The City of Cape Town will reopen the Hangberg Civic Centre following a full refurbishment after its illegal occupation and vandalism. These upgrades at the Imizamo Yethu Sports Complex and Hangberg Recreation Centre marks an investment of over R9 million in sports and recreation facilities across Hout Bay.
Reportedly, the work includes reinstatement and repairs to several areas of the complex that required targeted maintenance, such as:
- The levelling of the synthetic pitch and reinstatement of the astro-turf
- Repairs and restoration of the catch net
- Clearing of drainage line around the pitch
- Fixing the gully on the south side of the pitch which was flood prone
- Reinstatement of the pitch perimeter fence and the gates at strategic points
- Refurbishing of goalposts and replacement of goal nets
Additional work included plumbing repairs to address sewerage spills and electrical repairs. The Hangberg Civic Centre has been restored at a cost of over R1.9 million. After the illegal occupiers who had been there for several years were evicted, and the facility vandalised.
Work at the centre included the repairs to the roofing structure, such as:
- roof sheets and gutters
- installation of aluminium doors and windows
- new handrails to ramped walkways
- refurbishment of ablutions and external structural crack repairs
A further R1.9 million was invested in the Hangberg Recreation Centre, including roof and plumbing repairs. The centre hosts a range of community programmes, including dance, volleyball, football, basketball, and two seniors’ clubs.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Services and Health – Councillor Francine Higham stated that during a recent visit to the facilities, it was encouraging to see these spaces already alive with activity, filled with young people running, playing and making full use of what is on offer. These facilities provide safe, accessible environments that create positive alternatives and opportunities for young people, helping to steer them away from gangs and crime.
Higham said, “And so, I am overjoyed that we are able to return these important facilities to the community. We thank residents for their patience while we worked towards making these facilities operational and available for use again.”
She encouraged them to take ownership of these facilities. As it belongs to all of them and they all have a duty to protect it so that they can enjoy it for many years to come.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Urban Mobility – Coincillor Rob Quintas stated that it brings him great joy to see the Hangberg Civic Centre restored, beautifully refurbished and returned to the community. This space has always been part of the fabric of Hangberg, hosting weddings, matric celebrations, memorials and so many of life’s important moments.
Cllr Quintas added that for years, residents were robbed of this much-loved hall due to illegal occupiers stripping it to a shell and he knows that loss was felt deeply by the seniors’ groups, community performers and many others. From now on, new memories will be made here. Birthday parties, church gatherings, maybe even a wedding or two. That is what this centre was always meant for.
While significant progress has been made, the City of Cape Town acknowledges that more work is still needed and remains committed to continued investment in these spaces, as funding becomes available.