New multipurpose centre’s for the residents of Joburg
JOBURG – From a learning perspective, the centre offers learning facilitation through a state-of-the-art library, a craft centre to facilitate artistic expression and growth, and an amphitheatre for community-organised shows, presentations and recitals.
The City of Johannesburg confirmed that the construction of the Paterson Park Multipurpose Centre has been officially completed.
According to the City, the facility now provides a safe space that facilitates the development of fundamental skills such as reading and writing, in conjunction with sport, physical activity and health to stimulate growth and development in the community.
The modern architecturally designed recreational facility will benefit the communities of Norwood, Orchards, Orange Grove and adjacent neighbourhoods. The clustering of social facilities represents a key strategy in providing a basis for growth and densification within the Louis Botha Corridor, which is anchored by the Phase 1C Rea Vaya BRT route linking Alexandra to Sandton.
The Paterson Park Sports and Recreation facility is equipped with an Olympic-style swimming pool and splash pool with a grandstand for spectators. It also features a full size soccer field, two smaller 5-a-side fields, two tennis courts, a multi court and basketball court, a pavilion, and the potential to offer a wider range of new programmes and activities.
In addition, the park offers an enclosed multi-functional sports hall with a fully equipped gym. From a learning perspective, the centre offers learning facilitation through a state-of-the-art library, a craft centre to facilitate artistic expression and growth, and an amphitheatre for community-organised shows, presentations and recitals.
Meanwhile, the residents of Orange Farm can also look forward to having a state-of-the-art multipurpose centre of their own after Johannesburg Development Agency begun implementing the construction of Drieziek Multipurpose Centre. The project will give wards 4 and 5 a much-needed community hall and library. The construction of the facility is intended to fulfill the broader regeneration objectives, including transforming communities, skills growth, employment creation, improvement of quality of life and affording communities access to recreational spaces.
MMC for Development Planning Lawrence Khoza explained, “The City of Johannesburg’s development programme for Drieziek intends to establish the area as a socially, economically and environmentally sustainable human settlement that is spatially integrated into the city, with access to basic services and opportunities for social mobility and economic development.”
Once completed, the Drieziek Multipurpose Centre will consist of a new a double-storey structure and sport facilities that will include a gymnasium, pool, library, offices, hall and soccer fields. It will provide activities such as soccer, cricket, athletics, swimming, aerobics and more.
The construction of the centre will supplement various developments that have taken place so far in Drieziek. These include the construction of the R32-million Drieziek taxi rank, a public transport facility that will benefit the communities who primarily depend on public transport to travel to places of work, education and public amenities.
