picks and shovels

Connecting the City: Lifting the Green Point Circle

2009-05-26T00:04:00.001+02:00

May_5_09_za
Originally uploaded by rfataar

To ensure a smooth and safe journey for pedestrians moving towards the stadium from the City Centre, the Green Point stadium circle is being lifted. Spectators will move below the circle and into the stadium forecourt safely from the 2.5km fan mile, which stretches from the Grand Parade Fan Park to the stadium. The circle connects Western Boulevard to the new Granger Bay Boulevard which connects the stadium to the V&A waterfront.

Mbombela Stadium: 100% South African design

2009-05-26T00:01:00.001+02:00

Stadium being constructed for 2010 FIFA World Cup
Originally uploaded by jenmartin

According to some of the stadium engineers, unlike all the other new World Cup venues, Mbombela Stadium and Soccer City are the only venues designed by South African firms. As you can tell, against all odds, Mbombela Stadium remains well on track for 2009 completion. The roof steel structures are all in place and the roof sheeting should be complete with a a month or two. Looking forward to the landscaping plans for this world class venue.

Green Point Stadium: Speechless!

2009-05-25T23:55:00.001+02:00

Welcome to Cape Town
Originally uploaded by Luke Lanterme

This image deserves an Oscar(?!) and so does the photographer. Green Point Stadium is about 80% complete with the final roof trusses being installed and the facade installation underway. Read in the 2010 Cape Argus Supplement that the stadium technical manager can turn on the stadium lights from almost any location in the world, be it his living room, the Bahamas or....well inside the stadium at this office.

Cape Town's Rapid transit system progressing rapidly

2009-05-25T23:48:00.001+02:00

Originally uploaded by warrenski

Construction of the first phase of Cape Town's R1.3 billion Integrated Rapid Transit system is underway and based on these images, looks like the March 2010 completion target is more than realistic. The IRT system will connect Atlantis to the Central City, the International Airport to the Central City and provide an extensive Inner City network connecting the CBD to the new Green Point Stadium, V&A Waterfront and surrounding areas.

Kikuyu grass for Athlone Stadium

2009-03-28T13:38:00.006+02:00

Athlone Stadium has been closed for the remainder of 2009, in order for a new grass pitch to be laid and the upgrading of the north and south spectator stands to be finalised before the 2010 FIFA World Cup™.

The stadium will serve as a practice venue during the World Cup, and the City of Cape Town wants to ensure that the facilities and pitch will be in pristine condition.

The previous grass pitch, which had been used for years by Cape Town soccer clubs Santos and Ajax Cape Town, did not meet FIFA’s requirement that the grass must be the same as the playing surface for the World Cup matches that will take place at Green Point Stadium.

The new pitch will have a kikuyu base (warm season turf) overseeded with rye (cool season turf), meaning that the stadium can be used throughout the year.

The tender for the new surface has been awarded and work is set to begin.

Image source: Bruce Sutherland, City of Cape Town

Cape Town: There are no words

2009-03-28T13:34:00.003+02:00

Absolutely magnificent

Image source: Bruce Sutherland, City of Cape Town

Polokwane on track

2009-03-23T20:11:00.004+02:00

The Peter Mokaba stadium in Polokwane is certainly on track to meet its FIFA deadline. This 45,000 seat venue is perhaps one of the less controversial venues, with great progress being made. The majority of the seating structures are in place or will be in place shortly, while the roof trusses appear to be in place, awaiting the inner glass section and the steel membrane.

Located 5km from the city centre, the venue has been designed by AFL architects, the same team responsible for the design of the expansion of the "Theatre of dreams", Old Trafford in Manchester. The Limpopo province has the largest number of registered football players in the country and this new venue will certainly provide a great arena for generations to come.

Inside Bloems world cup venue

2009-03-11T18:41:00.002+02:00

The Free State stadium is just about completed with its preparations for the 2009 Confederations Cup. The new grand stand was completed towards the end of the 2008, with the installation of seating completed early in January this year. Apart from the external upgrade to the grand stand, the spaces within the stadium have also been transformed. New and improved areas for players, VIP's and the FIFA family have boosted the quality of this famous South African venue.

The FIFA inspection which took place on 20 February 2009 saw the venue pass with flying colours. Landscaping works started in January and will continue until the end of March, providing improved spaces for spectators and the FIFA family around the venue. As the venue enters event mode, temporary overlay will be erected around the venue, some of which includes a media centre and corporate hospitality areas.

Some of these images taken in January 2009 provide a view of some of the new and improved areas within the stadium structure. The practical completion was set at 19 March 2009 with 10 matches in planning before the Confederations Cup.

Transforming Doornfontein Station

2009-03-11T18:36:00.002+02:00

The Doornfontein Station near Ellis Park stadium is beingtransformed into a a state-of-the-art hub, where commuters will arrive for football matches at Ellis Park Stadium.

Doornfontein Train Station is a stone's throw away from the Ellis Park Stadium

Work at Doornfontein Station is progressing well and work is expected to be completed before the Confederations Cup in June this year. The station is being transformed from an unpleasant structure into a double storey building.

According to site engineer, Letsatsi Ramookho the total cost of the project is R74 million with 88 workers currently on site.

"Extensions have been done to the platforms to bring them up to international standards. The platform was lifted to 910mm from the top of the rail lines to make them friendly to paraplegics."

The roof of the new station will be a masterpiece, according to Ramookho, who says it will be staggered, allowing natural light to filter in. "A big clock will be placed on the northern wall of the station facing the station precinct."

The calabash gets working on its pitch

2009-03-06T20:10:00.002+02:00

The 91,000 seat Soccer City stadium, also known as the "calabash", has started preparing the ground for one of the most special football fields in world history. As the venue for the opening and final match of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the pressure is on to prepare a pitch worthy of the occasion.

The roof structure is looking superb with its inner fabric layer, and glass inner edge. The facade of the venue is completely wrapped in cost effective fibre concrete tiles of six different colour variations producing a spectacular visual effect during the day and at night.

The most important venue of the world cup is comfortably on track to meet the FIFA deadline in October 2009, with major works complete within a few months.

Loftus is ready!

2009-03-03T18:14:00.002+02:00

Loftus East new roof, Bulls vs Reds
Originally uploaded by Vark1

Preparations for the Confederations Cup in Pretoria remain on track as the city of Tshwane has confirmed that Loftus is ready for the tournament.

The ground hosted the league clash between champions SuperSport United and Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday evening.

Loftus stadium has undergone a major revamp to meet FIFA's standards as it is set to host three Confed Cup matches in June, including the massive match between Italy and Brazil. The upgraded stadium includes a new roof over the eastern pavilion, an improved media centre as well as general refurbishments to all spectator areas.

4 down 6 to go!

Ellis Park: All systems go

2009-03-03T18:10:00.001+02:00

Ellis Park, Bulls 16 vs Lions 9
Originally uploaded by Vark1

The revamped and refurbished Ellis Park stadium, venue of the historic 1995 Rugby World Cup final, will host a crucial league clash that should give an indication of its state of readiness for the Confederations Cup. The venue has already been in use for the last two weeks as a venue for Super 14 rugby clashes.

The 62 000-seater stadium has undergone a R500-million makeover ahead of the 2009 Confederations Cup and the 2010 World Cup, which included an additional tier at the north stand, a major new parking garage as well as improved spectators and VIP service areas. A major refurbishment of the Ellis Park precinct including landscaping works will continue to ensure a pleasant environment for all spectators.

Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates square off at the venue on Wednesday. The FIFA inspection team last week were pleased with the readiness of the venue which will host the opening and closing game of the Confederations Cup in just a few months.

The giraffe keeps rising against all odss

2009-03-01T19:50:00.003+02:00

Despite its unfair share of strikes and mishaps including a crane falling over, completion before the mid Oct 09 FIFA inspection milestone is on track due to the early initial completion target of April 2009. Mbombela has had 5 months added to the contractual finish date to compensate for the strikes and weather.

Overlay for WC will start in April 2010 at this venue and all other World Cup venues. It will host 4 WC games on the 16, 20, 23 & 25 June, with the 23 June being the only night game. Mbombela is already proving to be a particularly popular stadium for the overseas visitors who are planning to include a game visit on their itinerary.

An on-site report of the progress:

- The main concrete bowl structure is 100%.
- Precast seating beams are 70% complete
- The roof structure is at 50%.
- 10 of 18 giraffe necks are up and 8 giraffe heads in place.
- The seat and roof sheeting installation will begin in March.

Of the new stadiums Mbombela is still on budget to meet its R760mill contract value.
The long overdue N4 by-pass around Nelspruit is progressing well. A further 3 road projects are on track for completion before WC. The water supply and electrical infrastructure upgrade for the broader area is underway.

This giraffe ( a reference to the 18 concrete roof supports) keeps rising and after a visit from the vice president this week, the Mbombela stadium remains in a comfortable position moving towards the FIFA deadline.

Image credits: tadpolefarm

A Royal venue in Rustenburg

2009-02-25T19:36:00.003+02:00

Construction work at the Royal Bafokeng stadium in Rustenburg will be completed by the end of this month. The upgraded grandstand, which includes a new iconic roof was completed early this month, with seat installation close to completion. The venue which has hosted major international events from Tri-nations rugby matches to exhibition football events will continue with landscaping works and general urban improvements for the next few months.

The venue capcity has been increase to approximately 45,000, and will host the British Lions this June. A test event is also being planned to take place next month. An inspection conducted by FIFA this month highlighted the state of readiness in Rustenburg and the North West province. With the Confederations Cup in a few months, this venue has comfortably met its deadlines. The total cost of the project is R360 million.

Image credits: tadpolefarm, City of Rustenburg

Durban: An airport fit for a King

2009-02-24T18:36:00.004+02:00

The new King Shaka International Airport being constructed at La Mercy in Durban has been in planning since the 70's. Capacity constraints and the restrictive location of the current Durban International Airport have brought about the need for a new international airport and trade port that will be able to serve Durban and the province for generations to come.

The state of the art airport has a capacity of over 7 million and the project vision is now being realized as construction progresses at a rapid pace. All milestones set have been met including those for the tower, cargo and terminal building. The manufacture of all 16 passenger boarding bridges has been completed.The terminal floor plan has also been approved which involved in-depth discussions and proper co¬ordination with stakeholders and possible tenants of office space within the terminal.

The airport is set to be fully operational by early May 2010 and is another major infrastructure project prioritized and being realized due to the 2010 FIFA World CupTM.

Image credits: www.dubetradeport.co.za, ACSA

Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium: 27 of 33

2009-02-23T15:20:00.004+02:00

The good news is that Nelson Mandela Bay stadium is on track to meet its June 2009 deadline when it will host the British Lions. Construction at the stadium is reaching its final stages with roof girders being lifted into place at quite some pace. The roof consists of steel girders wrapped in a PTFE membrane and aluminium cladding, combining to form a spectacular landmark for the friendly city. 27 of the 33 girders which form the roof structure are now in place.

Landscaping and paving has also started around the stadium, with roads being closed and fences being moved to accommodate the earthworks.

Image credits: Firefly Africa

Fireworks at the arch

2009-02-23T14:51:00.010+02:00

Durban's iconic Moses Mabhida stadium remains well on track to meet the end of year FIFA deadline. A spectacular fireworks display marked the official completion of the stadium arch, the longest of its kind in the world. Engineers completed the arch at the end of January when the last of the 60ton segments forming the Y-shaped arch was slotted into place.

The arch will provide support from above for the 46,000 sqm fabric stadium roof. The roof will be suspended from the arch by steel cables and secured around the perimeter of the stadium by a compression ring, which was completed last year.

The stadium is approximately 60% complete with the final completion date set for October 30th 2009.

Image credits: www.shine2010.co.za, Durbanvibes

Cape Town International Airport: A glassy affair

2009-02-23T14:23:00.008+02:00

Terminal 2010 at Cape Town International Airport remains on schedule for its 2009 completion date. The large and imposing structure has risen up rapidly over the last year or so and provides an awesome view as one approaches the airport. From the rendering above, its appears to be wrapped in glass with a wing like roof structure forming the grand entrance. The entire project consists of the following:

	A new terminal building (R1.5 billion)
	A new retail mall (R60 million)
	Elevated road
	Additional passenger parking
	Air side parking

400 of the 4,000 new parking bays at the new multi-storey parkade were opened in December 2008 with more parking bays to be opened as the project progresses. A new BRT link from the Airport to the City Centre will be in place before June 2010. In addition an express rail link, including elevated portions, from CTIA to the City Centre is currently being planned for completion by 2012.

Image credits: Annman, Blueprint Architects
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Green Point Stadium : The "big lift" complete after 9 days

2009-02-23T14:16:00.002+02:00

Green Point stadium is another step closer to completion as the inner ring of the roof has been raised.

The inner Tension Ring was installed by using 72 hydraulic jacks that tightened the 72 cables connecting the inner and outer rings of the roof.

The next phase now is the positioning of steel trusses, the installation of the 9000 pieces that make up the glass roof and the attachment of a fabric membrane below the roof. The roof is schedule for completion in September.

Work on the PTFE mesh facade will start soon. A total of close to 80 days has already been cut from the initial contractual completion date.

Beckenbauer gives Cape Town a thumbs up

2007-09-09T10:40:00.000+02:00

Franz Beckenbauer, the president of the 2006 World Cup's steering committee, visited the Green Point stadium site this week and is said to be "very, very impressed" with the progress made. "The location of the Green Point stadium, underneath Table Mountain and with a view of Robben Island where Nelson Mandela spent 18 years in prison was "stunning", according to the former Germany player and coach nicknamed The Kaiser. We think so to.

New Greenpoint Football stadium
Originally uploaded by CapeTownFootball2010

Bloem gets building

2007-09-09T10:18:00.000+02:00

Work on the 46,000 seat Free State stadium in Bloemfontein will finally start. Negotiations have taken place over the last few months due to higher than expected tender prices. The Free State Government has stepped in and contributed R64 million to ensure that the upgrade could go ahead. A new grandstand will be built with an additional tier and all facilities within and around the stadium will undergo a major upgrade to ensure that the venue more than meets FIFA's requirements. Ironically, Free State stadium will be the first stadium to complete all its works, four months ahead of the FIFA Confederations Cup deadline of December 2008.

Photographer: Eline Dejong

Inside peek

2007-09-08T11:50:00.000+02:00

Durban has certainly been the leader of the pack when it comes to the construction of its 70,000 seat 2010 FIFA World CupTM Moses Mabhida stadium. Great work at the site has certainly maintained the pace of construction which began in late 2006. These images provide a great look close-up look at some of the work taking place at the site. The first tier seems to be progressing well along with work on the base of the majestic arch set to change the skyline of Durban forever.

Photographer: Chris Bloom

Busy bees at Soccer City

2007-09-08T11:42:00.000+02:00

Work at the 100,000+ capacity 2010 FIFA World CupTM Final venue has been progressing really well. Significant progress has been made with regards to the earthworks and work on all tiers of the stadium is currently taking place. These amazing images certainly give credit to the great work that is taking place at the world's largest calabash.

Photographer: Pule Mofokeng

Athlone giant is rising

2007-09-08T11:39:00.000+02:00

Athlone stadium in Cape Town is progressing well and should be complete before the end of 2008. Construction is currently taking place behind each goal area to increase capacity from about 30,000 to 40,000+. the stadium will host numerous warm-up World Cup matches in 2009 and will act as as 2010 FIFA World CupTM training venues and possible fan park.

Photographer: picks and shovels team

Nelson Mandela Bay back on track

2007-09-08T11:28:00.000+02:00

The Nelson Mandela Bay stadium is back on track after falling slightly behind schedule. The 50,000 seat World Cup stadium will be complete in December 2008 and will host numerous Confederations Cup matches in June 2009.

Photographer: Luke Bentley and Max

A big big update

2007-08-11T01:15:00.000+02:00

We apologize for the lack of updates recently. That certainly does not mean that there has been a lack of progress on 2010 FIFA World CupTM match and training venues. Cape Town's World Cup Stadium has been progressing well with 14 cranes currently on site. The next phase of construction has already begun, which sees the stadium bowl rise from the months of earthworks and preparation.

Orlando Stadium has been moving really fast and the work on the roof of the stadium has already begun. We expect this training venue to be complete in 2008.

Soccer City, the venue for the final of the 2010 FIFA World CupTM, has been racing away with construction. Most of the groundwork seems to be have been completed and work on the stadium concourse is well on its way.

Photographers: City of Cape Town, Andrew Murray, Pule Mofokeng

7 or 8?

2007-07-16T08:56:00.000+02:00

We count 7(maybe 8) cranes at the site of Soccer City, the venue for the opening and final match of the 2010 FIFA World CupTM. 8 is a lucky number in China, so either way we're safe. Along with these photo updates we thought we'd share a graphic of the stadium at night when its completed in April 2009.
Photographer: Pule Mofokeng, Johannesburg, 15 July 2007

View of the completed stadium at night

Stadium by the lake

2007-07-16T08:46:00.000+02:00

The Nelson Mandela Bay stadium is on schedule and will be complete by December 2008. Construction on site has been progressing well and the first few columns forming the facade have begun to rise. The stadium is located on the edge of North End Lake and a pier will be constructed over the edge of the lake providing a great view across the lake during the Confederations Cup and World Cup. Photographer: Luke Bentley, Port Elizabeth, July 14 2007

A night time view of the stadium from the lake

and then there were 10

2007-07-10T10:38:00.000+02:00

Soon the entire Green Point Common site will be bustling with activity as the urban park plans start to become a reality. The R120 million urban park will include ten sports fields, an athletics track, a new tennis arena and precinct, a golf course and dedicated public parks and spaces. The Cape Town World Cup stadium forms just 18ha of the 78ha site to be revamped. We count 10 cranes, how about you?

And then there were 10 (Cranes) Construction of new Greenpoint Stadium

Originally uploaded by CapeTownFifaWorldcup2010

A day night match

2007-07-05T06:17:00.000+02:00

As the sun sets, the lights are switched on at the site of the World Cup stadium in Cape Town, so that construction may continue.
These breathtaking images of the cranes at the site provide us with an idea of the magnificent views the new stadium and people of Cape Town will enjoy.
Photographer: Andrew Dewas, Cape Town, July 2007

Racing away

2007-07-05T06:09:00.000+02:00

It seems as if all 12 cranes at the Moses Mabhida stadium are now on site and ready for action. Durban is racing away with the construction of the 70,000 seat stadium which will feature an arch that rises across the length of the stadium and will be accessible to the public, providing amazing views of the ocean and city. Photographer: Mike, Durban, July 2007

In 22 months

2007-07-02T03:14:00.000+02:00

An earlier post "About to rise" stated that the Peter Mokaba Stadium would be complete by October 2009. News from the ground is that the stadium will be complete well before that date and will be ready for action in March 2009. With the earthworks complete, 5 cranes have risen and some of the stadium columns have been constructed. 22 months and counting... Photographer: Hanno Steyn, Polokwane, 2 July 2007

No April fool's joke

2007-07-01T02:18:00.000+02:00

Soccer City has been confirmed as the venue for the opening and final match of the 2010 FIFA World CupTM and news from the ground is that the magnificent 95,000+ seat calabash will be complete by April 2009. Columns and pillars to support to the second tier of seating have started to rise and April 2009 seems to be an achievable target. Photographer: Puleza, Johannesburg, 1 July 2007

A foggy day in Cape Town

2007-07-01T00:43:00.000+02:00

A cold and rainy and in some places snowy Cape Town could not keep the picks and shovels team from taking some photos at the site of the new World Cup stadium in Green Point. Like our friends in Durban 12 cranes will rise of which 8 are currently in place. The stadium podium and columns will soon rise from earth and tender proposals to operate post 2010 the stadium seem to have risen from 19 to 29! Photographer: picks and shovels team, Cape Town, 1 July 2007

Keeping it fresh

2007-06-25T07:09:00.000+02:00

We made a promise to provide the most up to date images and we hope to keep our promise. Our previous update for the Athlone stadium included images taken over a month ago. Athlone Stadium, a proposed 2010 FIFA World CupTM training venue now has its first crane on site and work seems to progressing well. Photographer: N/A, 23 June 2007, Cape Town

March, April, May, June

2007-06-25T03:31:00.000+02:00

The Nelson Mandela Bay stadium designed by german architects GMP in association with four local architecture firms is well on its way to be completed by May 2009. The stadium is the only new venue that will be used during the 2009 Confederations Cup in June of that year. Work on the stadium columns and pre-cast seating structures are set to begin soon, since bulk works and all earthworks were completed at the end of May.
Photographer: MyPe.co.za, March - June 2007, Port Elizabeth

A "fresh" update

2007-06-25T00:29:00.002+02:00

Our previous post regarding the Orlando Stadium included some "older" images by our standard. We'd like to keep the images fresh and as up to date as possible. The Orlando stadium seems to have risen slightly since the last post and an extra crane has gone up at the Green Point Stadium. The Green Point stadium we can now confirm will also see some 12 cranes on site simultaneously and work remains five weeks ahead of schedule.
Photographer: 1. Puleza, 23 June 2007, Soweto 2. Kapenaar, 24 June 2007, Cape Town

A Soweto Icon

2007-06-20T08:38:00.000+02:00

Orlando stadium has long been an iconic football venue for all the communities of Soweto for close to 50 years. Its complete makeover will provide a lasting legacy for football and will live up to its iconic status. The old stadium was demolished and will make way for a 40,000 seater world class venue which will be complete by 2008. The picks and shovels team can confirm that the cows in the image are in fact real. Photographers: Evelyn Rusita and Puleza, Soweto, Johannesburg, May 2007

To get an idea of the transformation.Before
After

Not 1 but 2

2007-06-20T08:19:00.000+02:00

While the Green Point Stadium and its construction has flooded local and international news sources for many reasons, Cape Town is in fact currently constructing two stadia. Work at Athlone stadium is entering its final phases to complete the stadium behind the goal areas. The initial phases included constructing the two main grand stands. Athlone stadium will seat 40,000 on completion and will act as a 2010 FIFA World CupTM training venue as well as a fan park. Photographer: Jens Albat, Athlone, Cape Town, 10 May 2007

World's largest calabash

2007-06-19T09:04:00.000+02:00

Soccer City, the venue to host the 2010 FIFA World Cup FinalTM will most likely become the world's largest calabash by 2009. The venue is expected to seat a minimum of 95,000 and has long been the heart of South African Football. The venue received a thumbs up from FIFA President Sepp Blatter on his visit to the site yesterday.
Photographer: Puleza, Soweto, Johannesburg, 30 May 2007

About to rise

2007-06-18T04:27:00.000+02:00

Construction at the Peter Mokaba Complex in Polokwane is going well. Our friend in Polokwane says that the foundation is almost complete and the stadium can soon rise. The strong rock at the site meant that no piling was needed and the stadium bowl and columns can now start to rise. The good news is that the 45,000 seater is well on track to be completed by 2009.
Photographer: Hanno Steyn, Polokwane, 16 June 2007

12 of the best

2007-06-18T00:28:00.000+02:00

Construction at the Moses Mabhida stadium in Durban has been in full swing since late 2006. Currently 9 cranes are up, while cranes 10 and 11 rise slowly. The city expects 12 cranes on site by July and is leading the way in terms of the construction of new stadia to be built for the 2010 FIFA World CupTM.
Photographer: Mike, Durban, 7 June 2007

A Robben Island Backdrop

2007-06-17T04:17:00.000+02:00

Construction for the Cape Town World Cup Stadium is five weeks ahead of schedule and has five cranes on site. We think this image with its Robben Island backdrop, taken on Youth Day, is a great start to our blog.
Photographer: Andre Dewas, Cape Town South Africa, 16 June 2007