Cape Town: The Wesfleur and Blue Downs Athletics Tracks have undergone extensive upgrades. These facilities aim to be in the starting blocks for the 2026 athletics season.
With an investment of around R60 million by the City of Cape Town the tracks have received a significant upgrade. It aims for SASREA compliance and better facilities for all ages by the 2026 season. It will also boost local training and competitions.
These refurbishments are part of a city-wide plan, modernise the venues to meet high standards, making them hubs for community sports and events, with positive feedback already showing increased participation.
Major refurbishment at Vygieskraal Athletics Stadium in Athlone, including the installation of brand-new floodlighting, roofing repairs valued at nearly R1 million, and the restoration of the shot put and long jump areas are completed. Plumbing and electrical systems have also been improved, while new spectator seating will enhance the visitor experience.
Furthermore, the upgrades at Vygieskraal include ongoing work on the effluent line as part of scheduled maintenance. The works are part of a wider investment intended to improve the functionality of the stadium.
Vygieskraal’s adjacent rugby facility has also seen upgrades, with parking and fencing projects completed during the current financial year. Additional lighting will be installed in the new financial year.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Services and Health – Councillor Francine Higham said that these milestones demonstrate the commitment of the city to quality public sporting infrastructure.
By investing in these upgrades, they are ensuring that athletes of all ages and abilities have safe, welcoming, and well-equipped spaces to train and compete. It will ensure the sports facilities offer safe, quality spaces for communities. By continuing to invest in these refurbishments, they are creating lasting value and supporting a healthier lifestyle for the residents.
The total investment in the reinstatement of athletics tracks at Wesfleur and Blue Downs is approximately R60 million.
Notably, the athletics refurbishments are part of a strategic citywide programme guided by a 2021 Athletics Study, with the goal of achieving SASREA compliance and expanding access to facilities across Cape Town. The objective is to secure SASREA grading and ensure safer, more accessible facilities across Cape Town.
Recently, a video was released by the City of Cape Town that officially talks about the advancements in the project. In the video Councillor Francine Higham said that they are so thrilled to announce that the refurbishments at both the Wesfleur and Blue Downs athletics tracks in Cape Town are now complete.
This important milestone sees a total investment in the reinstatement of the athletics tracks at both facilities amounting to approximately 60 million rand. Over the past few months, the recreation and parks department has worked diligently to ensure that these tracks are delivered ahead of the upcoming athletic season.
Improvements include the resurfacing of the tracks, replacing the top layer, and enhancing key features such as the hammer throw cage, the take-off boards, and the steeple-chase area. These efforts ensure that the facilities remain high quality recreational centres that support the development of a connected, active community, and they encourage the residents to come out and enjoy the tracks once it opens.