Metro plans to turn showgrounds into commercial hub
Refurbishment of the current dilapidated grounds are due to start in November.
The Pretoria Showgrounds in central Pretoria have become not just an eyesore, but a public embarrassment.
Last week, the Tshwane metro came under fire for its deteriorating state.
During an oversight visit conducted by the EFF Tshwane branch earlier this week, multiple issues, including leaks and deteriorating infrastructure were highlighted.
EFF leader Obakeng Ramabodu remarked that the grounds’ condition was a “criminal act” and called for a special committee to be formed to spearhead its refurbishment.
Metro spokesperson Selby Bokaba responded by saying plans were in place to make the showgrounds a mixed-use commercial hub. Before this could happen, he said land preparation and contractor appointments were needed.
Bokaba also said the metro has been in talks with stakeholders interested in leasing part of the land, such as the IEC for next year’s national elections. A five-year lease is said to be in the process of completion for next year’s elections and the 2026 local government elections.
He blamed the grounds’ poor condition on vandals, saying they took advantage of it being unoccupied and damaged structures during the consolidation and rezoning processes. The city has resolved to get short-term leases to keep the grounds running.
The refurbishment was scheduled to begin in November.
MMC for corporate and shared services, Kingsley Wakelin said: “To make the property attractive to developers, the city is busy with consolidation and rezoning processes to get the best bids possible. Development will take place as soon as the winning developer is announced. The bidding process will be open and fair, and no trace of corruption will be tolerated.
“These plans are envisioned to turn the showgrounds into a leading events venue that unlocks the development potential of the property and provides economic development and job opportunities for Tshwane residents.”
The MMC emphasised the June 2022 Council ruling for the showgrounds to be put out on an open and competitive bidding process to any developer who would lease it and work with the metro’s vision.
The lease would be a 50-year term to allow developers to make significant investments in the property.
“Between 1995 and 2021, the property was under the management of the Tshwane Business and Agricultural Corporation, which allowed it to fall into ruin, forcing us to take the property back to save it from further decay,” Wakelin added.
The showgrounds are reportedly guarded by private security companies contracted to the metro, which Wakelin accused of being negligent.
The metro plans to revise the terms they have with the contracted security to beef up protection and maintain the property.
The MMC said refurbishments would prepare the property for short-term rentals.
Consolidation and rezoning processes can take up to more than a year and the metro believed the effort would generate revenue.
Wakelin also identified the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) as a potential lessee which has shown interest in using the property as a base for the 2024 general elections and leasing portion of the property long-term for the 2026 local government elections.
“We welcome the IEC’s proposal and are committed to making it happen. I invite all interested developers to reach out to Group Property with queries and to look out for the publishing of the tender. We are determined to unlock all development potential in the city to promote economic growth and job opportunities and make the City of Tshwane a city that works for all.”
In a statement issued on October 4, the metro said: “The city is concerned by vandals who have taken advantage of the premises being unoccupied, resulting in the dilapidated state of the structure.”
The metro claimed talks with the IEC have been fruitful and that it was well aware of the current state of the showgrounds.
“Both parties are working towards having the facility in a functional state in time to host the 2024 national and provincial elections results centre,” it said.
The Tshwane Business and Agricultural Chamber transferred ownership of the showgrounds back to the metro in 2020.
The metro said during the lease period the chamber incurred a debt of R10-million for rates and water. As part of the settlement, the metro reacquired the property and wrote off the debt.
The city’s economic development and spatial planning department reportedly approved the rezoning, and a developer will be brought on board to conceptualise a vision for the precinct.
“There are measures in place to keep the asset running and keep vandals at bay while the 50-year lease and long-term plan are being cobbled together,” said the metro.
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