Architect and Builder Jul/Aug 2024 | Page 7

CONTINUING RABIE ’ S LEGACY : NEW EXECUTIVE TEAM AT THE HELM
Inspired living begins with visionary development . This is evident in Rabie ’ s 46-year legacy of innovation , creating homes and spaces where people can thrive . Established in 1978 , Rabie is one of South Africa ’ s leading property developers , creating new urban landmarks and delivering ground-breaking public private partnerships . The group recently celebrated 20 years in Century City at an event entitled , “ The dream lives on ,” where Leon Cohen , co-founder , handed over the baton to the next generation .
From 1 July 2024 , the new executive management team for Rabie Property Developers took over the reins , with Mariska Auret as Chief Executive Officer at the helm . Miguel Rodrigues as Chief Operating Officer , Chris McMaster as Chief Financial Officer and Colin Green as Director will lead the Group into the next decade . Leon Cohen steps into the role of Chairman for Rabie Property Developers and Rabie Holdings , with John Chapman and Colin Anderson Directors of Rabie Holdings , Hilton Saven Non-Executive Director and Chris McMaster as CFO .
“ We work as a team , both within and across departments , to ensure our approach to projects remains fresh , inspired and well
From Left to Right : Colin Green ( Director ), Chris McMaster ( CFO ), Mariska Auret ( CEO ), Leon Cohen ( Chairman ), Miguel Rodrigues ( COO )
thought through , from the inception of an idea to its transformation into reality . We succeed together , with a deep respect for collaboration ,” says Mariska . “ It is therefore an incredible honour that Leon , John , Colin and Hilton remain a part of our team , as they are the very DNA of Rabie and its legacy .”
GROWTHPOINT BEGINS CONSTRUCTION ON GREEN OFFICE REFIT FOR NINETY ONE
Growthpoint has commenced construction on a green office refurbishment of its 36 Hans Strijdom Building , the Cape Town headquarters of Ninety One , in a move that reinforces both companies ’ commitment to the Cape Town CBD and to sustainability .
Ninety One , a global investment manager with South African roots , has been based at the Growthpoint-owned building in the Cape Town Foreshore for over two decades . Ninety One evaluated a number of options for its offices , including new construction , as its co-tenant in the building prepared to move to new premises . Its decision to remain at 36 Hans Strijdom was strongly driven by its net-zero carbon aspirations .
Growthpoint welcomed the move , committing to an extensive green revamp of the property as Ninety One signed a 15-year lease for the building ’ s entire 12,800m 2 of lettable area . Growthpoint ’ s refurbishment of 36 Hans Strijdom is being guided by sustainability goals rather than appearances , so while it will essentially deliver a new , lower-carbon building , the changes will mostly be visible from inside the building .
To begin with , a significant amount of embodied carbon is being salvaged by re-using of the entire building structure . Among the environmentally friendly building improvements are an on-site solar plant , energy-efficient displacement air conditioning and high-performance glazing . Energy-hungry escalators will be replaced by circulation stairs in the new layout to reduce power consumption .
Furthermore , 36 Hans Strijdom was the first building in the Mother City to receive clean , green energy wheeled via the city ’ s energy grid , as part of the City of Cape Town ’ s wheeling pilot project . This is possible thanks to Growthpoint ’ s partnership with licenced electricity trader Etana Energy , which is a selected pilot participant . Solar energy generated at Growthpoint ’ s The Constantia Village shopping centre is already being exported for use at the long-term home of Ninety One .
Growthpoint ’ s investment in this green refit demonstrates its continued belief in the value of the Cape Town CBD and in the power of projects such as this to support sustainable built environments . Growthpoint owns 360,000m 2 of offices in the Western Cape .
“ Choosing to refurbish rather than relocate cements our commitment to a vibrant Cape Town CBD ,” says Thabo Khojane , MD of Ninety One . “ At the same time , it was imperative for us to ensure we inhabit a more energy-efficient environment in line with our drive to achieve net zero by 2050 .”
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