Architect and Builder June 2016 | Page 67

seated cinema-style with a fourth hall able to accommodate a further 480 delegates cinemastyle. The multi-function venues are also available for banqueting and exhibitions while a large preassembly area is available for exhibitions, product launches and the like. At the official opening earlier this year, Alan Winde, Minister of Economic Opportunities in the Western Cape, commended the Rabie Property Group for its R1billion investment at The Square. He said the tourism sector has been identified as a key growth area for the region and one of the strategic goals they had set themselves was to create an enabling environment which would grow business tourism to the region. The new Century City Conference Centre and Hotel, he said, would make a major contribution to drawing in an d accommodating new business to Cape Town and increase the number of conference delegates to the region. It was also generating more than 300 new jobs. Leon Cohen, MD of Rabie Property Group, says the conference centre and hotel were a response to market demand. He said the Square would add value to existing owners and tenants and would provide a catalyst for further development at Century City. According to Paolo Viotti of Vivid Architects, every city should have at least one public square that offers a dynamic, vibrant and safe environment for the public to enjoy. “Century City Square is a beautifully proportioned space that will offer users the opportunity to socialise, relax, dine and be entertained. The experience within this environment is further enhanced by the introduction of the extended canal system of Century City and the bold landscaping themes.” Century City Square He says, “The urban design and planning of the this precinct has ensured and encouraged pedestrian connectivity and hierarchy of that over the motor vehicle, a comfortable and safe human environment and a seamless interface between building and square. “ The Square also comprises: • The Apex, an iconic 8-storey building comprising 7,900m2 of offices and ground floor restaurants, namely Tiger’s Milk, Punjab Wok and Café Frank • The Annex office building which is situated above the Conference Centre with a Seattle Coffee Shop on the ground level. 65