The City of Johannesburg will host the International Broadcasting Centre (IBC) for the 2010 FIFA World Cup and develop a multi-million Rand precinct around Nasrec.

Scheduled to be officially announced on Monday, the city was selected by a joint National Government and the Local Organising Committee (LOC), IBC Bid Evaluation Team.

Joburg City Executive Director for 2010, Sibongile Mazibuko on Sunday said the city was delighted to be selected to host the IBC.

The city has partnered with the national Departments of Transport, Communications, Public Works, Sport, and the private sector to invest significant amounts on money and effort aimed at transforming Nasrec into a thriving successful precinct, she said.

“This IBC announcement bodes well for the city’s preparations for world cup and is sure to position this precinct consistent with its new brand slogan – Nasrec, its happening!,” said Ms Mazibuko.

The Nasrec precinct is a flagship development node being developed by the city-owned Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA) to bridge the apartheid spatial planning gap between the south of Johannesburg and the city centre.

It comprises of 420 hectares in size and currently accommodates the Soccer City, the Johannesburg Expo Centre and the Crown Mines Golf Course.

“We have worked closely with the private sector through the Nasrec Land Owners Forum, which plays a key role in the development of the precinct,” said JDA Chief Executive Officer, Lael Bethlehem.

According to Ms Bethlehem, significant portions of publicly-owned and privately owned land are available for development, she said adding that the JDA was coordinating overall development in the area and is managing the infrastructure upgrades.

Extensive road network improvements which include a portion of the Bus Rapid Transit system (to be known as Rea Vaya), new rail links and the creation of a public transport hub and better pedestrian links are all being rolled out to underpin development.

The Rand Show Road will be one of the main spine roads and will be used by spectators to access the precinct of the stadium, Ms Bethlehem said.

This road and the adjacent roads (like Nasrec Road) have been upgraded by the JDA to provide the necessary infrastructure for the IBC, she said.

The development, she said will generate many opportunities for surrounding communities and the general public.

Environmental management is core to the development and operation of the precinct.

- Source: BuaNews

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