Giving the highlight of the project, Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Mr. Ade Akinsanya, an engineer, stated that the once mono-used facility is now to accommodate an exhibition hall where artifacts would be on display; a 114.48 square metres Multi-purpose hall; a Library; Orientation/Learning spaces; Gift Shop and a lounge.
Besides, the centre was designed to have Concession block A and B, where Restaurant, fitted with kitchen sit-outs, the store would be available. There is also to be a Tennis Court and a Car Park.
According to Akinsanya, there is going to be swimming pool/Pavilion with its ancillary features that include elevated seating platform; Services Block and Water Fountain.
The objective of the project, he said, is to create visitors’ attraction and culture centre that communicates history and culture of the Yoruba people “in order to preserve/showcase our rich cultural and historical heritage”, said Akinsanya, who also stated that the project is to satisfy the long desire was designed for Lagos residents as a public place of relaxation and exploration.
“It’s also meant to execute the Eko Generation Park master plan, which serves as a catalyst for the rest of regeneration of Lagos Island, restoring it’s it to its former glory and serving as a tourist attraction for foreigners”.
Stating the anticipated benefits of the project, the Commissioner listed the following: The delivery of a world-class exhibition and historical centre at Onikan; provision of public swimming and Tennis Court facilities for recreational and competitive use; Create public outdoor landscape area for promotion of civic engagement and outdoor pursuits.
Other benefits are the improvement of tourism and cultural activities in Lagos Island alongside the National Museum; improve the economic income generation as a result of high human traffic to the area and to serve as a catalyst for the urban regeneration of Lagos Island through the execution of the Eko Regeneration Master Plan, among others.
Earlier, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode in his speech while emphasising the importance of the project, noted that Lagos is a critical and important hub, not just in Nigeria, but in the continent of Africa.
“The realization of J.K Randle redevelopment and eventual execution of the Eko Park, the upgrading of the Onikan Stadium, the mounting of 55 feet Eyo Statue, upgrading of the Lagos Museum and the upgrading of the former State House in Marina will serve as catalyst for the rest of the regeneration of Lagos Island, restoring it to its former glory, while reinforcing this great city’s position as one of the world’s most vibrant, cosmopolitan and exciting places to experience,” he said.
According to Ambode, in order to preserve the origin of the progenitor of the project, it will still be called the “J K Randle Centre”, as he thanked the trustees of the Centre for their support in lifting it back to its former place.
The Governor promised to deliver the multi-layer car park at Onikan by May 2017, while the popular Onikan Stadium which is under redevelopment and upgrading to a 5,000 seating capacity is to be delivered by December.
He furthered appreciated the efforts and the support the JK Randle Centre trustees and the family, promising that the Centre will add value to the tourism potential of the Island and the State in general in commemoration of what the late sage stood for in his lifetime.
“JK Randle was a sportsman, a founder and later President of Island Club Lagos, the Late Lisa of Lagos, who died at a young age was quintessential of a leader”, Ambode remarked.
He also promised that the site would be a Training Centre for over 200 artisans that would learn directly from the experience of the contractor and become employable in the nearest future.
and then