Heritage Cases

Msunduzi Municipality wishes to restore, remodel and refurbish the existing Oribi Community Hall and provide associated infrastructure for the suburb of Oribi. Over the past years the existing Oribi Community Hall has been neglected to a point where the build is in a state of disrepair (refer to site images). The only features that remain of the original building are the walls and the concrete works (floor slab and ring beam). The proposed restoration, remodelling and refurbishment of the building intends to not only restore, but also modernise the buildings by giving it a fresh and modern look, which is more fitting to the area. There is currently no usable hall in Ward 24 and the restoration of the existing Oribi hall by the Msunduzi Municipality will benefit the local community, who will be the primary users of the facilities, as well as the surrounding areas in many positive ways. Detail the alterations/additions/restorations proposed The existing site currently has three buildings that consist of a main hall, small secondary hall and toilet block. The following is a discussion of the proposed minor alterations, additions and restorations: The proposal is that the small secondary hall be converted to an office block with a boardroom, office, storeroom, kitchen and toilets. The main hall will be refurbished to have main hall area, a stage, change rooms and ablution facilities. Since the new ablution units will be provided in the small secondary hall, the existing toilet block will no longer be necessary and will therefore be demolished to create space for other facilities on the property. There are two proposed roof designs, a mono pitch and a double pitch roof design. For both roof designs, some existing walls will have to be broken down and new walls built. The mono pitch roof design consists of IBR roof sheeting fixed on steel beams and purlins. The double pitch roof design consists of IBR roof sheeting fixed on timber trusses. On the main hall, the two roof design options will have three concrete canopies supported by brick columns on the front or northern side of the building. Between the three concrete canopies there is pergola made of steel. The pergola and the canopies will introducing a modern look to the hall. The new external brick work will be painted to match and maintain the existing painted brick work. The internal walls will also be plaster and painted, same as the existing internal walls. The windows and doors will be custom made to fit in the existing window and door openings. New gutters, downpipes and facia boards will be installed. In addition, the municipality plans to provide additional associated infrastructure for the hall. This will include surfaced driveways, a parking area, water (domestic and fire service) and sewer lines, stormwater drainage infrastructure and electricity supply. A new guard house is proposed, to accommodate for a 24-hour security service. A new outdoor cook house is also proposed to allow people who rent the hall to have a dedicated area for cooking, outside of the main hall. A new refuse area will also be provided for the temporary storage of refuse. New Clearvu fencing and a gate will also be installed around the site.