Construction of the new R460 million ICC Durban Arena is well on track and will result in the showcase International Convention Centre Durban doubling in size, to over one kilometre

in length, by March 2007.

ICC was developed as a catalyst for economic development, and has proved to be one of the eThekwini Municipality’s biggest and most successful ventures, having generated over R5,4 billion income for the region to date.

The Arena is also planned to be a valuable revenuegenerator for KwaZulu Natal.

The Arena will make the ICC the biggest conference centre in the country.

The fact that ICC is turning away approximately R1 million’s worth of business a month, shows the need for this venue that will offer additional conference and exhibition facilities and will provide the city with a world-class indoor stadium that is planned to put Durban back on the map for concerts and sporting events.

It will also give the city the opportunity of participating in major events like the 2010 Soccer World Cup.

The expansion project has already assisted in keeping the country’s premier tourism event, Indaba in the city for the next three years.

Construction Update:

Contracts director, Mr Bernie Blomfield, explained; “The completion of the Arena (without final finishes) for Indaba 2006 was successfully achieved. We are on track with the value of the work carried out to date being R315 million. The roof is totally complete and glazing of the glass façade around the building envelope is now 90% complete. The paving of Africa Square will commence in early October.”

ICC Enters A New Era:

ICC’s new chief executive officer, Mr Matola commented; “I am privileged to be joining ICC at such an exciting time. With a proven track record for reliability and service excellence, having hosted Heads of State and Royalty from around the world during high profile events, ICC Durban is well equipped to enter a whole new era next year with the opening of the Arena.”

World-Class Facilities:

Although primarily designed for concerts and sporting events, the ICC Durban Arena will be multi-purpose, with world class facilities designed for maximum flexibility and capabilities for sub-division into a variety of configurations.

Capacities: 

• The actual ICC Arena area will cover 2 500 square metres.
• Additional 12 000 square metres of open space.
• Total of 32 000 square metres covered space on one level at ICC and DEC.
• Raked seating for 6 000.
• Space for 10 000 spectators.

The external venue of ‘Africa Square,’ will be developed beyond the south wall of the ICC Arena. Africa Square is Africa’s ‘Time Square and Trafalgar Square.’

It will be a ‘new meeting place’ and the place that captures the new confidence and the energy of Africa. It will have the capacity to entertain visitors who can enjoy concerts and events taking place within the venue at lower cost, or without even having to purchase tickets.