The City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee has ignited mixed reactions with its recent decision to approve a significant private sector upgrade of the Bellville Athletics Track and Velodrome, a plan that will see the longstanding sports facility transformed into a premier events hub, Cape {town} Etc reports.
Following the recommendation, the proposal is now set for final approval by the City Council, signalling a potential major shift for both local athletes and the surrounding economic landscape.
Residents petition to save Bellville Velodrome from redevelopment
At the heart of the proposal is a commitment to maintaining public access to the athletics track while upgrading facilities to meet international standards. The successful bidder from a 2009 tender will lease the athletic precinct from the City for an initial period of 50 years, with a potential 10-year renewal option.
The upgrade promises to feature a world-class, multi-purpose indoor arena with seating for 14,000 to 18,000 spectators, competition-compliant athletics surfaces, and improved accessibility for spectators.
Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis heralded the move as a ‘win-win scenario’, asserting that municipal funding could never achieve the same breadth of benefits.
‘With a development partner investing hundreds of millions of private sector funding, the upgraded precinct will be well-maintained into the future for athletes, schools, and residents,’ he said, highlighting the anticipated enhancements for local communities through upgraded sporting facilities across the city.
However, not everyone embraces the announcement. Wesley Neumann, a councillor from the GOOD party, describes the decision as a ‘betrayal’ of the cycling community and a deviation from the original tenancy secured for the velodrome following a protracted legal dispute.
‘The announcement exposes empty promises and disingenuous behaviour from the DA regarding public assets like the Velodrome,’ Neumann stated, calling for an investigation into the legality and governance of the Council’s process.
Despite assurances of continued public access, there remains apprehension about the velodrome’s future. Brian Records, chairperson of the Bellville Athletics Club, expressed both hope and concern.
He welcomed the public use of the athletics track but lamented the potential loss of cycling accommodation, stating that recent championship events reflected the velodrome’s importance to the cycling community.
The criticism comes on the heels of historical challenges faced by the project, including a court ruling that previously declared the original lease void.
Despite hiccups and challenges, the Mayoral Committee believes this development will unlock the full potential of the velodrome and catalyse economic growth within the Bellville central business district and beyond.
Alderman James Vos, a member of the Mayoral Committee, reiterated the transformative potential of the partnership, aiming to stimulate local economies while simultaneously preserving public ownership.
‘This is how we approach the smart optimisation of the City’s asset portfolio,’ he stated
The upgrade will entwine recreational objectives with economic aspirations as the City of Cape Town progresses in fulfilling its competitive ambitions for sporting facilities, supporting local clubs, schools, and community athletics programmes.
They plan to upgrade six regional recreational hubs and invest significantly in new athletics facilities in areas like Westridge, further underlining the city’s commitment to elevating sport while addressing public concerns.
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Residents petition to save Bellville Velodrome from redevelopment
Picture: Change.org
