Plans to dispose of the Lansdowne tennis courts have been
put on hold while the City of Cape Town considers a new lease application from
the revived Lansdowne Tennis Club.
Picture: PixabayThe City says its Property Transactions and Recreation and
Parks departments are currently assessing the application to determine whether
the site can continue operating as a public sports facility.
The decision comes after concerns from residents who feared
that the tennis courts could be sold or used for another purpose. More than 1,000
people signed a petition opposing the proposed disposal of the facility.
The Lansdowne tennis courts have been an important
recreational space for the local community, making the future of the facility a
matter of concern for residents and sports enthusiasts.
According to the City, the previous lease held by the
Lansdowne Tennis Club ended in 2018, following the disbandment of the club.
The City has since welcomed the revival of the Lansdowne
Tennis Club and is considering its application to take over the facility under
a new lease.
The outcome of the application could play a major role in
determining what happens to the tennis courts and whether they remain available
as a community sports facility.
For residents who have campaigned against the disposal of
the courts, the decision to pause the process offers some relief while the application
is being considered.
The City says the relevant departments will assess the
application before a decision is made on the future of the property.
For now, the Lansdowne tennis courts remain at the centre
of a community debate over the importance of protecting public recreational
spaces and ensuring that local residents continue to have access to sports
facilities close to home.
Done By: Keelyn Jardien
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