The derelict clubhouse and change rooms at the Woodlands Sports Complex were demolished last month — nearly a year after a local councillor first moved for the structure to be torn down.

The demolition brings to an end a process that began on 20 June last year, when Ward 43 councillor Joan Woodman submitted a formal motion calling for the building to be removed.

Nearly a year in the making

Subcouncil 17 chairperson Elton Jansen acknowledged Councillor Woodman’s role in bringing the project to fruition, crediting her sustained engagement with Recreation and Parks officials over the course of nearly a year.

Jansen noted that councillors are required to work through formal administrative processes — including requests for quotation (RFQs) and purchase orders — and are not permitted to interfere directly in administration. Their role, he said, is to advocate.

At the 15 June meeting, he encouraged his fellow councillors not to give up when departments push back, describing this case as proof that persistence pays off.

How the demolition was carried out

According to the Subcouncil 17 agenda, the project was overseen by Project Manager Melford Planga and Subcouncil Manager Goodman Rorwana. The demolition team comprised three local labourers and one Community Liaison Officer (CLO).

The structure — also referred to as the Woodlands Sports Field clubhouse — had long been regarded as unsafe and in a state of disrepair.

Community welcomes the news

Michael Jacobs, chairperson of the Lentegeur Community Police Forum (CPF), welcomed the outcome.

“As the Lentegeur CPF, we welcome the long overdue demolition of that unsafe and dilapidated structure on the Woodlands Sports Field and it will really bring peace of mind to the surrounding community,” Jacobs said.