Planning work is currently under way for the Greater Ellis Park precinct makeover project, with full-scale implementation due to kick off around July this year, Johannesburg Development Agency development manager Sibusiso Buthelezi reports.

Speaking exclusively to Engineering News Online, Buthelezi indicated, however, that until sufficient funding is guaranteed by City of Johannesburg agencies, the public sector and the private sector, implementation of the project will be held back.

The R2-billion upgrade is expected to reverse inner-city decline and attract investment and successfully market the area as a place that is ready to host the 2010 Soccer World Cup and, potentially, the 2011 Rugby World Cup, which South Africa is currently bidding for.

At present the project is still in the planning phase with a professional team working on the finer details.

Buthelezi said that aspects that are currently being analysed are safety and security; the provision of world-class municipal services; parking; land acquisition; and road systems.

The Greater Ellis Park precinct is home to three international sports complexes - the Johannesburg Stadium, Ellis Park Stadium and the Olympic-size swimming pool.

According to the City of Johannesburg's development planning, transportation and planning department, work on the project will be completed by June 2009, with sub-projects crucial for the 2010 Soccer World Cup being completed in June 2008.

The City of Johannesburg, through its agencies and utilities is expected to provide over R500-million to upgrade engineering services and infrastructure; the public sector is expected to contribute over R450-million and the private sector contributing over R800-million.

R67-million will be needed specifically for the preparations for the 2010 Soccer World Cup and 2011 Rugby World Cup.

A R1-billion physical environment upgrade is planned for the area, as well as the development of a R26-million subway at the Ellis Park Station.

Some R39-million will be spent in neighbouring Lorentzville, to improve the environment of the Jukskei River Park, with facelifts being given to Doornfontein, New Doornfontein, Troyeville, Judith's Paarl, Bez Valley and Bertrams.

The improvement of roads, pedestrian facilities, public transport facilities and the provision of parking are all included in the development plan.

Sustainable and affordable housing is also envisaged.

At the height of the project, it is anticipated that 11 148 temporary and 329 permanent jobs will be created.