The prospective multi-purpose sports facility in Hawston has passed a significant milestone following the sod-turning for the grandstand sport pavilion last week.
Overstrand Municipality stated that the target date for completion of this project that will cost in the region of R34 million project is envisaged to be in 2027, subject to further funding approval.
The netball and tennis courts as well as the change rooms, cricket oval, soccer field, grass athletic track and rugby fields with spotlights, are already in use. Bore-holes, said the municipality, are also investigated to supply irrigation water for the sports fields.
OM municipal manager Dean O’Neill stated that the new pavilion “will provide a high-quality viewing experience for spectators and the grandstand will offer concrete seating for ±1 000 people and additional seating facing towards the athletics track.”
The construction will be split into four phases and includes change rooms, ablution facilities, storerooms, a kiosk, offices, and boardrooms. The entire pavilion will be covered with a structural steel roof on either side of the pavilion.
O’Neill added: “Just over R12 million (excl VAT) has been set aside for the construction of Phase 1 which comprises the partial construction of the grandstand pavilion to seat roughly 500 people.
“The structural component of the pavilion will consist of reinforced concrete foundations, columns, and beams. The civil engineering construction will include site clearance, bulk earthworks, water supply, conservancy tanks and stormwater drainage. Additionally, construction of the concrete seating, access staircase and ablution facilities in Phase 1 will enable spectators to enjoy various sporting codes.”
Speaking at the sod-turning ceremony, Overstrand Executive Mayor, Dr Annelie Rabie, said she was very excited about this project because “Hawston is, in our view, the next hub Hermanus needs to develop.”
She said apart from the new school that opened its doors in Fisherhaven at the beginning of this year, a private housing development consisting of 1 600 properties on the mountain side of the town has been approved. “We are also pushing hard for development of sea farms in this area to create job opportunities.”
Rabie said she is extremely grateful for the contribution of ±R9 million from the Western Cape Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) towards this phase of the project.
The improved sports grounds go a long way towards the promotion of sport, and it is also a massive investment in quality of life for the people of Hawston. The Mayor encouraged the community to take ownership of this facility as ownership fosters a sense of pride and responsibility.
She acknowledged the hard work of the previous and present Ward 8 councillors, Arnie Africa and Elnora Gillion, as well as the Hawston Sport Committee who represent the different sport codes, and the respective municipal departments who are contributing to the project.
On completion this will be one of the leading sporting facilities in the Overberg District to cater for various sporting events and tournaments.
