Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie has publicly rejected the City of Cape Town’s proposed mixed-use development near Athlone Stadium, calling it a “nonsense idea” and urging the city to redirect housing plans to affluent suburbs like Constantia.

Responding to the city’s announcement via Facebook, McKenzie wrote: “We will never allow this, never ever. We have many open spaces in the suburbs, perfect spots for mixed housing. Forget this nonsense idea. We plan to attract big matches to Athlone, but how will that be possible without ample parking space? Use the space used by horses in Constantia.”

The city recently opened a formal public participation process, running until July 7, 2025, to gather comments on its proposal to dispose of a portion of the stadium’s parking area along Klipfontein Road for a phased mixed-use development.

The plans, led by the Economic Growth Directorate, include commercial and retail components aimed at revitalising the precinct.

In response to criticism, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, Alderman James Vos, clarified that the core stadium infrastructure will remain untouched.

“Athlone Stadium is not being taken away. In fact, quite the opposite is true,” said Vos.

“The city’s Economic Growth Directorate is inviting the public to comment on a proposal to make better use of a small section of the parking area facing Klipfontein Road. Not the field. Not the stands. Not the sporting facilities. This is about unlocking commercial potential in the surrounding area, bringing in businesses, shops, and economic opportunities that can uplift the community and support the stadium’s long-term success.”

Vos said the development is aimed at replicating the successful precinct model used at the DHL Stadium in Green Point, where the surrounding commercial activity supports match-day vibrancy.

“One of the biggest reasons people don’t attend events at Athlone is because the area around the stadium lacks supporting activity; there’s no broader precinct experience,” he said.

“We want to build a space where people don’t just come for a match and leave, they stay longer, support local enterprises, connect with others, and enjoy a safe, welcoming environment.”

Vos added that planned commercial opportunities would include retail outlets, call centres, gyms, and start-up hubs, designed to attract foot traffic even when the stadium is not in use. Revenue from any land disposal would be reinvested in the stadium, where upgrades to the pitch and infrastructure are already under way.

“Athlone continues to host high-profile sporting and cultural events, including PSL matches, the Bayhill Premier Cup, and regional derbies. This proposal is about unlocking the full potential of the stadium precinct, with sport remaining at its heart.”

Public reaction to McKenzie’s comments has been mixed, with some siding with the city, while others raised concerns over parking constraints during major events.

Mongezi Msuthu wrote: “I like your ideas Minister, but this time I am siding with the City. I understand your point, it is valid. Reading the article from the City, and I extract, ‘the development concept will be designed to retain and enhance parking and transport functionality, thereby supporting the stadium’s optimal operation and accessibility during events and peak usage periods.’ If it is true that they will do that, then let them go for it. Business opportunities, job creation, plus the parking will be enhanced, not completely destroyed.”

Grant Moses added: “There’s hardly enough parking as is once big teams play… I live by the stadium, so I can see people parking at the Joseph Stone and across the road from the Engen garage, right down to McDonald’s.”

Others defended the broader goals of the development.

Lemarche Grobbelaar commented: “If it benefits the people and economic growth, why have an issue? The City is doing well when it comes to these two issues and putting SA on the map even before you. So focus on sports and the promises you made to the people, pools are still an issue, sports fields, arts, and recreation.”

Thabo Fazzio Mokapela questioned the minister’s reasoning. “How many Big Matches are we expecting annually, and how many do you suppose we’ll have over your period as a minister, and how many over the next decade? I’m asking because stadiums are mostly idle for most of the year and make no money until a Big game comes through. What is proposed here seems to be mixed-use development, which will bring much more economic activity than when it’s just the stadium alone.”

Niel van Deventer concluded: “So Minister McKenzie, start bringing in the matches and show them it’s not a white elephant. The Minister of Sport is far more than riding on the success of national teams. It’s more about creating opportunities at the grassroots level for future success. Show us what you are doing in this space.”

The city confirmed that it is still in the formal comment phase and encouraged residents, community groups, and stakeholders to contribute to shaping the vision. Comments can be submitted until July 7, 2025.

mandilakhe.tshwete@inl.co.za 

Source link