main open parking area as well as three entrance points to the 2-levels of basement parking , covering the entire site of 3,3ha . Apart from the central position of the open air sunlit piazza with intense landscaping , water feature and performer stage with an oversized digital screen , all pedestrian routes culminate in the ‘ Pool of Light ’ allowing vertical transportation from the basement with oversized glass lifts and escalators to the piazza . This was explicitly done to ensure public awareness of all retail outlets as well as pedestrian traffic to office building entrances , the hotel main entrance and access to the gymnasium , enhancing the vibe of movement .
The heritage aspect ( apart from the already discussed Sin Bin building ) is further emphasised by four axes into the development culminating in the Piazza and focused on pedestrian flow and public approach .
These axes are nominated as Sport from the South ( Loftus Versveld ); Residential from the West , linking the Clydesdale residential area ; Art from the Northwest and Education from the Northeast .
All restaurants link directly with the Piazza with visibility to the performer stage and digital screen and offer different entertainment and food offerings .
Office space is provided in the office buildings situated to the North and East of the Piazza and their respective main entrances leading from the Piazza .
The hotel features a foyer and public space as a ‘ walk through ’ experience from the porte-cochère on the West to a spilling out area onto the Piazza to the North .
The entire planning concept is focused on movement convenience , experience and awareness of nature . Emphasis is also placed on the introduction of several art interventions in specific locations through the precinct to enhance the public awareness of this exclusive precinct .
Future phases of 20,000m ² are in a design stage accommodating other uses such as medical , residential and additional office space .
Development Challenges Development challenges experienced started with the rezoning application due to the fact that the current zoning was agricultural , and the land was donated by the City Council to the area for sport development . This exercise took a long time before approval was finally granted .
An extensive amount of ground water was encountered when test holes were done to determine the geotechnical properties of the ground which was rerouted and pumped into the storm water network . A considerable amount of the water is stored below the lowest basement floor and used for landscaping , etc .
The main challenge was to obtain buy-in from the surrounding areas on the density , height and architectural expression of the development . After numerous presentations and proposals to all the neighboring stakeholders , the development was approved , and construction could commence .
Loftus Park 577