Alterations, earthworks, concrete formwork, reinforcement and structural steelwork are just some of the construction work taking place at Paterson Park, Norwood, where a new multi-purpose recreation complex is underway.
The Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA) is implementing the construction of Paterson Park Multipurpose Centre on behalf of the City of Johannesburg, which will benefit the community of Norwood, Orchards, Orange Grove and adjacent neighbourhoods.
Once completed, the centre will include a library, craft centre, a tennis pavilion, swimming pool, gym building, administration building and combi-courts for basketball and netball.
Paterson Park has a rich heritage, which is evident in the structures found on site and the existing single storey heritage building, adjacent the recreation hall, will be renovated to ensure it is conserved. The area is also in close proximity to the Bowling Club, opened in 1931 and the Radium Beerhall, which is the oldest surviving bar and grill in Johannesburg, founded in 1929.
With the appointment of 16 SMMEs and 140 labourers, 40 of whom were sourced locally, the project, which is set for completion in February 2020, has seen job opportunities created for local SMMEs in line with the local job creation principles.
External works, the installation of all services, are also currently in progress. The site, which saw a new contractor appointed, was handed over on 20 November 2018, after previous contractor’s work was terminated due to poor performance.
“An essential component of development intervention in cities is connecting people with opportunities to live, work, play. The park will improve the lives of residents once completed,” said Cllr Reuben Masango, Member of Mayoral Committee for Development Planning.
