Late Night Talk

The City of Cape Town has announced that it will no longer be evicting tenants from Athlone stadium while the facility is revamped.

The stadium is home to the Cape Music Institute, SAFA, Social Development and the Athlone Dance Academy.

All of the tenants were facing a two-month eviction notice from the City as it attempts to bring the saftey standards up to scratch on the premises.

The City's James Vos says officials are working to find away to execute the refurbishments while tenants remain in the building.

He explains that the revamp was to ensure that the stadium is complaint with the safety standards outlined in the Safety at Sports and Recreational Events Act.

Without compliance, the facility's status could be downgraded, affecting the type of events it can host.

On Monday, Mayor Dan Plato met with the tenants and other parties to map a way forward.

We've come to the conclusion that no one will have to vacate the premises.

— James Vos, Mayco member for Economic Opportunities and Asset Management - City of Cape Town

They can stay at the stadium while all the compliance issues are being addressed.

— James Vos, Mayco member for Economic Opportunities and Asset Management - City of Cape Town

There are some compliance issues that are ongoing. We need to have those compliance issues resolved.

— James Vos, Mayco member for Economic Opportunities and Asset Management - City of Cape Town

It's the installation of walls and partitions that has brought about the non-compliance element.

— James Vos, Mayco member for Economic Opportunities and Asset Management - City of Cape Town

Vos reveals that a specialist business analyst will also be appointed to determine how the stadium space can be optomised in future.

Athlone Stadium is strategic asset.

— James Vos, Mayco member for Economic Opportunities and Asset Management - City of Cape Town

Listen to the reply on The John Maytham Show:

This article first appeared on CapeTalk : City of CT halts eviction of tenants from Athlone Stadium