City ramps up R77 million refurbishment of key athletics stadiums

28 June 2025

The City’s Recreation and Parks Department is making significant progress on refurbishments at key athletics facilities – Wesfleur Stadium in Atlantis, Blue Downs Stadium and Vygieskraal Stadium in Athlone – marking exciting milestones in the multi-million-rand refurbishment programme aimed at revitalising community sports infrastructure.

The City has completed a major refurbishment at Vygieskraal Athletics Stadium in Athlone, including the installation of brand-new floodlighting, roofing repairs valued at nearly R1 million, and the restoration of the shot put and long jump areas.

Plumbing and electrical systems have also been improved, while new spectator seating will enhance the visitor experience. Further upgrades include ongoing work on the effluent line as part of scheduled maintenance.

These works are part of a wider investment intended to improve the stadium's functionality. The adjacent rugby facility has also seen upgrades, with parking and fencing projects completed during the current financial year. Additional lighting will be installed in the new financial year.

‘These milestones demonstrate the City’s commitment to quality public sporting infrastructure. By investing in these upgrades, we’re ensuring that athletes of all ages and abilities have safe, welcoming, and well-equipped spaces to train and compete. It will ensure our sport facilities offer safe, quality spaces for communities. By continuing to invest in these refurbishments, we are creating lasting value and supporting a healthier lifestyle for residents,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham.

Work on the Wesfleur Athletics Track in Atlantis and the Blue Downs Athletics Track is still in progress and is expected to be completed before the upcoming athletics season. The total investment in the reinstatement of athletics tracks at both of these facilities is approximately R60 million.

The athletics refurbishments are part of a strategic citywide programme guided by a 2021 Athletics Study, with the goal of achieving SASREA compliance and expanding access to facilities across Cape Town. The objective is to secure SASREA grading and ensure safer, more accessible facilities across Cape Town.

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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office