The Western Province Cricket Association have formally responded to the resignation of president Nicolas Kock.
Kock resigned during Monday’s annual general meeting of the WPCA, ending a relatively brief tenure after succeeding former president Beresford Williams in 2019.
“Advocate Kock resigned as president of the WPCA at the association’s AGM on Monday, citing concerns over a set of three leases in respect of a cricket museum, a cricketorium and a multi-purpose hall that are being developed for the WPCA,” read a statement from the association.
“Mr Kock, a respected sports administrator, was a loyal servant of cricket in the Western Cape for over a decade and was part of the original stadium development committee that had the foresight to redevelop the Newlands Cricket Ground. The WPCA wish him well in his future endeavours.
“The development is a joint-venture between Sanlam Life and Western Province Property Holdings. Commercial space will be open for business in 2021. Construction commenced in February 2019 and has progressed at pace.
“Whilst Mr Kock has expressed his view, the WPCA and the co-owners of the NCG remain confident that the north precinct development remains an exciting and viable venture which will create long-term benefits – not only for them, but also for the WPCA and the cricket fraternity as a whole.
“Roughly 50 percent of the commercial space has been designed for office usage, with the balance being educational, ensuring that the Newlands Cricket Ground continues its tradition of being a fountain for youth.
“Varsity College have signed a long-term lease and will be relocating to the NCG from its current Rondebosch location, whilst the Cape University of Technology will be creating an exciting new sports management campus complete with a sports science laboratory. Restaurants, cafes and an open-air piazza complete the mix.
“Over 800 parking bays will be provided, and great care has been placed in designing separate vehicle and pedestrianised journeys. A brand new pedestrian bridge will span the railway line, providing a much-needed connection to the Newlands station, Claremont’s central business district or the main road along the tree-lined Liesbeek River – flanked by the famous brewery and Josephine’s Mill.
“Due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, the completion dates have been pushed out from January 2021 to July 2021.”