The Green Point Stadium’s new Visitor Centre was officially opened by Cape Town Mayor Helen Zille and invited guests on Tuesday.

The centre is the outcome of a partnership between contractors Murray & Roberts/WBHO and the City of Cape Town. It will allow visitors to see the construction site and progress of the stadium from a viewing platform, providing a unique opportunity for the public to learn about the building process in a safe and innovative manner.

Construction of the stadium has previously been closed to the public since building began early this year. The stadium is expected to be completed by 2009 and will be home to semi-final games during the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Speaking at the opening of the centre Zille said “I hope the impressive structural work on the stadium will encourage more of our learners to study civil engineering and related fields where skills are currently needed in South Africa.” The opening was attended by representatives from Murray & Roberts /WBHO and other invited guests.

“The Green Point Stadium Visitor Centre is a vehicle for us to provide an understanding to all who come through the doors, of what Team Green Point are trying to achieve,” said Andrew Fanton, Project Director Murray & Roberts/WBHO.

The centre will house an audio-visual and industrial theatre presentation, an exhibition of soccer related items and a model of the stadium. It will also have a 150-seater auditorium and a boardroom.

From the 7th of January 2008 the public will be able to visit the centre between 10am to 5pm on weekdays and 10am to 2pm on Saturdays.

“It [the centre] will be available for the people of Cape Town, and will also serve as a tourist attraction, especially given the international prominence that the Green Point stadium has achieved,” Zille said.

Source: South Africa: The Good News