'PARK THAT IDEA'

SPORTS Minister Gayton McKenzie slammed the City of Cape Town’s proposed mixed-use development near Athlone Stadium as a “nonsense idea”.

The city recently opened a formal public participation process, running until 7 July, 2025, to gather comments on its proposal to use 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.

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.”

Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth James Vos hit back, saying that the core stadium infrastructure will remain untouched.

He said: “Athlone Stadium is not being taken away. In fact, quite the opposite is true.”

“The city’s Economic Growth Directorate is inviting the public to comment on a proposal to make better use of a small section of the parking area facing Klipfontein Road. Not the field. Not the stands. Not the sporting facilities.”

Vos said the development is aimed at replicating the successful precinct model used at the Cape Town Stadium in Green Point, where the surrounding commercial activity creates a match-day vibe.

He added: “One of the biggest reasons people don’t attend events at Athlone is because the area around the stadium lacks supporting activity; there’s no broader precinct experience.

“This proposal is about unlocking the full potential of the stadium precinct, with sport remaining at its heart.”

Mense also responded to McKenzie’s Facebook post, with Grant Moses writing: “There’s hardly enough parking. I live near the stadium, so I can see people parking at the Joseph Stone Auditorium and across the road from the Engen garage, right down to McDonald’s.”

Lemarche Grobbelaar commented: “If it benefits the people and economic growth, why have an issue?

“The City is doing well when it comes to these two issues and putting SA on the map. So focus on sports and the promises you made to the people, pools are still an issue, sports fields, arts, and recreation.”