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2008-04-21: City to announce agreement to host 2010 International Broadcast Centre

TODAY (Monday 21 April 2008) the City of Johannesburg will announce that it will host the International Broadcasting Centre (IBC) for the FIFA 2010 World Cup and develop a multi-million rand precinct around Nasrec.

The announcement takes place on Monday 21st April 2008 from 15h00 at the Johannesburg Expo Centre at the MAN Room.

"We were delighted that Joburg was selected to host the International Broadcasting Centre," says Executive Director: 2010 Sibongile Mazibuko. "We were selected by a joint National Government and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) selection committee (IBC Bid Evaluation Team) and have since also signed an IBC host agreement with the Local Organising Committee"

Mazibuko, who is responsible for implementing the City's 2010 programme, says 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.

The Nasrec precinct is a flagship development node being developed by the City-owned Johannesburg Development Agency to bridge the apartheid spatial planning gap between the south of Johannesburg and the centre of the City. Nasrec comprises of 420 hectares in size and currently accommodates Soccer City, the Johannesburg Expo Centre and the Crown Mines Golf Course.

"We have worked very closely with the private sector through the Nasrec Land Owners Forum, which plays a key role in the development of the precinct," says JDA CEO Lael Bethlehem. She says significant portions of publicly-owned and privately owned land is available for development. The JDA is co-ordinating 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 (in cars and on foot) to access the precinct of the stadium. This road and the adjacent roads (like Nasrec Road) have been upgraded by the Johannesburg Development Agency to provide the necessary infrastructure for the International Broadcast Centre.

The development will generate many opportunities for surrounding communities and the general public. Environmental management is core to the development and operation of the precinct, says Bethlehem.

"This International Broadcast Centre announcement bodes well for the City's preparations for the 2010 FIFA World Cup and is sure to position this precinct consistent with its new brand slogan –Nasrec, its happening!," says Mazibuko.