Go-ahead for Green Point Stadium
Themba Gadebe
8 January 2007The Western Cape government has approved the redevelopment of Cape Town's Green Point Stadium and the urban park multi-purpose centre at Green Point Common for the 2010 Fifa World Cup.
The construction of the stadium was delayed because some Cape Town residents objected to its building in the area on the grounds that it would have negative environmental effects and encroach on one of the city's last public green spaces.
Addressing the media in Cape Town on Friday, Environment, Planning and Economic Development MEC Tasneem Essop said that, on the contrary, the new stadium and centre would have beneficial effects on the local environment and community.
"I believe the stadium and urban park multi-purpose centre is a necessity and my decision addresses pertinent issues of sustainable development, environmental integrity, economic development and social justice," Essop said.
These developments, she said, would yield positive impacts beyond the World Cup by playing a critical role in the economic growth and development of Cape Town and the Western Cape at large.
She said that the centre would be a world class multi-purpose space which included sporting activities, informal trading and recreational activities.
Essop added that it should not simply be a reorganisation of the existing sports fields and golf course or an outflow area for the stadium.
The urban park multi-purpose facility would provide Cape Town with an opportunity to build social cohesion and integration in different communities.
"This must be our 2010 legacy," Essop said. "We now have the opportunity to deliver a world class venue and be proud hosts of a successful semi-final of the 2010 Fifa World Cup tournament."
In her environmental record of decision, the MEC stated conditions which would limit the height of the stadium and address its visual impact, adding that a range of noise mitigation measures would also be required.
Source: BuaNews
