Renovations of Durban City Hall Auditorium cost city R29.8 million

The Durban City Hall Auditorium renovations are set to cost the eThekwini Municipality R29.8 million, with completion expected by June 2028. The 115-year-old building required repairs due to ceiling collapse and storm damage from the 2022 storm. The project began in March 2024.

The renovations, which conform to heritage compliance, building regulations, fire protection compliance, and integrate with the AMAFA heritage sphere, have faced delays. These include poor contractor performance, leading to the termination of the initial contractor in March 2026. Councillor Samier Singh questioned the renovation delays and questioned the annual cost of hiring alternative council venues.

The municipality noted that the Durban City Hall had been unavailable for council meetings since before the Covid-19 pandemic and provided a breakdown of expenses for hiring the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (ICC) and other external locations.

The renovations are carried out in four phases:

1. Phase 1 involves the removal and replacement of the damaged auditorium roof and roof purlins, painting throughout ancillary spaces, and has already been completed.

2. Phase 2A includes the removal and replacement of the damaged lower roof, installation of gutters, downpipes, and lighting protection. This phase is expected to be finished by the end of August 2026.

3. Phase 2A(ii) focuses on heritage compliance and building regulation compliance works, including fire protection system installation, electrical and electronic installation, ICT network and various building refurbishments.

4. Phase 2B encompasses heritage compliance and building regulation compliance, replacement of the main hall/auditorium ceiling, replacement of sprung timber floors, wall finishes, and ancillary electrical works.

The delayed project is partly attributed to the use of a safety net below the ceiling, which was abandoned in favor of replacing the existing failing auditorium ceiling with a new one. During renovations, unforeseen issues, such as decayed timber flooring on the auditorium's first and second floors, arose, leading to additional time and scope.

The municipality stated that while they do not incur a net financial loss by using the ICC, they anticipate income generation through auditorium hall hire and other socio-economic benefits for the city. They are also procuring new contractors to handle the complex work related to the City Hall Auditorium renovations.