City targets community halls for repairs as refurbishments progress
30 July 2026
Recent refurbishments at the Pinelands and Schotsche Kloof Civic Halls and Hangberg Civic Centre have been completed, while work at Goodwood is nearing completion. In 2026/27, R35 million has been allocated for repairs of community halls identified through condition and risk assessments.
The Recreation and Parks Department is responsible for 201 Civic Centres, including Community Halls, Centres, Recreation Hubs and Multi-purpose centres around the metro.
Civic Halls are used for community meetings, recreation, celebrations and other local activities.
Pinelands Civic was first constructed in 1923. The refurbishment, valued at more than R2,3 million, focused on improving the building's safety, accessibility and longevity while preserving its historic character.
Work included waterproofing and roofing repairs, upgraded flooring and joinery, security enhancements, a fresh coat of paint and an accessible restroom, ensuring that this historic community landmark is more inclusive and accessible to all residents.
The Schotsche Kloof Civic Hall, located in the heart of Bo-Kaap, is an important social facility within the Heritage Protection Overlay Zone.
The City's Environmental & Heritage Management Department worked closely with the project team throughout the process, providing specialist heritage guidance on the R5,2 million restoration.
The project included extensive repairs to the building's exterior and interior, restoration of timber flooring, replacement of damaged ceilings and floor finishes, and general maintenance to improve the safety, durability and appearance of the facility.
In April this year, work to restore the Hangberg Civic Centre was completed at a cost of just over R1,9 million. The facility was vandalised following the eviction of illegal occupiers. 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. The facility is planned to be reopened to the public as soon as final health and safety compliance requirements are met.
Currently, the finishing touches are also being put to the refurbishment of the Goodwood Civic.
‘Our community halls are places where residents meet, celebrate, exercise and organise, so keeping them safe and in good condition matters. We are restoring important facilities like Pinelands, Schotsche Kloof and Hangberg, while directing new investment to facilities that have been identified through condition and risk assessments as needing attention. This is about looking after the public spaces communities rely on every day. By restoring these historic facilities, we are preserving an important part of Cape Town's heritage while ensuring they remain safe, accessible and welcoming for everyone,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham.
In this new financial year, the Community Services and Health Directorate has a top up budget allocation of R100m for repairs and maintenance, taking the overall budget to more than R950 million.
The Recreation and Parks Department has received the lion’s share of the top up budget, and based on conditional and risk assessments have allocated:
R35 million for repair to community halls around Cape Town
R50 million to be spent on sports fields, multipurpose centres and stadium associated infrastructure
R15 million for repairs of departmental depots
Residents and community organisations who would like to book these facilities can do so via the City’s website.
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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office