The condemned Southernwood block of flats Skyways is being renovated at a cost of R21 million.

Contractors are due to start renovations in March.

The massive project to renovate the dilapidated 14-storey building in St George's Road, once a crime haven, was announced at the weekend by Buffalo City mayor Sindisile Maclean.

Skyways and the neighbouring Rose Gardens are being renovated by the Own Haven Housing Association (OHHA), a Dutch-sponsored social housing entity.

At a sod-turning ceremony at the weekend Maclean thanked the OHHA for bringing a "fresh breath of air" to a suburb that was in great need of rejuvenation.

He said the restoration of Skyways would send out a powerful message of renewal in East London and would also underline the city's success as one of the leading award-winning cities in social housing.

"I believe Southernwod has the potential to become a model suburb," Maclean said.

During a tour of Skyways in October last year, Maclean had expressed shock at the dilapidated state of the building. The lifts didn't work, there was no water and the building had been badly vandalised. The building was condemned last year in terms of health and safety regulations.

At the weekend, OHHA managing director Andrew Wiseman said the refurbishing of Skyways and Rose Gardens - correctly known as the St George's Gardens complex - was viewed as an initial step in the urban renewal of Southernwood.

Wiseman said the company had secured Maclean's support and was committed to rebuilding the complex to create a quality and secure living environment.

The restoration was agreed in principle in December between Buffalo City and the Netherlands-based Van der Leij housing group, for which Wiseman is the local representative.

The renovated complex will have 14 two-bedroomed and 89 three-bedroom rental apartments with modern, open-plan kitchens and lounge areas leading onto balconies.

Entry into the complex will be controlled through a single point access, perimeter fencing and 24-hour security personnel.

Wiseman said the project also included plans for a day-care centre, laundromat, community hall and other amenities.

"We want to create a convenient living environment for the tenants," said Wiseman.

The total cost of the project will be met primarily by the National Housing Finance Corporation.

Daily Dispatch