Online Reporter
Online Reporter
THE Bulawayo City Council (BCC) is set to renew the lease for Stand Number 18796 BT in Hume Park to Entertainment Headquarters for a further five years, paving the way for continued development of a proposed social and recreational facility in the suburb.
The proposal was presented in a report by the Director of Town Planning on March 5, 2026, following an application by Entertainment Headquarters dated January 12, 2026, seeking renewal of the lease agreement for the property.
Entertainment Headquarters has been leasing the stand for the development of a social club incorporating complementary facilities such as a soccer field, conference hall, five-star children’s entertainment centre, bar and kitchen.
Council first resolved in September 2014 to lease the stand to the company for an initial five-year period, subject to review. In August 2020, the lease was renewed for another five years, with the agreement signed in November that year. The lease has since expired.
In its application for renewal, Entertainment Headquarters said it had continued to invest in the property despite setbacks caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The company said it had secured approval for construction plans, with building works currently at window level, purchased palisade fencing scheduled for delivery and installation in February, drilled a borehole on site, and kept rental payments up to date.
The company also requested a 10-year lease renewal with an option to purchase the stand on negotiated terms, citing the value already added to the property and its commitment to contributing to the local economy.
“We are committed to continue the development and eager to start operating from these premises. Our plans reflect our commitment to developing infrastructure that benefits the community and ultimately contribute to the local economy.
We propose a lease renewal for 10 years with an option to purchase on negotiated terms considering the value we have added. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the city council,” reads a letter from the company.
The application was circulated to various council departments for comment.
The Town Planning Department’s Spatial Planning Branch indicated it had no objections to the lease renewal, provided all lease conditions had been met and other departments were agreeable.
The Valuation and Estates Branch recommended that the lease be renewed for a further five years, subject to review, at a monthly rental of US$210 excluding VAT, with the amount subject to periodic review at the discretion of council.
The branch further advised that the lease renewal be made in terms of Section 152(5) of the Urban Councils Act [Chapter 29:15], with all applicable regulations to be observed.
Council records show that as of January 5, 2026, the property account had an outstanding balance of US$145.09, which must be cleared before a new lease agreement is signed.
