Debate heats up over Athlone Stadium parking lot redevelopment

ATHLONE residents are expected to make their position known when they host a community meeting on the City’s plan for mixed-use development on part of Athlone Stadium’s parking area. 

The proposed development has been met with mixed reaction, especially after  Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie said they planned to oppose plans and told the City to consider the development for places such as Constantia. 

“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 has invited the public to comment on its proposal to dispose of a portion of the Athlone Stadium parking area, located along Klipfontein Road. 

The land is planned to be sold through an auction. 

“The site has been identified as surplus to core municipal service requirements, creating an opportunity for strategic redevelopment. Its transformation aligns with the City’s commitment to responsible asset management and strategic urban development. The primary rationale behind the proposed disposal is to unlock its potential in support of optimising the Athlone Stadium precinct, while also stimulating economic growth and fostering social development.

"The proposed mixed-use development, which aims to incorporate ancillary retail and commercial components, is expected to stimulate economic activity, create employment opportunities, and enhance socio-economic development within the district. It is important for the public to have their say on this proposal,’ said  economic growth mayco member James Vos.

Resident Amina Rajap said there was a  need for more development in the ward but residents needed to have a say.  

“International events will only be now and then but there is going to be something (if there is a development). I always talk about community colleges for our school dropouts. The nearest one to Athlone is in Elsiesrivier, so for me something like that would be more beneficial. They will be having a meeting on the 7th, where people can come and give their views whether they want it or not.”

Community members are also hosting a meeting on Wednesday to discuss the issue. 

 "The City has started a process to sell off a portion of the Athlone Stadium parking area which is part of a broader strategy by the CoCT to remove other sports and recreational facilities within our Athlone community. Let us come together and unite against this attack against our community sports and recreational facilities,” posters read.

Save our Sacred Lands convenor Tauriq Jenkins said: “ “In this case what we should pay attention to is the City has gone on to achieve the rezoning aspects prior to its actual selling of the land. To whom is the City planning on selling this? It's going to be an auction so this is a question to keep in the back of our minds.

"We need to have a situation where the people reclaim the mandate, the City is merely the custodian of land, an independent civic based entity in collaboration with the City that decides, at the moment the decision making is completely unilateral.  We often are just surprised, they need to invert that process and open it up.”

Cape Tiimes