The Western Cape province and the BBC have signed a deal, which allows the BBC to set up its broadcasting headquarters on top of the Somerset Hospital close to the new Cape Town stadium, and adjacent to the V & A Waterfront, reports the Cape Times.

A special glass top roof will be constructed on top of the hospital building, allowing the BBC to broadcast the 2010 World Cup from Cape Town with a view of Table Mountain, and of the Cape Town Stadium.  Soccer star Gary Lineker will be the BBC’s host for the soccer event.    The studio will not interfere with the operation of the hospital.

The value of the deal has not been disclosed, the agreement between the two parties prohibiting this information from being supplied.

The official FIFA Media Centre will be in Johannesburg, but Cape Town is a popular location for international broadcasters, says the province’s 2010 World Cup co-ordinator Dr Laurine Platzky.

Chris von Ulmenstein, Whale Cottage Portfolio: www.whalecottage.com