
Durbanville Sports Complex
The Durbanville Sports Complex is a network of recreational spaces located adjacent to the Durbanville CBD. While the existing sports facilities are of high quality, the complex as a whole lacks cohesion, and some sports disciplines are underrepresented, highlighting the need for additional facilities and improved integration within the precinct.
This precinct plan and framework propose targeted interventions to enhance the Durbanville Sports Complex. The process begins with a review of previous work and international precedents, forming the foundation for further development of the framework. Currently, the site is loosely organized, with large underutilized areas between sports fields and facilities. These spaces present an opportunity for significant upgrades that can elevate the overall quality of the environment. The proposed interventions include the addition of movement routes, pedestrian walkways, and cycle paths to better connect the facilities and create stronger spatial and visual links with surrounding residential areas.
The vision for this precinct plan is to transform the site into a welcoming, people-oriented focal point in Durbanville. The goal is to create a space where local residents feel encouraged to visit, whether to watch sports events, walk their dogs, or simply enjoy the area. At the same time, the plan seeks to enhance the functionality of the sports venues and the experience of their users.
Looking beyond the site itself, the plan also proposes the decanalisation of the Kuils River, which runs along the northern edge of the complex. This intervention would establish a positive river park edge, better integrating the sports complex with neighboring community facilities and residential areas to the north, creating a dynamic and interconnected urban environment.
Parks and public open spaces have been identified in numerous studies to be of great importance to meet the needs of daily life. They should provide active and passive recreation for all sectors of the society, young and old, healthy and disabled, rich and poor. The success of a park lies as much in the quality of the design as in the management and maintenance of the park.
Decanalising and activating river systems provides the opportunity to transform neglected spaces into active, safe community assets.
Project for the City of Cape Town
Project team :
Urban Design: JSA Architects
Project Co-ordination: NWEng
Landscape Architects : Yes& Studio
Civil Engineering : NWEng
Project Type : Urban Design Framework




