The Cape Town Station is soon to get its long promised upgrade, for which the first plans were designed more than ten years ago.   The R 480 million upgrade is planned to be completed for the 2010 World Cup, as trains will be an important source of transport for soccer fans.

Station site owner Intersite is promising to develop “a creative Cape Town station”, reports the Cape Times.   Based on market research conducted amongst commuters, the plans include more focus on better quality family restaurants and retail outlets,  tourism activities, and recreational facilities.   Informal traders will be restricted to the station deck.  

Cape Town Tourism is set to open an office in the new station building.