The City of Johannesburg is moving ahead with plans to sell or lease two of its most well-known sporting facilities — the Pirates Sports Club in Greenside and the Killarney Country Club — in a move that could reshape recreational spaces in the city.
According to city officials, both properties are valued at over R10 million, and formal processes are now underway to determine their future. A fresh valuation of Killarney Country Club will be conducted before any decisions on its use or leasing are finalised.
💼 Sale and Lease to Follow Official City Policy
The proposed transactions will be carried out in accordance with the City of Johannesburg’s supply chain management policy for land, which was adopted by the council in June 2009.
The properties under consideration include:
- Erf 1319 (to be subdivided into Portion 1 & Remainder)
- Erf 1330
- Erf 1318 (to be subdivided into Portion 1 & 2)
All located in Greenside Township, as well as - Remainder of Erf 2184 in Parkhurst Township
Because the estimated combined value exceeds R10 million, the city’s accounting officer is authorised to initiate a public participation process, as required under Section 19 of the Supply Chain Management Policy for Land and Sections 34 and 35 of the Municipal Asset Transfer Regulations.
🗣 Public Engagement and Internal Consultation
Before any transaction can be finalised, the city must:
- Notify affected stakeholders in writing once public participation concludes
- Seek input from relevant departments, municipal entities, and ward councillors
- Ensure the properties are not required for basic municipal services
If no objections are raised and all criteria are met, a lease agreement may be entered into, officials confirmed.
🏉 Pirates Sports Club: A Legacy Lease
The Pirates Sports Club has a long history with the City. An original 25-year lease was signed in October 1953 and expired in September 1973. An addendum later extended the lease by another 15 years starting July 1990, which ran until June 2005.
In 2014, the city entered a new 20-year lease with the club, which remains in effect until 2034.
During past negotiations, the club requested a further 20-year extension in lieu of compensation for infrastructure improvements made to the facility, with valuation assessments still pending.
🏟 Community Impact and Multi-Sport Access
The city acknowledged that the Pirates Sports Club remains a vital community sports hub, serving residents from Parkhurst, Parkview, Emmarentia, Northcliff, Craighall Park, Parktown, and Blairgowrie.
The facility currently supports 10 sporting codes, including:
- Baseball
- Bowls
- Cricket
- Hockey
- Road running
- Rugby
- Soccer
- Squash
- Gym
- Tennis
“The subject property is a sports facility intended for community use. It is centrally located in the Johannesburg region and is accessible to a broad range of communities and population groups nearby,” the city stated.
The final decision on whether these iconic properties will be sold or leased now lies in the hands of public participants and council processes. For now, Johannesburg residents have a say in what could be a pivotal moment for community recreation in the city.
