A notorious battlefield for gangsters in Lavender Hill will soon be transformed into a R10 million youth centre.
The veldjie in Blode Street has been a killing field for skollies who endanger the lives of innocent residents.
Now after years of planning, community organisations in Lavender Hill have come together to form the Rise Above Development (RAD) umbrella body and secured international funds to assist them.
Director Mark Nicholson says the project dates back to 2003.
“That field has been the scene of dangerous gang fights as skollies open fire on each other,” he says.
“Six years ago former 28s gangster, Tuner Adams, was interviewed and asked what he believed the community needed and he said a youth centre.
“Along with Ralph Bouwers and other community workers we got together and formed RAD.
“Ruth Daniels of In Place of War did a short film and we were told that they would be investing R10 million.”
He says following negotiations with Mayor Dan Plato and the City of Cape Town, they officially signed an agreement on Friday to take over the land.
“We have a facilities management agreement for the next 10 years which will see us pay a menial fee to the City.
“Dan Plato and councillor Marita Petersen really did all they could to help us and now the hard work starts.”
Mark says while they won’t be able to construct a building on the site, they have a grand design which will use shipping containers.
“First we will start by erecting a fence and then we will transform containers into halls and offices.
“The design includes a music studio, internet cafe, soccer fields and netball fields.
“We are also creating changing rooms and other facilities.
“The vision is to create a recreational facility for our youth where they can prosper.
“Our plan is to include the community in the development so they take ownership of the facility. Work will start in the next two months.”
Petersen says she is glad at the progress.
“We want to have a sod turning ceremony where we explain to the community what the plans are.
“It is great to see the organisations in Lavender Hill coming together for this cause.”