THE Bluff Ratepayers and Residents Association (BRRA) has taken on the task of restoring the once-thriving The Bluff Showgrounds.

Also read: Probe continues after girl (3) drowns in a pool on The Bluff

This space historically served as the beating heart of the community. From lively circus performances to bustling flea markets, the Showgrounds were a cornerstone of The Bluff social life.

Chairperson of the BRRA, Norman Gilbert, said the association is determined to revived the beauty of the Showgrounds.

“However, due to years of mismanagement and neglect, the facility has deteriorated significantly. Vandalism, theft, and safety concerns led the municipality to brick up the ablution blocks after copper piping, basins, and toilets were repeatedly stolen. The once-functional kitchen building near the iconic storytelling tree also had to be shut down following a serious safety incident, and it too was bricked up to prevent further misuse,” said Gilbert.

Determined to bring the site back to life, the BRRA has committed to a bold vision to transform the Showgrounds into a secure, vibrant, and family-friendly hub.

The future plans for the BRRA includes:

• Recommissioning the ablution facilities with secure gating,
• Reviving the kitchen building to accommodate a community coffee shop,
• And elevate the quality of the grounds to rival those of the Durban Botanic Gardens.

“Our goal is to create a ripple effect. If we can restore this space, we can inspire pride across The Bluff,” he said.

To kick off this revitalisation, the BRRA hosted a successful Christmas Lights event in December.

Also read: We want answers about the Bluff Showgrounds [LETTER]

“We decorated trees, erected a towering 15m Christmas tree, and invited the Mayor of eThekwini Municipality (Cyril Xaba) to officially switch on the lights. The event drew a crowd of nearly 2000 people and rekindled a sense of community after the isolation brought by Covid-19,” said Gilbert.

Following the Christmas celebration, the BRRA organised an Easter Extravaganza featuring carnival-style games, Easter egg hunts, and even a visit from the local fire department, giving children a chance to explore a fire engine.

Both events received overwhelming support and demonstrated that the community is eager to reclaim and enjoy the space.

He said the next phase involves securing the site’s infrastructure as the BRRA is in discussions with the municipality to reinstall perimeter fencing around the Showgrounds.

The BRRA is also engaging with a private security company to provide both physical and digital protection, ensuring the facility remains safe and well-maintained.

“We know that if we build it and restore it, our community will come. We’re calling on Bluff residents to get behind this vision. Together, we can restore not just the Showgrounds, but pride in The Bluff itself,” he added.

For more Southlands Sun news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.

Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and get news delivered straight to your inbox.