It was done at a cost of around R6 million and will certainly contribute to a more enjoyable experience for spectators. Property owners in close proximity to the iconic venue are now also paying a levy to ensure the long-term maintenance of the area.

The 62 000 rugby fans expected at the venue on Saturday, can look forward to an enjoyable experience inside and out.

The public park created for the 2010 FIFA World Cup has been rejuvenated. Almost 400 solar tracking lights have been fitted around the area to offer better security. And it was all done with the community’s blessings.

“The involvement of the local community, you know we incorporated the local taxi forum into this and to say how can you guys help us to make sure the people get in faster, safer, quicker, more convenient. We have established a very good relationship with them last year and we expanded it this year and thank you very much for their support, and for their buying in, and for their help to make sure that as a collective, as South Africans and as people living in this community we don’t only uplift the community and take back Joburg ourselves,” says Pieter Burger, the MD of Ellis Park Stadium.

More than 70 000 people will be deployed in and around the stadium precinct on Saturday. They include service providers in the hospitality area, and security personnel.

This precinct will always be in demand because it has other amenities as well, such as an Indoor Arena, the Johannesburg Stadium, and an Olympic size pool.

“We had the City, and we had the mayor here this week. We undertook to put investment into this space, and he wants to bring sports, arts and culture back into the space. So we are looking forward to having the disciplines that we have just seen at the Olympics. Start using the athletics stadium, and the Olympic pool behind me and that’s the big plan. We will start here to show that it can be done, and we will take it throughout the rest of the city,” says Stephen du Preez, Local Abode founder.

Ellis Park train station

Traffic congestion around the stadium was a major factor over the years.

However, the Ellis Park train station is back in full use for the first time in over 20 years. PRASA will be running regular train services between Park Station and Ellis Park from early till late evening on match day.

The trip between the two stations takes only three minutes. And the train which can accommodate 2 500 fans, will depart every 15 minutes.

“We’ve renovated the station to ensure that fans have a wonderful and pleasant experience. It’s also part of the collaboration that we have with the city to ensure that the vicinity of Ellis Park, Doornfontein area is safe you know, and it’s ready to accept the fans so that they can enjoy being at the stadium in a safe, lit, and welcoming environment,” says Zipho Mlambo, Prasa Head of Marketing.

Residents of Johannesburg, mainly students who frequent the area, have welcomed the rejuvenation of the Ellis Park precinct.

“I think it’s amazing because I’ve been staying here since last year and when I moved in here it was still crusty. But now the renovations are amazing, we have a train.”

“I think it’s amazing. It’s beautiful now. It’s safer for students. It’s going to attract more tourists to come, and people who want to enjoy the game.”

“The place is perfect, like since I came today it’s amazing, there’s a lot happening. It has changed, the colour is green, amazing.”

If it’s properly maintained, the multi-purpose precinct is set for a boom. From music concerts to major football matches.


--SABC--