The community of Bishop Lavis is celebrating the completion of a multi-year, R27 million investment that has transformed its local sports grounds into one of Cape Town’s most modern community facilities.
The final stage of the upgrade, officially handed over on 19 August by Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis and Councillor Francine Higham, delivered a brand-new 11-a-side synthetic soccer pitch and a family park. These additions crown three years of work that also included a new grassed athletics track, re-grassed cricket oval, resurfaced hardcourts, floodlights, fencing, parking, and a newly built access road.
Mayor Hill-Lewis hailed the project as an example of how infrastructure investment can change lives:
“It’s a joy to think about the opportunities these facilities will give Bishop Lavis’ youth to unlock their full potential. Families can now gather in a safe and beautiful space while young athletes take to the track, cricket oval, soccer pitch, or hardcourts. The sky truly is the limit.”
The Mayor emphasized that Cape Town’s record-setting infrastructure spend is designed to uplift those who need it most, with 75% of projects directly benefiting lower-income communities.
Councillor Higham, Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, added that the upgrade was completed in stages to ensure long-term impact:
“This has been a three-year journey, and it’s wonderful to see it all come together. Going forward, we are committed to many more upgrades across Cape Town’s communities as part of the City’s record infrastructure programme.”
The City has also urged residents to safeguard the facilities against vandalism and theft. Security upgrades, including fencing and lighting, have been installed, but officials stress that true protection lies in community ownership and care.
Looking Ahead: More Investments for Communities
The Bishop Lavis project is part of a much larger plan to improve community amenities across Cape Town. Over the next three years, the City will invest in:
R123 million for sports facilities capital upgrades
R66 million for recreation hubs and community halls
R171 million for parks and public spaces
Over R191 million in library upgrades, equipment, books, and subscriptions
Over R95 million for swimming pool operations and upgrades
These investments aim to expand access to safe, high-quality recreational spaces for all residents, strengthening communities and inspiring future generations.
