New study shows Cape Town has 84 percent of venues required for a potential future Olympic Games

Eighty-four percent of the competition venues for a potential future Olympic Games in Cape Town and the Western Cape are either existing or could be temporary, creating a solid foundation for a future bid. This finding was revealed in a new study published on #OlympicDay by Cape Town 2040 (CT2040), a research group assessing the region's potential as a future Olympic host in light of the IOC's Agenda 2020 and 2020+5 reforms.

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Sunday, 23 June 2024 | Cape Town, South Africa 

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Cape Town 2040 (CT2040), a research group exploring the potential of Cape Town and the Western Cape as hosts for the 2040 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games, has announced the release of a new study. This study conducts an audit of the region's existing sports venues and facilities, aiming to establish a baseline for comparing these venues against the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) requirements for hosting future Olympic and Paralympic Games.

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Key Findings of the Study:

• 84–85% of required venues are either existing or could be temporary, when excluding football preliminary venues, based on the maximum sports programme scenario.
• 26–30 venues are existing out of the 37-42 required for a Games, based on the 3 sports programme scenarios. Of these, 19–21 require only temporary works to meet Games requirements, and 7-9 of these venues would require significant upgrades or permanent works.
• 6 venues could be delivered as temporary venues, in keeping with sustainable event hosting practices, for sports typically delivered as temporary facilities. 
• 5–6 additional or new venues (primarily indoor arenas) would be required to meet Games requirements.
• Most venues are located within Cape Town's metropolitan area and the Winelands regions of Stellenbosch and Paarl, supporting a compact and efficient Games concept.
• Some of the main opportunities identified include the region's diverse sports facilities, potential for targeted investments to meet IOC/IF standards, and significant community and environmental benefits possible at several sites.
• Some of the main areas for development include the need for substantial upgrades to swimming pools to meet World Aquatics standards and the lack of a longer-term investment roadmap for publilcly owned/operated sports facilities. It identifies the lack of existing athletics stadia that could be expanded to meet Games requirements, the need for Cape Town and the Western Cape to enhance its multi-sport event hosting experience, and the need for action to enhance venue sustainability through pursuing public-private partnerships.

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Says Guy Briggs:

“Bringing an Olympic Games to Cape Town could help catalyse and speed up the city’s spatial restructuring and regeneration, especially if we make the best use of our existing sports and other assets. No African city has hosted the Games – let's make Cape Town the first!”

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Says Rashiq Fataar:

“The IOC's Agenda 2020+5 and the future host election process present regions like Cape Town and the Western Cape with a world of opportunities to host a more sustainable Olympic Games. This study plots a path towards such a model, where the use of high-quality existing venues and the stunning natural amphitheatres for sport ensures that sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation underpin a future bid.”

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Addressing Development Needs

The report also identifies essential development areas, including the upgrade of aquatic facilities and the expansion of community sports infrastructure. Addressing these needs is vital for presenting a competitive bid that embodies the principles of Olympic Agenda 2020+5.

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Future Directions

With the completion of this initial assessment, CT2040 will progress to the second phase of research, focusing on athlete accommodations, transportation, and long-term venue planning. Collaboration with stakeholders will be crucial to developing a comprehensive and inclusive proposal for the 2040 Games.

For more information, please contact: hello@capetown2040.com

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About Cape Town 2040

Cape Town 2040 (CT2040) is a think-tank and research group dedicated to exploring the potential of Cape Town and the Western Cape as hosts for the 2040 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Our mission is to assess the readiness and capacity of Cape Town and the Western Cape to host the Games, with a keen focus on how the event can catalyse sustainable development, enhance resilience, and foster greater integration across the city and region. We believe that the Games can be a powerful driver for positive change, aligning with and accelerating future investments in the region.

At the heart of CT2040's approach is a commitment to comprehensive research, strategic design and planning, and the dissemination of knowledge. We actively engage with urban practitioners, government bodies, athletes, and local communities in the Western Cape to inform our strategies and ensure inclusivity and relevance in our work.

CT2040 is spearheaded by Guy Briggs, Partner & Executive Director at dhk Architects as well as the urban design principal, and Rashiq Fataar, CEO of Our Future Cities, who bring a wealth of expertise and vision to our collective endeavour.

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