The City of Cape Town’s plan to redevelop a section of the Athlone Stadium — specifically the overflow parking area located alongside Klipfontein Road — into a mixed-use development has drawn criticism from some local stakeholders, who argue it could negatively impact the stadium’s functionality and long-term future.
According to the City, the goal of the proposed development is to transform a portion of the stadium into an economically viable attraction that would benefit the surrounding community. Officials have cited international benchmarks and the development of the Green Point Stadium precinct as examples of what they hope to achieve.
However, the South African Football Association (SAFA) has pushed back against the proposal. The organization argued that repurposing the parking space could harm the stadium’s operational capacity and reputation.
“When they remove that parking area, it brings a challenge to the grading of events because parking is an integral part of your grading system, and we will not allow it to happen,” said SAFA Vice President Bennet Bailey.
Bailey further argued that the city should prioritize completing upgrades to the existing stadium infrastructure rather than embarking on new development projects.
“We say that instead of using all this energy in doing this, why not just complete the last part of Athlone Stadium, the north and the south wing? Go and complete that because while you have energy, use it productively,” he added.
Alderman James Vos, mayoral committee member for economic growth, has responded with the following statement : CoCT Statement
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