After working around the clock despite one of Cape Town’s wettest winters in 10 years last year, GVK-Siya Zama completed the redevelopment of Cape Town Station into a mixed-use residential and retail space.
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One of the company’s largest projects to date, by value – and its largest in the Western Cape – the development has opened a direct corridor between Strand Street and the Cape Town Railway Station. It now boasts unrestricted and pedestrian-friendly thoroughfare through a ‘grand entrance’ Galleria.
Aligned with similar projects in European cities where less desirable spaces are being transformed into sought-after residential and retail offerings, the 77 000m² redevelopment incorporates a 20-storey, 3 000-bed purpose-built student accommodation facility, 6 000m² of retail space and a new world-class public square.
According to GVK-Siya Zama’s managing director of its Cape business unit, Chris Maughan, the redevelopment aims to introduce student accommodation in a transport node that could service both UCT, CPUT and other significant tertiary educational campuses.
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‘The project had to be complete in time for the 2024 student intake,’ said Maughan. ‘The 20-storey building required hoisting of some 9 000 000 bricks, which meant many extra hours of crane hook time and additional protection and resources while navigating adverse weather conditions.’
The team was also challenged to use budget-conscious products and deliver them in upmarket fashion. ‘Many elements had an industrial look and feel,’ explained Maughan. ‘We had to find ways to retain the architectural features without making the development feel too basic.’
Due to the size of the project, financial consideration played a critical role in product selection, and it became increasingly challenging to ensure that cost-effective products did not distract from aesthetic goals and the envisioned design.
With student safety and well-being as the primary focus, the development includes several study hubs, seven-a-side football fields on the fourth floor of the building, as well as cinemas and relaxation areas to create a safe, enjoyable and practical living space.
Maughan added that the building boasts solar and energy-efficient appliances, including many safety features, specifically related to fire compliance.
‘Due to the large number of students to be housed in the building, it was essential that control measures were put in place to monitor water and electrical usage alongside an efficient, centralised water heating solution.’
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He also added that GVK-Siya Zama is delighted with the outcome of the project.
‘It showcases our ability to work on large, complex projects within tight budget and time constraints,’ says Maughan. ‘We also believe our success is due to our ability to attract the best people in the industry and create a work environment that is supportive and friendly.’
Cape Station thus stands testament to a visionary team committed to the delivery of this fine development.
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Picture: Supplied