The long-vacant Indoor Sports Centre in the Springs CBD is set to be repurposed as a cadet training facility for the City of Ekurhuleni’s Community Safety Department, with the EMPD expected to occupy the building soon.

The confirmation comes after years of uncertainty surrounding the future of the municipal facility, which has remained unused since the expiry of its previous lease during the 2021/2022 financial year.

The development marks a significant shift for a facility that has stood vacant for several years.

The Springs Advertiser last reported on the facility in October 2021, when the once vibrant sporting venue had fallen into a state of disrepair.

At the time, the building had a leaking roof, flooded and vandalised ablution facilities, no electricity, overgrown grass and evidence of pests.

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The city said the lease had expired, but the lessee continued occupying the property on a month-to-month basis while a new lease agreement was being finalised.

The metro also maintained that responsibility for the upkeep of the facility rested with the lessee.

Nearly five years later, the city has confirmed that the previous lease ended during the 2021/2022 financial year and no new lease has since been concluded.

According to city spokesperson Zweli Dlamini, there has been no new lease for the facility since then.

Dlamini explained that the EMPD has applied to utilise the sports centre as a cadet training academy until further notice. He said the move would also ensure the upkeep of the property and the provision of basic municipal services.

“The EMPD is in the process of occupying the facility for the intended cadet training academy and for the provision of basic municipal services. This intervention will ensure the upkeep of the facility,” said Dlamini.

He indicated that the last maintenance work carried out at the centre was during the 2021/2022 financial year, when a ClearVu fence was installed to protect the property.

Dlamini said the Community Services Department will now seek assistance from the Parks and Cemeteries Division and Customer Care Services to cut the overgrown grass around the facility.

Despite concerns over the deteriorating condition of the building, Dlamini confirmed that no formal assessment has yet been conducted to determine the extent of the damage or the repairs required.

He added that there is currently no timeline for the sports centre’s repairs or its reopening to the public, although the EMPD is expected to move into the building soon.

Residents will, however, have an opportunity to comment on the long-term future of the facility.

Dlamini said that once a decision has been made regarding its future use beyond the EMPD’s temporary occupation, the community will be consulted through the city’s public participation process.

Addressing the broader issue of maintaining municipal sports facilities, Dlamini said the city remains committed to protecting and maintaining community infrastructure but faces ongoing challenges.

“The city always strives to ensure that facilities are protected and maintained properly, but factors like vandalism and insufficient budgets hamper our plans,” he said.

He also appealed to residents to help safeguard municipal infrastructure to prevent further vandalism and deterioration.