#Cape Town Sports Infrastructure

[Mo Rush]

A thread to consolidate various sports infrastructure projects taking place across Cape Town( with special attention but not limited to those in townships/ previously disadvantaged areas), instead of creating various threads for each project. Projects will range in size and will exclude development news/progress relating to Athlone Stadium, and may include upgrades/refurbishments to existing sports facilties.

[Mo Rush]

Khayelitsha Multi-purpose Community Centre






Hypothesis / Problem Statement:

What is the nature of a civic building within a township?


Context:

Sprawling informal settlement - a legacy of Apartheid oppression and planning for segregation of people and space.


Design Response:

The design sought to challenge the common perception and precedent that a building within a poor area should warrant low capital investment and lack quality. It is a pilot project that set out to serve the social needs of the public and will be influential for the buture development of the central business district.

In the absence of the urban design framework, it was necessary to to develop and spatialize a building that responds to environmental patterns and behaviours. MDL examined the use patterns of the area on aerial photographs - a technique of observation borrowed from environmental research design in order to map the existing social fabric.

MDL continues to break ground with an innovative architectural building set to serve the community of the informal settlement of Khayelitsha for years to come. The project is a key component of two residential urban renewal nodes and pushes construction and design standards for the industry as a whole. The architectural program incorporates an internal sports court, offices, gallery space, and a proposed urban public park.

[Mo Rush]

Khayelitsha Multi-purpose Community Centre - Construction

[Durbsboi]

oh shit, I drove past this thing, didnt know what it was. Can this be seen from the N2???

[Mo Rush]

You saw another venue from the N2. Thats the Mew Way Indoor Centre, this is a new one.

[Durbsboi]

No I saw this one as well, but thanx for the name of the other one Mo

[Mo Rush]

VELOKHAYA’S NEW BMX OVAL ON TRACK

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA – February 29, 2008: The highly-anticipated Velokhaya Cycling Centre in Khayelitsha is fast becoming a reality, according to Glyn Broomberg, CEO of the Life Cycling Academy (LCA).

“Thanks to the generous support of our Velokhaya partners both in South Africa and abroad we have secured sufficient funds to start building the Velokhaya BMX Oval, a facility that will allow thousands of young children living in Khayelitsha to experience the thrill of recreational and competitive cycling.”

The LCA has, in line with its commitment to provide top class cycling infrastructure in South Africa’s previously disadvantaged communities, enlisted the expertise of two world-class BMX enthusiasts, Master BMX Track builder Meurant Botha and Sven Lauer, World BMX Championship participant and BMX bike builder.

According to Broomberg, the bulk of the capital required for the BMX Oval was raised by Velokhaya’s international partners - Team CSC, Cervélo and Computer Sciences Corporation (NYSE: CSC).

“Their generosity will allow us to complete the BMX track and begin developing the surrounding infrastructure, which will include a mechanics workshop, a viewing platform, race office, commentary box, club facilities and more.”

Broomberg said the Velokhaya international partners were committed to helping the Life Cycling Academy - which was established six years ago – achieve its vision of ‘Growth through Cycling’.

“The aim of Velokhaya and its partners is to use cycling to uplift and empower children living in South Africa’s previously disadvantaged communities because we believe that cycling is more than a sport – it’s an opportunity to change lives,” said Broomberg.
http://www.velokhaya.com/gallery2/ph...ewofthebeg.JPG

http://www.velokhaya.com/gallery2/ph...rkonthetra.JPG

http://www.velokhaya.com/gallery2/ph...rkstartson.JPG

[Mo Rush]

Khayelitsha Multi-purpose Community Centre complete

image hosted on flickr

[Mo Rush]

Olympic Facilities planned post 2010:

- Green Point Tennis Centre including main stadium
- Newlands Aquatic Centre, awaiting further detail from Swimming South Africa
- Olympic Rowing Course, Berg River

[herb21]

- Newlands Aquatic Centre, awaiting further detail from Swimming South Africa isnt the site not suitable for olymipic crowd sizes wrt the current redevelopment proposals?

[Mo Rush]

Originally Posted by herb21

- Newlands Aquatic Centre, awaiting further detail from Swimming South Africa isnt the site not suitable for olymipic crowd sizes wrt the current redevelopment proposals?

I think thats why Zille has called for a feasibility study of various possible sites. The city is now waiting for feedback and finer details of the proposal from Swimming SA. The City is more likely to help fund it if a good location that offers long term use is found.

[Mo Rush]

Velokhaya BMX Centre

[Mo Rush]

Olympic Rowing Course






ourist hub planned for Boland

November 10 2008 at 08:03AM

By Anél Powell

Wide-Ranging development plans mooted for the new R1,5-billion Berg River Dam include a 2 000 metre Olympic-size rowing course, an upmarket lodge, restaurants, shops and other tourist and recreational facilities.

Consultants CNdV Africa Planning & Design and the state-owned Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA) unveiled the development options for the Berg River catchment area in weekend advertisements.

In a draft report prepared for public comment, Simon Nicks and Nigel Rossouw of CNdV and TCTA respectively said all development in the dam area should be limited to tourism and recreational facilities.

There would be no residential development in the area.

Rossouw said the proposals had emerged during four years of public consultation about development possibilities for the catchment area.

However, as some parts of the catchment fell within the Cape Winelands biosphere and the Hottentots Holland nature reserve, many options could be curtailed by environmental concerns.

Although the deadline for public comment is November 28, Rossouw said it was too early for development plans to be on the table. "Our interest is in preserving the water quality of the Berg River Dam catchment area."

But he said TCTA wanted to open the area to the public.

"Most water catchment areas are closed to the public. With this (one) we are taking a different approach because Franschhoek has very little open public space."

Parcels of state land in the area have been de-proclaimed from forestry land use and released to the Department of Public Works, but the use made of them still had to be determined, the consultants said.

Rossouw said a legal entity responsible for land-use planning in the catchment area needed to be set up.

While several development options had been proposed, Rossouw said there was no guarantee any of them would be realised.

Although the report proposes land water use options for the Berg River, it restricts development on steep parts of the site.

The authors said high-lying areas of the dam could be used for low-intensity activities such as hiking and overnight tented accommodation. More intensive activities, such as mountain biking and fishing, could take place in the lower areas.

Traditional crops and flora, such as buchu, proteas, stone fruit and wine grapes could be farmed on the agricultural land on the edge of the dam. All farming should be organic.

Entertainment facilities, restaurants, a cafe, shops and and environmental educational facilities could be built on the eastern side of the dam wall.

An upmarket tourist lodge could be located at the Bells Lodge site and linked to a remote bush camp in the Assegaaibosch Valley.

"The Berg River Dam has the potential to open a new range of tourism opportunities to complement the long-established tourism activities in the Franschhoek Valley," said the report.

Possible restrictions on tourism activities could be the fluctuating water levels of the dam.

The water level is low in summer, making the area unsuitable for water activities.

The dam, which was built to address the province's water shortage, will also be used for recreational activities.

But the consultants recommended these be limited to non-motorised activities such as sailing, angling, canoeing and rowing.

There should also be an area for swimming.

A rowing and dragon boat course could be established on a 2 000 metre, eight-lane Olympic size rowing facility on the dam.

The consultants proposed several options for the management of the dam, including the establishment of a Water User Association that would collect charges from users or a Trust that would manage the dam with an operating company.

[haggiesm]

very very cool. hopefully all this investment in community and other sports facilities will emphasise the need for maintenance. that seems to be the biggest problems with our infrastructure.

[herb21]

indeed it often is we (as south africans) are willing to send millions building something but wont spend the few thousand to keep it in good condition.

[Mo Rush]

fabulous!!!

[Mo Rush]

Grand Arena
Capacity: 5,200 seats

[Mo Rush]

Velokhaya BMX oval opens
Monday, December 01, 2008

Five years ago, two ordinary South Africans dreamt of creating a permanent facility that would make cycling more accessible to young people living in disadvantaged communities - and yesterday that dream was realised with the opening of the Velokhaya BMX Oval.



The Oval, situated in the heart of Khayelitsha, Cape Town’s largest township, is the brainchild of Glyn Broomberg and Amos Ziqubu, the co-founders of the Life Cycling Academy (LCA), a not-for-profit organisation which uses cycling to ‘grow individuals and unleash their talent and potential’.





The LCA (www.lifeacademy.co.za) is also the first and only organisation in South Africa to successfully develop a cyclist from a previously disadvantaged background to compete at international level. In June 2008 Luthando Kaka – who rode a BMX bicycle at the age of eight – made history by becoming the first black South African cyclist to compete in Europe.

According to Broomberg and Ziqubu, “The depth of cycling talent in South Africa’s townships is significant. Not only will the new BMX facility help discover future cycling heroes, but more importantly it will give township children access to much-needed recreational facilities; a place where they can have fun and learn new skills in a safe, secure environment.”

LCA CEO Broomberg, a former teacher and gym owner, believes in the social significance of involving young children in activities such as cycling. “Youngsters, particularly those affected by poverty and unemployment, are less likely to become involved in negative activities such as substance abuse and crime if they have access to immediate post-school activities.

“Sport-based programmes have also been shown to improve the learning performance of children, encouraging school attendance and a desire to succeed academically.”

Sport also teaches important life skills such as cooperation, leadership, respect for others, knowing how to win and lose and how to manage competition. Broomberg says through sport, youngsters learn about honesty, teamwork, fair play, respect for themselves and others, and adherence to rules.

LCA General Manager Amos Ziqubu, who discovered his love for cycling while working as a postman, says he’s personally witnessed how the cycling achievements of LCA members have brought pride – and hope - to both individuals and the wider community.

“By increasing self-esteem and confidence, the LCA’s cycling programmes equip young people to deal with the difficulties they face and reach their goals.”

The Velokhaya BMX Oval has been made possible with the generous support of a number of local and international organisations including CSC, Riis Cycling, Cervélo, Pick n Pay, Engen, Safmarine, Mars Africa, the Pedal Power Association and the Canal Walk Foundation.

In keeping with the eco-friendly nature of cycling, ‘re-cycled’ shipping containers donated by Safmarine – and converted with funds provided by Mars Africa and the Pedal Power Association - have been used to construct the new BMX Oval buildings and BMX track starting ramp.

The Oval facilities include a viewing platform, a club house, toilets and showers, and a race office and commentary box and the BMX track has been built to national competition standards.

Another high profile supporter of the LCA is Phil Liggett, the ‘international voice of cycling’ and Velokhaya founding patron.

“Today’s opening of the BMX Oval is the culmination of much effort by everyone at Velokhaya, and they should feel justifiably proud. The opening of this facility is only the start and I am now looking forward to seeing the youngsters progress, with some of them possibly making the Olympic Games in London in 2012. Congratulations to everyone who has made this dream come true,” Liggett said.

The opening of the Velokhaya BMX Oval marks the completion of Phase 1 of the Velokhaya Cycling Centre, a youth development and cycle training facility which is to be developed subject to further funding. Velokhaya is a name derived from a French word ‘velo’ meaning bicycle and a Xhosa word, ‘khaya’, meaning home

[Mo Rush]

The infrastructure planned at the Velokhaya BMX Oval is as follows:

1. Start Ramp and Storage
2. Start Ramp and Storage
3. Workshop and Viewing Platform
4. Workshop and Viewing Platform
5. Race Office
6. Administration
7. Commentary Box
8. Clubhouse
9. Toilets and Change rooms: Male
10. Toilets and Change rooms: Female

[Pule]

They need to produce an Olympic representative from that Oval.