Cape Town: The iconic Vygieskraal Stadium in Athlone is gearing up for an exciting new chapter. It plans to reinstate its cycling track that is included in the City’s draft 2026-27 budget. This marks a major step towards restoring a once-loved sporting feature.
For decades, Vygieskraal has been a cornerstone of community sport in Cape Town. It hosted generations of athletes since the athletics track was first laid in the late 1970s, followed by the stadium’s construction in the early 1980s.
In recent years, the Recreation and Parks Department has invested just under R7.5 million on refurbishing the venue. Till date, the work includes upgradation of the rugby field parking area and fencing, brand new flood-lighting, roofing repairs and the restoration of the shot put and long jump areas. Plumbing and electrical systems have also been improved, along with new spectator seating.
The focus has turned to a long-anticipated milestone that has brought cycling back to Vygieskraal. The cycling track was de-commissioned with palm trees installed and is set to be fully reinstated. The palm trees visible onsite will be carefully relocated around the precinct upon the reconstruction of the cycling track.
The project is in the detailed design phase that includes finalising cost estimates and a budget of R20 million that has been proposed for the work to take place in the 2026-27 financial year.
Considering this, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Services and Health – Councillor Francine Higham stated that they are not just rebuilding a track, they are restoring a space for opportunity, talent and community pride. This investment forms part of a broader plan to strengthen and expand access to sports across the city.
As they move into the next phase, they will also be engaging with both the athletics and cycling fraternities to make sure that this facility meets their needs and that it is safe and accessible for the long term. This all is about investing for all the residents of Cape Town, such as:
- investing in sports
- investing in communities
- investing in opportunities
In this financial year, the City of Cape Town has completed major upgrades at several recreational facilities, that includes:
- Wesfleur Athletics Stadium Refurbishment
- Blue Downs Athletics Stadium Refurbishment
- Manenberg ‘The Greens’ Sports Ground Upgrade
- Fisantekraal Sports Ground
- Bishop Lavis Sports Ground
The Vygieskraal upgrade is a multi-year project and is one of the several planned to continue developing community access to quality sporting and recreational facilities.