The City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee has approved a major private sector upgrade for the Bellville Athletics Track and Velodrome, clearing the way for a public-private partnership to transform the 11.47-hectare site into a premier sporting and economic hub.
The recommendation will now go to City Council for final approval. Under the proposal, the City will lease the athletics track and Velodrome to the successful bidder selected through a 2009 tender on a long-term basis, with the developer responsible for upgrading the facilities and their continued operation as event venues.
The upgrade will create a world-class, multi-purpose indoor arena with a seating capacity of approximately 14 000 to 18 000 spectators, alongside a modern, competition-compliant athletics surface with improved spectator facilities and accessibility.
READ ALSO: Community fights Velodrome plans
“After years of careful work and negotiation, the City has finally reached a deal that will upgrade the Bellville athletics track and retain it as a public facility, while also upgrading the Velodrome into a world-class concert and events space,” said Mayor Hill-Lewis.
He emphasised that with private sector investment of hundreds of millions, the upgraded precinct would be well-maintained for athletes, schools, and residents—something the City could never have achieved with municipal funding alone.
50-year lease agreement
The lease runs for an initial 50 years with a conditional 10-year renewal option. Public access and continued public ownership remain fundamental to the transaction structure.
The developer will also purchase identified vacant plots for mixed-use development surrounding the Velodrome and athletics track, including retail, commercial and residential opportunities.
James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, said the development would unlock the Velodrome’s full potential while generating significant economic benefits for the Bellville CBD and the broader N1 economic corridor.
The development follows a complex legal journey. Council originally awarded Tender 22Q/2008/09 to the successful bidder in 2009, but the first set of agreements was later set aside in arbitration after challenges arising from the Covid-19 lockdown.
Recent negotiations have now resulted in new contracts with necessary technical amendments while fully complying with the City’s legal obligations and supply chain management regulations.
Broader athletics facility upgrades
The Bellville upgrade forms part of wider plans to improve athletics facilities across Cape Town. Following a 2021 athletics study, the City aims to upgrade six Regional Recreational Hubs and build a new facility in Westridge, Mitchells Plain.
Planned upgrades include Vygieskraal Stadium in Athlone, Mandela Park in Khayelitsha, and Jan Burger in Parow. Upgrades worth over R60 million have already been completed at Wesfleur Sports Ground and Blue Downs Stadium.
Councillor Francine Higham, Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, confirmed that Jan Burger would receive an estimated R60 million track and spectator stand upgrade, followed by a phased multi-purpose centre development costing approximately R80 million.
Whilst the existing cycling track cannot be retained as part of the Velodrome redevelopment, the City plans to upgrade Vygieskraal Stadium as a central cycling hub, with a R20 million upgrade planned for 2026/27.
READ ALSO: Bellville Velodrome: Deal falls through after long court battle
