Future of Bellville Velodrome remains uncertain as City investigates options

This week the City’s Economic Growth Directorate confirmed that the fate of the iconic Bellville Velodrome which was hanging in the balance without a conclusive answer while PA councillors hosted an oversight visit at the facility this week calling for accountability.

Nearly a year ago, City Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis confirmed that the property was back in the hands of the City following its earlier lease and management by a developer in 2019.

It was previously reported that the agreement was fueled with a dispute at the time with Devmet Property Development group, who had acquired the lease as they had to pay the City R25 million in a period of 18 months before they could trade.

In 2009, Devmet Property Development group, including Devmark, won a tender to develop the 11.5 ha Velodrome area into the R3 billion "Galleria Development," an upscale mixed-use neighborhood. 

A dispute arose over Devmark's refusal to pay for a R25 million road upgrade, leading to a court case and arbitration found the sale agreement void.

Devmet appealed a 2013 land use approval, which was dismissed in 2015 and  then approached the Western Cape High Court in August 2015 to review this decision.

The City settled the disagreement through a High Court order in 2019 to expedite dispute resolution, concluding all legal actions.

Hill-Lewis said much maintenance work had to be done at the facility with an estimated cost of R300 million to fully restore it but that decisions were under way on what would happen next.

Now ten months later, the City still does not have sight of an answer when queried by the Cape Argus.

The City's Economic Growth Directorate said in response: “The City of Cape Town is currently investigating possible options regarding the future of the Belville Velodrome property, including exploring the previously awarded transaction and development concept. The purpose of this review is to establish the most suitable and sustainable future use of this important public facility and precinct. No decision has been taken at this stage.”

Following an oversight visit to the iconic Bellville Velodrome this week, Patriotic Alliance (PA) councillor, Cheslyn Steenberg said they were holding the City accountable for its future and intended sale, citing that a motion should be called.

“The Cape Metro Caucus of the PA will endeavour to exercise its mandate to hold the DA City of Cape Town to account for their intended sale of this iconic facility," he said.

"We will also highlight our plan of action and way forward to save this beacon of sport as we ensure that Cape Wins.”

Steenberg also took to social media via his Facebook account where he announced that a motion would be called during the next meeting with the city and its officials next month.

“A motion needs to be tabled, and we need to put that motion in this week before the October meeting,” he stated.

“So we can hold them accountable and place it on record.”

Earlier the GOOD Party also called for transparency and began an online petition which received over 8000 responses.

They questioned the Mayor’s R300 million price tag to restore the facility to its former glory, stating that the “numbers did not add up.”

Insight into the restoration included: R25 million for electrical work, R30 million towards a new athletics track, R20 million for the entrances, R10 million for the Roofing, R20 million for access roads, R35 million towards parking, R10 million for CCTV and  R25 million for building works etc.

The GOOD party was approached on the City’s latest response, that a decision on its fate was yet to be made. 

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Cape Argus