Phase two of the Brixton Social Cluster development project, which include the creation of a public square, new library, new coffee shop, an upgraded green open space and kids play area, and an upgraded swimming pool facility has started in October.
Phase one was completed at the start of the year, as part of the City of Johannesburg’s strategy to meet this demand for new social infrastructure, implemented by the City’s development agency, the Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA).
With additional sports and recreational facilities, the upgraded Brixton Social Cluster will ensure that the communities and neighbouring areas of Brixton enjoy the facility and have access to recreational activities that are designed to suit the needs of the community.
“Upon completion of phase two, the Brixton development project will benefit the community of Ward 58 and surrounds, improve the area as a space to live, work and play in, as well as promote social cohesion and create a vibrant urban environment,” said Cllr Margaret Arnolds, the Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Development in the City of Johannesburg.
The preceding phase of the project consisted of constructing a new multi-purpose and recreation centre, new and upgraded sports fields and combi-courts, parking, landscaping (hard and soft), lighting, fencing and artwork.
The new library will be a single storey building, with a floor area of 1840m², accessible from two levels; one entry from Brixton square, and the second entry from the library parking. The building’s ground floor will be split into two levels, upper and lower ground level, to take into account the site’s downward slope from High Street road.
The art gallery and coffeehouse will be a single-storey building of 320m², excluding the outdoor dining area, and will have three entrances. The first providing direct access from Brixton square, the second opening into an outdoor sitting area and the third, an access to the kitchen service area.
The scope of work for the playground area will involve a new 60m² ablution facility and walkways and paving, a cycle track, safety surfaces, landscape works, new playground equipment, two drinking fountains and new outdoor furniture.
The scope of work for the swimming pool entails waterproofing to existing roof slab, new glass turnstile access, new tiling in the foyer area, new sanitary fittings in the changing room facility, new access doors and windows in the two changing rooms, to be used as a first aid room and a judges’ room; new less-abled pool access ramps and equipment and refurbishment to existing storerooms for use as caretaker units. It will also entail renovation works on the floors, walls, doors and windows.
The external works for phase two will have pavement works to parking, pedestrian walkways and Brixton square.
“Brixton is one of the oldest and well located suburbs of Johannesburg and was identified as a priority precinct on the basis that the area has an existing social cluster, and the potential to stimulate growth along the Empire Perth Corridor,” said Member of the Mayoral Committee for Development Planning in the City of Johannesburg Cllr Lawrence Khoza.
