Following a year-long closure for renovations the Woodstock Town Hall was finally completed last week.
The hall, which has been a part of the community for the past 87 years, was due for the much-needed upgrades.
During the national lockdown, maintenance of the facility was interrupted, and vandalism brought it into severe disrepair.
Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis celebrated the restoration of the facility and marked the occasion with the first tree-planting, the first of a series of events taking place in September in commemoration of National Arbor Month.
In the mid-1800s, Woodstock was a bustling area with noteworthy infrastructural developments such as its own police station, post office, school and a number of churches.
It quickly became a residential suburb, filled with working class people of all creeds and races.
By 1884 it was the third largest town in the colony with the Sulaimania Masjid established in 1932, for the growing Islamic community.
In 1935, Woodstock Town Hall was built and opened for public use.
The geometric shape of the building was a popular architectural style at the time, celebrated for its modernity because of its concrete foundations, steel windows and corrugated roof.
In July last year, the City’s recreation and parks department established a project team of specialists, including environment and heritage consultants, as well as various electrical, infrastructural and architectural contractors.
The repair work at the main and minor hall which included electrical repairs, exterior and interior wall painting, roof replacement at the minor hall, waterproofing, ceiling replacement, repairs to ironmongery and terrazzo flooring, window frames, glazing and doors were valued at about R3 669 403.
Thanks to the ward allocation funding estimated at about R88 000, residents can now also enjoy an outdoor gym as the park adjacent to the hall has been fully equipped with new gym equipment, also unveiled as part of the festivities.
Hill-Lewis says: “We marked the progress of the restoration of this historic facility. It is a building we can all feel proud of and I hope it will serve the community for another 100 years. I wish to thank the team which worked on this project and councillor Ian McMahon for driving this renewal project.”
Gary Adams, U-Watch chair, says the facility was often vandalised during the upgrade process. He says the community is grateful that the once favoured venue function can operate again.
“The City upgraded the outdoor gym as well. It’s a good gift for the Woodstock precinct. The hall serves as a venue for functions, weddings, festivals and projects among others. We welcome the renovations made; now it can be the community’s pride again.”
Patricia van der Ross, Mayco member for community services and health, says: “Many of our facilities suffered damage during the lockdown, but we are delighted that the community will soon be able to make use of this historic hall. I encourage residents to take ownership of this landmark and help us keep it in mint condition.”
Van der Ross says the hall remains closed for bookings until all 15 occupational compliance certificates are in place. She says further communication will be issued once the hall re-opens for public use.
