The Weltevreden Park Tennis Club, a long-standing community sports facility in the area, is facing an uncertain future as an unresolved lease renewal process continues to delay planned upgrades and investment at the site.

Club representatives Yusuf Coovadia and Andre Arendse say they have spent the past 18 months trying to secure an extension of the club’s lease with the City of Johannesburg. They also shared that they requested a lease extension two years in advance before their lease expired early last year, and they have been operating on a month-to-month basis since then.

According to Coovadia, the uncertainty is affecting not only the club’s operations but also its plans to expand sporting and community facilities.

Arendse said the facility currently serves about 150 members, while additional residents make use of the courts on a casual basis.

“The Club has served the Weltevreden Park and broader Roodepoort community for over 30 years. It is one of the very few transformed, demographically diverse community sports clubs on the Johannesburg West Rand,” said Arendse.

He added that the club has seen growing participation from previously underrepresented groups.

Coovadia said a proposed redevelopment would include refurbished tennis courts, padel and pickleball facilities, a gym, a restaurant and viewing area, upgraded security infrastructure and a children’s play area.

“The development is designed to support broader community outreach programmes and would create about 35 temporary construction jobs and at least 25 permanent operational positions,” he said.

Coovadia claims the project was expected to begin in 2025 on the confirmation of the City of Johannesburg and the Joburg Property Company (JPC)’s written comments, but has been delayed by the unresolved lease matter.

“Instead, 18 months later, the club is still awaiting the conclusion of the lease extension,” he expressed.

According to the representatives, the delays have already had financial consequences, with one of the project’s principal investors withdrawing and professional costs continuing to accumulate.

The club also reported severe stormwater damage during March 2025. According to Coovadia, floodwater and sewage damaged two courts, resulting in significant repair costs.

“The club paid R151 000 of its own money for emergency repairs to prevent further damage, and we are still carrying further refurbishment costs of about R200 000 to R235 000,” he said.

Coovadia added that two of the club’s five courts remain in a degraded condition. He also raised concerns about the clubhouse roof.

“The roof contains asbestos, which is a known health hazard. JPC itself acknowledged this in writing in May 2025,” he said.

Coovadia and Arendse said the unresolved lease could also affect the Weltevreden Park Clinic’s planned expansion of primary healthcare services into the clubhouse.

The Roodepoort Northsider sought comment from JPC, the City of Johannesburg, Johannesburg Water and Ward 126 councillor David Brand on the lease process, the future of the municipal facility, and concerns raised by the club regarding stormwater damage, infrastructure and redevelopment plans.

Despite being provided with detailed questions and a clear deadline, none had responded by the time of publication. The Northsider will publish any responses received after publication.