The Youth Centre, a multipurpose sports facility, emerged as a vital component of a comprehensive business plan developed in 2007 with significant community input. Spearheaded by Mayor Nceba Faku, the initiative included the establishment of a community park, the new Advice Centre library, the upgrade of Fountain Road—including a new intersection at Heugh Road—and the construction of the Youth Centre.
Facility Features:
- Multipurpose Sports Hall: The heart of the Youth Centre is a large sports hall equipped for basketball, netball, and volleyball, featuring spectator seating for events.
- Service Kitchen and Storage: Located beneath the terraced seating, the kitchen supports various events and activities held at the Centre.
- Additional Activity Spaces: A smaller hall for various activities, a spacious foyer, and an elevated stage at the northern end enhance the facility’s versatility. Backstage access includes change and ablution facilities for two sports teams.
- Public Amenities: The southern end of the building includes public ablution facilities, with provisions for disabled access.
- Office Space: The upper level contains a small suite of offices and a boardroom for administrative functions and meetings.
Access and Landscaping
A generous red brick-paved path from Fountain Road guides users through the facility, leading to an open grassed area behind the Centre, which features an outdoor gymnasium for community fitness activities.
Sustainable Design Elements
- Green Ventilation System: The Youth Centre incorporates a passive and functional ‘green ventilation’ system designed to provide cool, fresh air to both the main and secondary halls. This system features air intakes designed as galvanized bollards, which feed fresh air through 160mm diameter pipes located 1.2 meters under the floor. This cooling mechanism discharges air through louvered inlets at the base of the seating, enhancing comfort during use. The movement of air is further supported by rotating ‘Windmaster’ turbines installed on the roof.
- Rainwater Harvesting: The facility is equipped to harvest rainwater from the roof, which is stored in tanks located at the four corners of the roof. This harvested rainwater is utilized for flushing toilets, while showers and basins use municipal water supply.
The Youth Centre serves as a significant community asset, promoting active lifestyles, fostering social interaction, and contributing to the overall well-being of residents in the Nelson Mandela Bay area. Its design emphasizes sustainability, versatility, and accessibility, aligning with the goals of the broader development plan initiated by Mayor Faku.
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