UPGRADING OF THE ATHENAEUM

The MBDA is spending over R3 million on renovations to the Athenaeum Building in Belmont Terrace, converting it back to its former glory and hoping to develop it as an arts and crafts hub that will be used 7 days a week, attracting residents and tourists to it and to the surrounding areas. Like each of the Agency's projects, it's also part of the inner city upgrading that covers Govan Mbeki Avenue, Parliament Street, the redevelopment of the Donkin, etc. and all is aimed at drawing residents and tourists back into the heart of the city.

The idea of the arts and crafts hub is that there could be drama and theatre on the go there as well as exhibitions of art works. Workshops are to be held so that visitors can watch and see the operating side of art development.

Plans for the redevelopment of the Athenaeum also include the introduction of a restaurant that would serve food all day as well as before and after theatre shows staged in The Little Theatre.