Overstrand Municipality’s multi-purpose sport facility in Hawston has passed a significant milestone following the sod-turning for the grandstand sport pavilion on 22 April 2024. The target date for completion of this more or less R34 million project is envisaged to be in 2027, subject to further funding approval.
The netball and tennis courts and change rooms, cricket oval, soccer field, grassed athletic track and rugby fields with spotlights, are already in use. Boreholes are also investigated to supply irrigation water for the sports fields.
The new pavilion will provide a high-quality viewing experience for spectators and the grandstand will offer concrete seating for ± 1 000 people facing towards the rugby field and additional seating facing towards the athletics track. The construction will be split into four phases featuring change rooms, ablution facilities, storerooms, kiosk, offices, and boardrooms. The entire pavilion will be covered with a structural steel roof on either side of the pavilion.
Just over R12 million (excluding 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, the construction of the concrete seating, access staircase, and ablution facilities during Phase 1 will enable spectators to enjoy the various sporting codes.
Speaking at the sod turning ceremony, Overstrand Executive Mayor, Dr Annelie Rabie, said she is very excited about this project because “Hawston is, in our view, the next hub to which Hermanus needs to develop.”
She pointed out that 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 other side of the road has been approved. “We are also pushing hard for development of sea farms in this area to create job opportunities.”
Mayor 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 sportsgrounds 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 an responsibility.
She acknowledges 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.
Upon completion, this will be one of the leading sporting facilities in the Overberg District to cater for various sporting events and tournaments.
