The City of Cape Town has ramped up its push for a green energy future by launching legal action against Heritage Western Cape, contesting the provisional protection granted to the entire site of the long-defunct Athlone Power Station.
This move comes as officials argue that heritage designations are obstructing plans to transform the site into a hub for renewable energy.
However, the remnants of the facility, including its chimney stacks and ash handling plant, have sparked intense debate, particularly among heritage activists who are keen to preserve the site.
In 2020, following the Citys announced plans for demolition, these activists sought intervention from Heritage Western Cape, advocating for the site to be declared a provincial heritage site.
Last year, the heritage body opted for a sweeping approach, granting provisional protection to the entire Athlone site for two years despite the city's push to exclude certain areas from the designation.