The iconic Vygieskraal Stadium in Athlone is gearing up for an exciting new chapter, with plans to reinstate its cycling track included in the City’s draft 2026/27 budget – marking a major step towards restoring a once-loved sporting feature.
For decades, Vygieskraal has been a cornerstone of community sport in Cape Town, hosting 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. Work to date has included upgrades of the rugby field parking area and fencing, brand new floodlighting, 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.
Now, the focus turns to a long-anticipated milestone: bringing cycling back to Vygieskraal. The cycling track that was decommissioned with palm trees installed 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, including finalising cost estimates, and a budget of R20 million has been proposed for the work to take place in the 2026/27 financial year.
‘We are not just rebuilding a track – we are restoring a space for opportunity, talent and community pride. This investment forms part of our broader plan to strengthen and expand access to sports across the city. As we move into the next phase, we’ll 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 is about investing in sport; it’s about investing in communities and it’s about investing in opportunities for all the residents of Cape Town,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham.
The Vygieskraal upgrade is a multi-year project and one of several planned to continue developing community access to quality sporting and recreational facilities.
In this financial year, the City has completed major upgrades at several recreational facilities, including:
- Wesfleur Athletics Stadium Refurbishment: A R31 million project that included a refurbished tartan track and field event areas, repairs to seating areas, walkways, ablution blocks, and the spectator fence, alongside the installation of a new perimeter fence. Additional works include major repairs to floodlights and a newly-installed irrigation system.
- Blue Downs Athletics Stadium Refurbishment: A R30 million refurbishment delivering a fully repaired tartan track, upgraded field event areas, grandstand and change room improvements, landscaping, and compliance upgrades.
- Manenberg ‘The Greens’ Sports Ground Upgrade: A ±R20 million upgrade delivering a new full-size astro turf field, two five-a-side pitches with floodlights, multi-purpose courts, warm-up track, outdoor gym and play equipment, and enhanced roads, fencing and lighting.
- Fisantekraal Sports Ground: A R13,7 million full-size synthetic soccer pitch delivered as part of the Fisantekraal Recreation Hub, providing year-round, high-quality sporting facilities with seating and spectator infrastructure to promote active lifestyles and community engagement.
- Bishop Lavis Sports Ground: A R27 million upgrade delivering a new synthetic soccer pitch, family park, athletics track, cricket oval, hardcourts, floodlights, access road, parking and enhanced security to provide top-class recreational facilities for the community.
