Pictures of the stadium (see above) show that almost nothing of the original corporate entertainment lodges or pavilions are left. Most of the construction materials were used by nearby residents to build shacks. The stadium, originally named Boet Erasmus Stadium, has – in its proud history – seen many classic Test matches, Super Rugby and Currie Cup rugby being played there.
But now the Mandela Bay Development Agency issued a request for proposals for costing proposals for the development of a precinct plan and guidelines for the development of Telkom Park. Mandela Bay e-newsletter Metro Minutes says a recent report to the Economic Development, Tourism and Agriculture Committee of the Mandela Bay municipality suggests future development would be around retail, residential, office and tourism/leisure/entertainment, which might include an international conference centre.
Full engineering reports had been completed “as the land is difficult to build on (being in a flood line)” while the land had also been valued. Council will have to decide if the land should be leased or sold. Be that as it may – the Boet Erasmus is no more. A Facebook page “Boet Erasmus Legends” has in the meantime been created to honour some of the greats who started their rugby careers at the Boet. Some of these legends include Danie Gerber, Garth Wright, Frans Erasmus, Hannes Marias and many more rugby greats.
