Construction and development along Durban's now internationally acclaimed coastline that could not be completed in time for the World Cup, is expected to continue well into December.

Julie-May Ellingson, head of the municipality's strategic projects unit and 2010 programme, said construction was ongoing.

The city had hoped that fringe upgrades and new developments would have been completed in time for the mass influx of tourists during the month-long tournament. While most of the work was done, among those that fell by the wayside is a new "Green Hub" building at Blue Lagoon, a popular recreational spot, as well as the planned restaurant and retail facilities along the newly revamped beachfront.

Ellingson said the construction of the Green Hub was under way and likely to be completed by the end of August.

"The Green Hub will operate as an information and booking centre for nature-based tourism destinations and experiences in Durban and KZN," Ellingson said.

The hub will also offer guided canoe trails on the uMngeni River Estuary and local guided walks.

The city had earlier said the cost of all the upgrades, including the new pathways, public toilets, parking areas, landscaping and the construction of the new Green Hub would be about R8-million.

The building incorporates a range of green technologies, said Ellingson, and will offer demonstrations and capacity building around simple "green" technologies such as solar and wind energy for homes, schools and offices, and water saving devices and systems.

The Green Hub is expected to open to the public by October, and it will be operated by the city as an interim arrangement until an outside operator is appointed.

"Depending on the availability of funding, we will look to develop new designated braai areas during the course of this year," she said.

The remaining work in the public areas of Blue Lagoon, including the new car park and pathways, will be completed by the end of August.

Ellingson said the new commercial opportunities along the beachfront would soon be put out to tender.

"The city's vision is to have a mix of both retail and restaurants/food outlets along the beachfront serving the family market and promoting a healthy lifestyle," she said.

The retail part would be in the form of beach/surf/outdoor-related goods as well as possibly a bookstore, while the food offerings would range from fast food through to more formal dining opportunities.

"We will also be looking for a mix in the type of food on offer so as to appeal to tourists and local residents alike," Ellingson said.

She added that, depending on the tender process, it was expected that those places would be operational by the first week of December.