This project will follow a two tender process. The first tender, released today, is for the upgrade of the Stadium in New Eisleben Road in Philippi. The stadium, which is owned by the Provincial Government, is located adjacent to the South African Police Services Training College. It is estimated that the tender process for the upgrade of the stadium will conclude by end July 2008, with the construction activities to begin from August 2008. The stadium upgrade is expected to be completed by December 2008.
The second tender opportunity is for a ten year renewable lease of the stadium. The details will be published in the press early in July 2008. It is proposed that the lease agreement includes commercial opportunities such as Naming Rights and developmental opportunities, such as organising sports development and life skills programmes for disadvantaged youth. Proposals from professional soccer clubs would be welcome.
Philippi is one of the 27 areas identified for social transformation and is also home to the highest number of registered amateur football clubs in the Western Cape. The proximity to the Philippi Railway Station makes it well located for public transport. The Philippi Railway Station is currently being upgraded and serves the second highest number of commuters in the Western Cape, after Cape Town Station. Philippi remains one of the poorest areas in Cape Town. The development of the Philippi Stadium is intended to become the catalyst for infrastructure upgrade for the informal settlement. The tender documents require that local labour be prioritised in the upgrade of the stadium. The proposed stadium design includes the provision of spaces that could be used for economic opportunities such as vendor areas, child care facilities, informal markets and community activities.
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Dr Laurine Platzky, Western Cape Coordinator for the 2010 FIFA World Cup?, said: "Two years ago the City of Cape Town and the Provincial Government of the Western Cape identified Philippi Stadium and Athlone Stadium as possible training venues for teams playing their matches in the Green Point Stadium during the 2010 FIFA World Cup?. The upgrade of these venues provide a good opportunity to leave a lasting legacy on the Cape Flats."
"Not only will our people have the rare opportunity to witness the football greats, it will bring sponsorships and commercial support to parts of the city that do not normally benefit from mega-events. We feel certain that the private sector will want to be part of the action!"
"The upgrading design conforms to international standards including the possible installation of a world-class pitch, new spectator stands to increase capacity, provision of media facilities and improvements to stadium infrastructure such as turnstiles will be provided.
Dr Platzky added: "With the stadium ready for anticipated operation in February next year, before the start of the 2009 soccer season, we encourage the private sector and potential tenants to invest in generating significant and high-profile socio-economic opportunity to improve the lives of particularly young people in one of the 27 most vulnerable communities in the Western Cape".
Enquiries:Dr Laurine Platzky
2010 Western Cape Co-ordinator
Department of the Premier
Tel : 021 483 2010
Cell : 082 8080 965
Email :lplatzky@pgwc.gov.za
