The City of Cape Town’s Recreation and Parks Department is making significant strides in a R77 million refurbishment programme aimed at revitalising key athletics stadiums across the metro. The upgrades at Wesfleur Stadium in Atlantis, Blue Downs Stadium, and Vygieskraal Stadium in Athlone mark a major investment in community sports infrastructure.
A major milestone has already been reached at Vygieskraal Athletics Stadium in Athlone, where extensive upgrades have been completed. These include brand-new floodlighting, roofing repairs valued at nearly R1 million, and the restoration of both the shot put and long jump areas. Visitors can now also enjoy enhanced spectator seating, while the stadium’s plumbing and electrical systems have undergone major improvements. Work on the effluent line continues as part of routine maintenance.
The neighbouring rugby facility has also benefitted, with newly completed fencing and parking upgrades. Additional lighting is scheduled for installation in the new financial year.
“These milestones demonstrate the City’s commitment to delivering quality public sporting infrastructure,” said Councillor Francine Higham, Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health. “By investing in these facilities, we are ensuring athletes of all ages and abilities have access to safe, welcoming, and well-equipped spaces to train and compete. This is about creating lasting value and encouraging a healthier, more active lifestyle for our residents.”
Meanwhile, refurbishments at Wesfleur Athletics Track in Atlantis and Blue Downs Athletics Track are still underway, with completion expected ahead of the upcoming athletics season. The City has earmarked approximately R60 million for the reinstatement of the tracks at both facilities.
These upgrades form part of a broader, citywide athletics infrastructure strategy informed by the 2021 Athletics Study, which aims to improve access and ensure that facilities meet SASREA compliance standards for safety and usability. The long-term goal is to deliver safer, accessible, and graded facilities that meet national and international standards, expanding sporting opportunities across Cape Town’s communities.
