MURRAY & ROBERTS BUILDINGS GIVES OLD
DAME A MAJOR MAKEOVER
For most in the building sector, a project of the sheer magnitude
and complexities of the Menlyn Park Reconfiguration Phase 2 project
comes once or twice in their lifetime.
This is just one of the reasons why Murray & Roberts Buildings
operations director, Rui Santos, is so excited about handing over the
project to Pareto at the end of November this year. The contractor
has been working round the clock to meet this deadline. Murray &
Roberts Buildings is a division of Murray & Roberts Construction.
Before Murray & Roberts Buildings arrived on site, the shopping
centre had 118,000m2 of gross leasable area, but the leading building
contractor’s scope of works encompasses more than increasing
floor space. An existing open parking area is also being converted
to a 3 level parking area and an open piazza which will be the size
of Nelson Mandela Square. The existing building is also receiving a
complete makeover to tie it in with the new build.
During the first phase of this project, Murray & Roberts Buildings
converted the original open-air events arena into a new double level
food and entertainment court, while the original food court was
transformed into a new fashion mall.
Work on Phase 2 of the project started in June 2015, and Santos
says that it is much more complex than the previous phase, both
in terms of the scope of work, complexity, logistical issues and its
The existing structure is receiving a major overhaul as part of the project
News Watch
The project comprises an overhaul of the existing structure and a
completely new build
timing. “We are also working over the entire area simultaneously
and dealing with more shops and restaurants,” he says.
One of the major challenges of the project is working on a live
site in close proximity to the public. Demolition works have to be
closely co-ordinated with various tenants. New outlets have been
relocated to temporary areas so that trade can continue unhindered.
Up to 10,000m2 of temporary retail outlets had to be established to
facilitate demolition works.
High safety levels are maintained by implementing an array of
communication methods, such as signage, flagsmen and other safety
awareness initiatives across the site. Communication between all
players in the professional team has also ensured a strong safety
track record has been achieved on the site.
A bespoke readymix concrete, containing a 30% high fly ash
content, is being supplied to the project by AfriSam. This readymix
solution was specially formulated to satisfy the strength requirements
and to provide enhanced durability to the structures. In addition, the
mix has to meet the required formwork stripping times to ensure
that the tight construction programme can be met. In total AfriSam
will supply 33,000m3.
www.construction.murrob.com
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