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The 2015 Universal Exposition in Milan, a colossal event that expects 30 million visitors, has run into delays that threaten the five-yearly international happening. Hosting the Expo is a project of epic proportions that can make or break a city's reputation. Here's more.

Officials for the Paris-based International Bureau of Exhibitions (BIE) said on Tuesday construction works at the site of Expo 2015 in Milan are facing delays. These threaten the organisation of the international event.

[Steen Christiansen, President of International Bureau of Exhibitions]:
"This delay in the acquisition of the land has created delays for the construction and if work on the site does not begin in October at the latest, the expo will hardly be possible."

Roberto Formigoni, President of the Lombardy region overseeing organization of the Expo 2015 says he's optimistic the October deadline will be met.

[Roberto Formigoni, President of Lombardy Region]:
"We have given guarantees that the tenders will be done in July and that the work will commence in October. I have fought a lot in recent months, as you know, for the areas to be bought by public bodies."

In 2008 Italy's fashion and financial capital Milan defeated the western Turkish city of Izmir to win the race to host the 2015 Universal Exposition.

Expo 2015 organizers estimate the event will draw 30 million visitors to the city of 1.3 million people.

Milan, Italy's fashion and business capital, is ageing and has long suffered from an image as a gritty city of smog, traffic and grey asphalt pavements.

The plan is for Milan - a polluted financial center - to get an urban makeover into something greener and edgier.