'BUILD IN CONSTANTIA, NOT ATHLONE STADIUM'

McKenzie slams redevelopment plans

- MANDILAKHE TSHWETE and GENEVIEVE SERRA

THE City of Cape Town is finding itself at a crossroads as the contentious mixed-use development plan for the Athlone Stadium draws mixed reactions from residents.

This week, a pivotal meeting has been scheduled, allowing locals to voice their opinions and concerns regarding the proposed redevelopment.

Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has publicly rejected the City's proposed development, calling it a “nonsense idea” and urging the City to redirect housing plans to affluent suburbs like Constantia.

Responding to the City’s announcement via Facebook, McKenzie wrote: “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 recently opened a formal public participation process, running until July 7, to gather comments on the proposal to dispose of a portion of the stadium's parking area along Klipfontein Road for a phased mixed-use development.

The plans, led by the Economic Growth Directorate, include commercial and retail components aimed at revitalising the precinct.

In response to criticism, mayco member for Economic Growth, James Vos, clarified that the core stadium infrastructure will remain untouched.