PAM Brink Stadium continues to stand derelict

According to the City of Ekurhuleni, a survey was done in 2017 in order to see if there was any possibility of renovating or upgrading the stadium.

December 11, 2020

Xoliswa Kali 2 minutes read

A fall from glory: PAM Brink Stadium has continuously fallen victim to nature and vandals leaving it usable

Around R30-million is required to fix PAM Brink Stadium, a historic landmark in Springs which has sadly been allowed to fall into ruins.
One of the highlights of the stadium’s existence was hosting the Springboks against Argentina in 2002, and many Springsites have been sad to witness its decline.

The grand stands at PAM Brink Stadium are populated with trees instead of people.

According to the City of Ekurhuleni, a survey was done in 2017 in order to see if there was any possibility of renovating or upgrading the stadium.
“A consultant was appointed by the City to conduct a study on the future use and/or development of the facility. The study has been concluded and a deliberation still needs to be done regarding the outcome of the study and a decision taken thereafter.

Also read: PAM Brink Stadium’s future hangs in the balance

“A revisit on the report was done by the consultant as per the City’s request in order to ensure it is in line with the deliverables and scope of work, and still needs to be discussed internally for a decision to be taken,” explained Themba Gadebe, spokesperson for the City.
“The results of the survey have also provided a long-term decision about the land on which the stadium is sitting in case it has to be demolished. That decision will be taken internally and be shared with the community in due course.

Much of the fencing and gates on the premises have been stolen or simply crambled with the rest of the structure.

“The report gives a number of options that are still to be internally discussed, such as demolishing, upgrading and mostly the high-level costs comparison.
“Based on the different scenarios presented in the report, there will be another suitable use of that land should the City arrive at a decision to demolish the stadium.
“The report has to be shared and deliberated by the departments of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture and Real Estate in order to get a full understanding of the implications of what the report proposes before it can be shared with other stakeholders.”

Also read: Ekurhuleni Metro uncertain about future of Springs’ Pam Brink Stadium

Ward councillor Dean Stone, who sits on the metro’s sports, heritage, recreation, arts and culture oversight committee, said he is saddened by the metro’s lack of urgency.
“It seems like there is nothing that is going to be done, and this has been the case since 2006,” he said.

The small buildings, including toilets, have been stripped of any valuable material and left bare.

Stone explained that when the committee started raising concerns about the stadium to the metro, the cost of fixing it would not have been in the tens of millions of rands.
“We don’t understand why nothing has been done all this time. I would love to see the stadium return to its former glory.
“My view is that the stadium is necessary. There are so many schools and sporting clubs that could benefit from it,” he added.