Cape Town - Western Province Rugby Football Union (WPRFU) president Tobie Titus says the union is planning to renovate Newlands in the near future.
Speaking to Friday's Die Burger, Titus confirmed that the WPRFU has begun discussions with architects, civil engineers and land developers about several renovation plans to "stabilise" and "modernise" Newlands.
The stadium’s land needs to be redeveloped, and Titus said "financial reasons" will determine if Newlands will be retained or if the land becomes commercial. Specific renovations also need to be made to the stadium to meet the requirements of the Act on Safety at Sports and Recreational Events. This law was already implemented last year, but the owners of stadiums have a grace period of three years to comply with regulations.
The WPRFU wants a model planned on the prospect of the redevelopment of the land outlines. It will also consider Cape Town city council’s model for WP Rugby’s move from Newlands to the Cape Town Stadium.
However, at the union’s annual financial meeting, it was agreed that a move to Cape Town Stadium won’t happen any time soon.
"All we asked the clubs was if we should stay at Newlands or move. The decision taken was that rugby will be played at Newlands for the foreseeable future," said Titus.
The Stormers will host the Sharks in a Super Rugby match on Saturday. Kick-off is at 19:10 and a near-capacity crowd is expected.
Speaking to Friday's Die Burger, Titus confirmed that the WPRFU has begun discussions with architects, civil engineers and land developers about several renovation plans to "stabilise" and "modernise" Newlands.
The stadium’s land needs to be redeveloped, and Titus said "financial reasons" will determine if Newlands will be retained or if the land becomes commercial. Specific renovations also need to be made to the stadium to meet the requirements of the Act on Safety at Sports and Recreational Events. This law was already implemented last year, but the owners of stadiums have a grace period of three years to comply with regulations.
The WPRFU wants a model planned on the prospect of the redevelopment of the land outlines. It will also consider Cape Town city council’s model for WP Rugby’s move from Newlands to the Cape Town Stadium.
However, at the union’s annual financial meeting, it was agreed that a move to Cape Town Stadium won’t happen any time soon.
"All we asked the clubs was if we should stay at Newlands or move. The decision taken was that rugby will be played at Newlands for the foreseeable future," said Titus.
The Stormers will host the Sharks in a Super Rugby match on Saturday. Kick-off is at 19:10 and a near-capacity crowd is expected.