COMMUNITY DIVIDED OVER HERZLIA SPORTS FIELD ACCESS

Residents split on field use plans

- MURRAY SWART

THE future of the Herzlia sports ground in Vredehoek now hangs in the balance after the City of Cape Town received about 850 public submissions on proposed lease amendments, highlighting differing views over how the space should be used.

The public participation process, which closed on Friday, drew significant engagement from residents, sports groups and other stakeholders, placing pressure on the City to balance competing interests around access, safety and sustainability.

"The City has received approximately 850 comments on the proposed amendments to date," said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham.

"While this level of public engagement is welcomed, it is important to note that decisions are not based on the number of comments for or against a proposal. Rather, each submission is carefully considered on its merits."

At the centre of the dispute is a proposal to amend the lease agreement for the City-owned sports field at 12 Capel Road, which could remove clauses allowing unrestricted public access and guaranteed third-party use.