Ahead of the 2010 Football World Cup, hosted by South Africa, a major upgrade of facilities was put in place, catering not only for the general public, but also for the bodies involved with the implementation and management of the event.
One of the major venues was the Ellis Park stadium where, not only was it necessary to upgrade the stadium itself, but the facilities serving the stadium also needed upgrade to meet the anticipated demands of the event.
The Ellis Park Central Square project involved the realignment of Beit Street and Upper Ross Road, and the creation of a new square to provide facilities for the public to gather and relax in an aesthetically pleasing environment.
The Square itself comprises a water feature, sculpture, paved and landscaped areas, and ablution facilities, as well as facilities to benefit event management organisations.
The adjacent Ellis Park Swimming Pool was also upgraded, whilst measures were put in place to minimise pre-existing ground water and stormwater problems.