The iconic Vygieskraal Stadium in Athlone is preparing for a deeply meaningful revival, with plans to reinstate its long-lost cycling track included in the City’s draft 2026/27 budget.

For decades, Vygieskraal has held a special place in Cape Town’s sporting landscape. From the athletics track laid in the late 1970s to the stadium’s construction in the early 1980s, Vygieskraal has stood as a quiet but enduring symbol of community pride in sport.

In recent years, the Recreation and Parks Department has invested just under R7.5 million into breathing new life into the facility. Upgrades have included improvements to the rugby field parking area and fencing, new floodlighting, roofing repairs, and the restoration of the shot put and long jump areas.

Plumbing and electrical systems have been modernised, and new spectator seating has brought renewed comfort for those who gather to watch from the sidelines.

Now, the focus shifts to what many consider a long-awaited restoration of identity: the return of cycling to Vygieskraal.

The original cycling track, previously decommissioned and replaced with palm trees, is set to be fully reinstated. The existing palm trees will be carefully relocated around the stadium precinct as part of the reconstruction process.

The project is currently in the detailed design phase, with cost estimates being finalised. A proposed budget of R20 million has been allocated for the 2026/27 financial year to bring the vision to life.

Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham, says the project is not just about rebuilding a track but also 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.”