Nigel Town Hall crumbles as restoration calls go unanswered

The Citizen

19-05-2025

The current state of the Nigel Town Hall is beyond shocking.
This is the finding during an oversight visit done on May 13 by DA Ward 88 Clr Wollaston Labuschagne, accompanied by the HERAUT.
Once a proud landmark of civic engagement and community gatherings, the Nigel Town Hall now stands as a silent monument to neglect.
Since 2011, its doors have remained closed to the public, its halls empty of lively discussions and cultural events. In their place, a new kind of resident has moved in, the pigeons, who have claimed the vast structure as their own.
Dust-covered floors, peeling paint, and broken windows tell the story of a facility left to time, with no sign of restoration efforts on the horizon. What was once the beating heart of local administration and celebration has become a forgotten relic, its architectural grandeur now overshadowed by decay.
The main hall can accommodate 600 guests, the side hall 250 guests and a further 150 guests on the gallery.
'This is one of the biggest town halls in Ekurhuleni and it is both sad and frustrating that it is not maintained or in use,' said Labuschagne.
Residents of Nigel recall a time when the town hall was a hub of activity, hosting weddings, performances, and municipal meetings. Today, however, it is regarded with a mix of nostalgia and frustration.
'It's heartbreaking to see it like this. It used to be such a beautiful place, full of life. Now, it is nothing more than a shelter for birds,' Labuschagne added.
Despite repeated calls for intervention and maintenance, there has been little movement from local authorities. Concerns mount over structural integrity and safety, with fears that continued exposure to the elements will lead to irreversible damage.
According to Labuschagne, the town hall is a facility that can generate an income due its size but has not been in use since 2011 and is in desperate need of maintenance.
Most copper items have been stolen like door handles, the edging and footrest of the bar and the signage letters. Gutters are blocked, the roof is leaking, ceilings are collapsing and the pigeons are nesting and messing everywhere.
'The maintenance of the town hall was part of the proposed Ward 88 Nigel Integrated Development Plan (IDP) priorities submitted to the City of Ekurhuleni budget for 2025/2026, however, none of the IDP priorities for Nigel Ward 88 have been accommodated,' Labuschagne said, adding that he will continue his efforts for a budget allocation to restore the town hall to its former glory.
'For now, the Nigel Town Hall remains a silent witness to the general decay of state owned buildings in Ekurhuleni,' said Labuschagne.
The HERAUT requested comment from the metro, but none had been received at the time of publication.
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