Blue Downs athletics stadium to be reopened after R30 million upgrade
After years of limited access to regulation-standard facilities, athletes and schools in Blue Downs are set to benefit from the reopening of the area’s athletics stadium following a R30 million upgrade by the City of Cape Town.
The stadium was officially reopened on 27 January by Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, alongside Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham, following a major refurbishment. The project forms part of a broader programme that has seen the City spend just over R60 million on upgrading both the Blue Downs and Wesfleur athletics stadia.
Speaking at the opening, Hill-Lewis said the City was eager to see the facility come back into use at a critical time in the sporting calendar. “We can’t wait for the athletes of the broader Blue Downs area to hit this tartan track running after this major R30m upgrade, just in time for athletics season,” he said.
The refurbishment included the complete replacement of the stadium’s tartan running track, along with upgrades to key field-event areas such as the steeplechase, long and triple jump sections, hammer throw cage and javelin area.
Improvements were also made to the wider stadium precinct, including upgrades to the grandstand, a re-grassed oval and additional tree planting.
When asked how schools and grassroots athletes would immediately benefit, the City said the improvements would ensure a regulation-standard venue suitable for training, inter-school competitions, and larger sanctioned athletics events.
“For the lower-income areas of Blue Downs and surrounds, this upgrade means priceless opportunities for schools, communities, and most importantly our talented young athletes to reach their full potential, backed by quality athletics facilities.”
According to the City, Blue Downs was identified as a priority site due to its location and its central role in serving local communities. In response to IOL queries on broader plans, the City confirmed that the stadium is one of several facilities being progressively upgraded to serve as regional recreation hubs across Cape Town, with additional improvements planned at other venues.
“These are facilities that play a critical role in keeping young people active, safe and off the streets,” said Higham. “When communities have access to quality sports infrastructure, young people gain structure, mentorship and a positive place to belong.”
She added that the success of the project depended not only on the City’s investment, but on community ownership. “This stadium belongs to the community and I call on residents to use it, respect it and protect it for generations to come,” Higham said.
The Blue Downs Athletics Stadium continues to support partnerships with organisations such as Western Province Athletics and the Western Cape Education Department, ensuring the venue is accessible to schools, organised sport and broader community users.
City officials say the long-term sustainability of the facility will be managed through ongoing maintenance and phased upgrades, rather than allowing infrastructure to deteriorate to the point of requiring large-scale refurbishments. Further improvements at Blue Downs are already being considered as part of its designation as a regional recreation hub.