AFTER public frustration and repeated delays, the historic Kloof Civic Hall has officially reopened.

According to Ward 10 councillor, Caelee Laing, bookings for the community facility resumed last week following the completion of a major refurbishment project.

Laing said the scope of work, including additional repairs added during the project, was completed.

“I am happy to announce that the scope of work, including additions to the project, were completed with the finishes done early last week. This is welcomed as bookings for the community hall space opened again last week and it can be used by our Upper Highway community again,” she said.

Residents have for years voiced concerns over the deteriorating condition of the hall, which was built in 1924 and had fallen into disrepair.

In 2020, the Highway Mail reported that the late Ward 10 councillor Tex Collins had successfully advocated for the refurbishment and upgrade of the popular community facility. At the time, eThekwini Municipality allocated R1.4m towards the project.

The funding included the installation of a high-visibility fence designed to preserve the building’s historic character, as well as the construction of a retaining wall.

“Following years of public outcry, refurbishment work finally began during the previous financial year. The initial phase included repairs to the bathrooms, drainage system, carport and general maintenance, including repainting,” said the Ward 10 councillor.

However, Laing said major structural work was still needed.

“The stage and flooring had deteriorated badly, while the external building, previously used as changing rooms and ablution facilities, had become unusable after years of vandalism.”

Laing explained that the latest phase of the project included replacing the hall flooring, restoring the stage, repairing damaged windows and refurbishing the sports field ablution facilities.

“The project was also expanded to include the replacement of badly damaged kitchen cupboards and other repairs.

Although the work was originally expected to be completed by the end of April, several challenges delayed the project.

According to Laing, municipal officials and contractors cited a number of reasons for the delays, including instances where the hall remained in use during construction, the need for approvals because of the building’s heritage status, and delays in the supply of materials.

After the completion of the refurbishment, Laing joined members of the Kloof Community Policing Forum during a Mandela Day initiative to further improve the facility.

Volunteers planted flowers and revitalised the entrance garden beds.

“I commend the contribution from Kloof residents who donated some of these plants and the CPF for taking their morning to beautify the Kloof Civic Hall that is used by so many of our residents in the Upper Highway area,” said Laing.

Kloof CPF chairperson Samantha Shallcross said it has been a long time coming for the gardens at the Town Hall to be given some nurturing. During a site inspection of the renovations, that took place with Laing, the gardens looked particularly sad with all the construction over the past few months, she said.

“We decided there was no better time with our ‘Old lady of Kloof’ now looking splendid after the renovations, to also pay some attention to the gardens. We raided our Kloof SAPS garden (which we also take care of) for some plants; Bobby Collingwood from Greenman Nursery in Umzwilili Road also kindly donated some plants, as did our ward councillor who also joined us for the morning.

“Jeremy Rajah from Kloof Engen garage, who is always so supportive of the Kloof CPF initiatives, also kindly donated the use of a trailer, so it really was a collaborative effort all round,” said a grateful Shallcross.

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