- Mayor Hill-Lewis stated that restoring Bellville’s Velodrome stadium would cost R300 million, a figure the city cannot afford.
- The facility has been neglected for years, and although minor repairs were done, no major work has been planned.
- The future of the Velodrome remains uncertain as city officials weigh options.
Responding to pertinent questions posed by Subcouncil 14 in August regarding Bellville’s white elephant, Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis said an investment of R300 million to fully restore the Velodrome stadium is unfeasible.
In its heyday, the Velodrome was a popular spot for sporting events and concerts. But for years now, its hollow spaces echo nothingness, with many citing increasing security concerns.
“The cost to fully restore and manage the property is estimated at about R300 million. This is unaffordable and so decisions need to be made on what to do with this asset,” Hill-Lewis answered in response on Wednesday 30 October.
‘Lost, neglectful years’
Having featured in the news for over 15 years, PR councillor Anton Louw has brought the Velodrome back to the spotlight, stating: “The Bellville Velodrome stadium has been neglected for many years, with numerous issues left unaddressed.”
The Velodrome was neglected due to legal constraints after a failed sale by the Devmet Property Development group in 2009.
Louw pointed out that the City later earmarked R8,3 million to start restorations to the facility for the 2023-’24 financial year, with an additional R17,5 million allocated for 2024-’25.
“It is disheartening to note that despite these allocations, there is no evidence of any work being done at this world-class stadium.”
He also noted that the allocated R17,5 million for the financial year 2024-’25 is not reflected on the budget approved in May this year.
R3,3 million minor repairs
Hill-Lewis, however, confirmed that out of the R8,3 million budget provision, R3,3 million was spent on minor upgrades and improvements.
“These minor repairs and improvements were identified to be of critical need.”
Repairs included:
- Fire safety upgrades and emergency signage repairs;
- installation of a new generator on plinths to meet compliance for a Certificate of Occupancy (COC): R500 000;
- LED lighting installation across the Velodrome: R2 600 000;
- electrical cabling, plinth, and ducts: R80 000;
- professional services: R232 868.
The remaining R5 million of the original budget was reprioritised to other city projects, including upgrades to cemeteries and community swimming pools across Cape Town.
Still no future
“There are currently no further planned capital works at the Velodrome, due to further feasibility and technical studies that are required to inform the future of the facility, as well as legal advice regarding disposal processes of the City.”
The reason the R17,5 million is no longer reflected in the budget was due to too many uncertainties of the Velodrome’s feasibility going forward.
“There are currently no further planned capital works at the Velodrome, due to further feasibility and technical studies that are required to inform the future of the facility, as well as legal advice regarding disposal processes of the City.”
Once the outcome of these are known, Hill-Lewis added, any necessary planning approvals will be requested. If funding is approved, it will be prioritised within the department and requested through the City’s Strategic Management Framework (SMF) budget process
