Solomon Mahlangu Square

PROJECT BACKGROUND

The project was conceived as an Urban Park for the Township of Mamelodi located in Pretoria-East. Ikemeleng Architects was appointed as the lead consultant on the back of their experience and track record of Urban Parks within Johannesburg. The project also aimed at celebrating the life of Solomon Mahlangu, Anti-Apartheid-activist who was executed.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

From the onset it was clear from the inventory of land and the location thereof this project could and should become more than just an Urban Park. In line with National Treasury’s vision for the future of established Townships the project lend itself to giving an institutional urban “heart” to Mamelodi.
The project was re-presented to Treasury and agreement was reached that the project should actually become the Civic Heart of Mamelodi, bringing services and opportunities to the Township. The project brief was updated to include a Museum looking not only Solomon Mhlangu’s contribution but also at the Township’s role in the struggle, a Public Library, a Community Theatre aimed at growing and developing a theatre-going public in Mamelodi, as well as the re-housing of an existing Art School located in an existing building on the site.

The Park was completed in 2017 and work on the rest of the Precinct is set to continue in 2020. All the buildings have been designed and submitted for Council Approval.