NEWSWORTHY
TOWER 1 COMPLETED AT HARBOUR ARCH
The Amdec Group recently announced that the first of six towers at Harbour Arch - Cape Town ’ s largest and most ambitious mixed-use precinct since the development of the V & A Waterfront - has been completed and handed over to residents .
“ After years in planning and design , and 42 months under construction , we are extremely proud to have delivered the first phase of this R16 billion , 10-year construction project , on time and within budget ,” said Amdec Group CEO James Wilson . “ This was no mean feat given the scale and complexity of the project , and the fact that we had to contend with the Covid-19 global pandemic , which brought work on site to a halt just two months after we broke ground ”.
Harbour Arch Tower 1 is the first of six planned for the precinct . It comprises double-volume glass-fronted retail space at ground level – earmarked for exclusive motor dealerships and coffee shops - and further retail space on the eighth floor which will house restaurants with indoor and outdoor seating ; 1,188 parking bays across 3 basement and 7 above-ground levels ; and 560 residential apartments . There is also an open-air sundeck and swimming pool on the 18th floor .
The Harbour Arch development represents a significant private sector investment into the City of Cape Town . An estimated 20,000 jobs will be created during the construction phase alone , with more employment upon completion .
The completed precinct will comprise 6 towers spanning 200,000m 2 of usable space accommodating commercial offices and corporate headquarters ; an urban park and shopping galleria at street level ; an 8th floor open-air piazza lined with restaurants , coffee shops and cocktails bars ; 2 Marriott branded hotels , with conferencing facilities ; a flagship health and fitness club , and the largest selection of residential apartment in the CBD .
“ We hope that Harbour Arch will kick-start further ambitious large-scale development within the Cape Town CBD , and allow us to hold our own against other iconic capital cities around the world – like London , Sydney , New York , Dubai - where innovative , high-rise developments have pushed the boundaries of design and architecture to become landmarks and attractions in their own right ,” said Wilson .
Harbour Arch has been modelled on the Amdec Group ’ s award-winning Melrose Arch mixed-use precinct in Johannesburg . It embraces the principles of new urban design and employs smart technology to deliver world-class safety and security , always-on connectivity , convenience , accessibility , sustainability , and eco-efficiency .
“ As with Melrose Arch , we are using international best practice to create the Neighbourhood of the Future – an inviting space where Capetonians from all walks of life can live , work , play , relax , and stay in a safe , convenient , sustainable , community-focused environment . www . harbourarch . co . za
CURRO DURBANVILLE IS FINALIST FOR ITALIAN PLAN AWARD 2023
BPAS Architects has been selected as a finalist for the coveted Plan Award 2023 . This distinguished international accolade which honours excellence in architecture , interior design , and urban planning , recognises BPAS Architects ’ Curro Durbanville High School project . “ Being shortlisted for the Plan Award 2023 is a true testament to our team ’ s unwavering dedication and creative spirit ,” says Landseer Collen , Architect and Director at BPAS Architects . “ Our journey with the Curro Durbanville High School project has been nothing short of inspiring , and this recognition fuels our passion to continue pushing the boundaries of architectural innovation .” The sprawling 9,800m 2 campus showcases the harmonious blend of cutting-edge design and collaborative efforts with learners , educators , and experts which resulted in a highcaliber institution boasting avantgarde cultural and sports facilities . “ The architecture of the school seamlessly intertwines with its natural surroundings , capturing the essence of form , texture , and proportion . We challenged the traditional classroom conventions by opting for an unconventional U-shape building layout . Not only does this help create a welcoming courtyard , fostering engagement among learners and visitors but it also ensures flexibility and adaptability for future educational needs ,” adds Collen . www . bpas . co . za
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