Zoo Lake Bowls Club to reopen after devastating October fire
The club is preparing to rise from the ashes. Repairs are underway, and the beloved community hub is set to welcome members back this year.
The Zoo Lake Bowls Club will reopen this year following a devastating fire that destroyed its clubhouse in October this year. At the time of the blaze, the building was undergoing refurbishment, with roughly 65% of the work completed ahead of a planned grand reopening.
The fire, believed to have started in the kitchen, spread quickly through the wooden structure, consuming large sections of the roof before firefighters from Fire Ops SA and the City of Johannesburg arrived. Parts of the building collapsed, but fortunately, no one was injured.
The clubhouse has always been more than a sporting venue. It serves as a central hub for the community, hosting bowls matches, live screenings, weddings, youth and cultural programmes, and countless informal gatherings. Its loss was deeply felt by staff, members, and local residents alike.
Divian Cooper, owner of the club, said that reconstruction will continue throughout 2026. “Minor repairs have already begun, and we will complete the full rebuilding this year. Various structural and architectural assessments have been conducted, and some processes are still ongoing.
The clubhouse will be restored, and we will continue to consult with our community members to ensure the facility meets their needs. We will return stronger after this tragedy,” Cooper said.
The club will remain open during the reconstruction process, inviting visitors to enjoy the facilities and support the ongoing recovery. Supporters will also be able to contribute to the rebuild through the Back a Buddy Campaign, https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/zoo-lake-bowls-fire-relief-help-us-rebuild.
Despite the setback caused by the fire, the Zoo Lake Bowls Club will soon emerge renewed, offering a revitalised space for community events, sporting activities, and social gatherings.
Cooper emphasised, “We look forward to welcoming everyone back and to rebuilding the clubhouse as a vibrant hub for the community in 2026.”
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