the Cranbourne Lane of Fame remains one of the few spaces in Benoni that honours Benonians who have brought prestige to the town through their various contributions.
Established in 1975 by Harry Hillel Civin’s grandson, Stanley Civin, father Joe, brother Errol and Max (Joe’s brother), aka the Civin Clan, decided to enhance the image of the CBD with an ‘Arcade of Accolades’.
This is after the family business Cranbourne Centre was built.
Provision was made for the arcade to be designed wide and long enough from Cranbourne Avenue right through to Woburn Avenue to immortalise famous footprints and hand prints in concrete together with a bronze star.
The Benoni City Times recently visited the Cranbourne Lane of Fame.
Handprints or footprints of people including Hollywood actress Charlize Theron, international rugby referee Andre Watson, Dali Tambo, Tom Jones, Jonny Mekoa, and many more were evident while walking through the centre.
A names board containing more than 60 names of present and former residents of Benoni who have put their handprints and footprints at the centre is displayed on the wall.
Speaking to Max Civin’s son, Jonti, who now runs the centre, he said the aim of Lane of Fame was to bring people to Benoni. He said his father’s idea proved to be fruitful decades ago but over the years things started to change.
“The whole dynamic of Benoni, then and now, has changed. A lot of businesses moved from the CBD when other malls opened up in the area.
“The plaza was always full; it drew many people. The town was always kept clean but it’s a different story now,” said Jonti.
He added that the centre housed a famous restaurant called the Aquarius, which added to the CBD being a hive of activity, closed down about 30 years ago.
“We’ve since divided the space to build more shops to rent them out,” he said.
The long-standing centre is now home to various businesses including funeral homes, lawyers, churches, a laundry shop and many more.
Unfortunately, at least five stars have been stolen from the Lane of Fame.
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