All information relating to the upgrade of the entire Adderley/Strand Intersection including the two new 26F towers.

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/Strand3.jpg
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/Strand2.jpg
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/Strand1.jpg
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/strand.jpg

Intersection proposals
• Option 1: Strand Street Underground
This option postulated the removal of the underground concourse and placing Strand
Street underground to release a large at-grade pedestrian space on the current road
alignment. This option was rejected early on by the extended planning team due to
financial, operational and commercial considerations.
• Option 2: Remove or Restrict Through Traffic via Ring Road System
This option looked at the possibility of removing traffic entirely from the intersection via
the use of an external ring road system. Given that the potential impacts described in
Section 5 above are dealt with, this option is seen as the best long term option from an
“urbanity” perspective, it has the possibility of creating a dramatic pedestrianised
urban space at this intersection, which would complement the opportunities in the
station precinct. However, it is clear that this option must resolve major traffic
circulation issues, as well as servicing and parking access issues. Therefore, a long lead
time will be required for this scenario, or any similar alternative, to implement such a
long term vision. The involvement of Provincial Government will be essential to any
further investigation given the status of the road networks involved.
• Option 3: Reduce Traffic Lanes and Landscape Upgrading
This option is seen as the most realistic and implementable in the short term and
involves reduction in the number of traffic lanes in both Adderley and Strand Streets,
along with well structured and co-ordinated landscaping intervention. This option is
elaborated upon further below.
• Option 4: Create piazza level over intersection
This option involved the creation of an first floor level structure that traversed the
intersection and linked all four corners. Some international precedent was
investigated, and although feasible in theory, this option was rejected due to a
number of factors, both financial, structural and aesthetic. (In particular, vistas up
Strand Street to Lion’s Rump would be compromised.)

In terms of the Woolworths and Old Mutual redevelopment opportunities, it is seen
as vital to ensure:
a. A positive relationship (active edges) of these buildings at ground floor with
the surrounding pedestrian network (Castle Street, St Georges Street and
Exchange Place), as well as the interface on Adderley Street. (The Golden
Acre / Shoprite building should ideally complement this activity frontage.)
b. Major pedestrian entrances off the Mall, with lateral or diagonal
connections.
c. Safe vehicular (service and parking) access off Strand Street.
d. That adequate provision is made for public transport stops, (particularly taxis
and any future inner city bus route).
e. A similar setback for both buildings from the corner t enhance the ‘gateway’
effect, and to provide ground floor or first floor public space.
f. An appropriate architectural response on both sides. (It is not suggested
that design restrictions are imposed on these buildings as they should each
express an own identity, but co-ordination should be ensured so that
opportunities for a “symbiotic gateway” effect are maximized, given the
opportune timing of both projects.)


Tower location

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/siteviewbuilding.jpg

Hey Mo! Since when are you in Maputo? It is one of my fav cities, amazing architecture and its got its own distinct vibe. Sure you have been to eat at Costa del Sol, but if you haven't, GO! How I miss 2M beer

Sounds an interesting project that will extend the pedestriansed st georges. cos adderly is a bit of nigthmare at times.

But i gather that the city is merely proposing that developers develop the towers and that no official proposal has come thru for the towers at this point in time

Sounds an interesting project that will extend the pedestriansed st georges. cos adderly is a bit of nigthmare at times.

But i gather that the city is merely proposing that developers develop the towers and that no official proposal has come thru for the towers at this point in time

The city is not proposing the tower developments. Spire and Paramount are definitely going ahead, since the project is now a definite,but more details will be made public over the next few weeks.

The city's job is integrating the golden acre upgrade, intersection upgrade, cape town station upgrade, and two towers to benefit the entire area in the long run.

oops Im def not in maputo, was there earlier this year, sorry forgot to change it.
it is a fantastic place, going there in june again, well unless im working in london, then ill go to maputo in september again.

Mo,

Good news to read about the two new 26F tower blocks.

Can you make a separate thread for these towers even though they are part of this development.

That will definately catch people's attention when they see a thread with the two tower blocks listed with their floor height!

Mo,

Good news to read about the two new 26F tower blocks.

Can you make a separate thread for these towers even though they are part of this development.

That will definately catch people's attention when they see a thread with the two tower blocks listed with their floor height!

Will do when plans and details are made public. For now this thread will keep all the general info.

"Spire and Paramount"...seem common building names in CT these days

so are these commercial, hotel or resi towers?

"Spire and Paramount"...seem common building names in CT these days


and it seems fidel castro, marx and arafat are more common durban (ethikweni?) names at this stage, mr mabinda...

so are these commercial, hotel or resi towers?

I assume that the first few floors would be commercial/retail...then office space, maybe a few apartments?

we'll see.

Just to make things clear, paramount and spire arent the names of the towers but the property groups/managers that will manage/ensure that these developments go ahead.

so who pushed for the towers then?

so who pushed for the towers then?

Spire and Paramount, the owners of the properties.
The Strand/Adderley overall upgrade will integrate the various independent projects that were set to take place and take advantage of the benefit of working together to improve the area with some common goals and a sense of direction.

so the facts are that the city has given developmnet rights to the 2 sites. dont know who owners are but these two compaines are looking at developing the sites. They have no relationship to eachother and just happen to be 26F each.
Dont know if the are hotel/resi/commecial
dont even know if the feasabiltys stack on these or what objections could be lodges if the zoning is still an issue.

I see this as a wish list project and it will be years before these see the light of day

heard yesterday that the existing building would be knocked down and then replaced by the towers, not sure about the timeframe, but it seems that there is a push to get this project off the ground.

i think annman was looking for this thread...unfortunately still no news...i think the strand/addlerley/golden acre/cape town station news will only be known once all of these projects are finalized

Man Mo, I could hug you bro! You're a legend... I saw that urban plan I think on CNdV's site earlier. I cannot cannot cannot wait to see what's going to happen. The commercial sector in Cape Town is definately mature enough to support two BP Centre/Shell Centre sized towers. It would really augment the CT skyline and fill the highrise gap between the Forehore and Cape Sun hotel and Golden Acre. I'm getting an architectural frenzy high over here! :nuts:

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/Strand2.jpg


Just having a look at this image. The upgrades are so close to the main station so why not include trams as part of the redevelopment. I'm sure CPT could support a tram out to the waterfront (and possibly connecting to Greenpoint Stadium and as far as Seapoint) if not trams running up to the mountain too?

So agee with the tram suggestion on thos routes. I mentioned something similar months back on this forum and got the feeling that a tram solution is not the favoured approach. I for one think they are great for inner city travel and would def use them. Heres hoping......... one day

Just having a look at this image. The upgrades are so close to the main station so why not include trams as part of the redevelopment. I'm sure CPT could support a tram out to the waterfront (and possibly connecting to Greenpoint Stadium and as far as Seapoint) if not trams running up to the mountain too?

Its not worth the cost. An effective easily identifiable inner city bus system could do the same at a fraction of the cost. While I would love trams, the route from the cbd to the waterfront and stadium does not justify that sort of spending.

a small study was done back in 2002

http://www.capetown.gov.za/reports/pdf/PriorityPublicTransportLinkbetweenCBDandWaterfront.pdf

Its not worth the cost. An effective easily identifiable inner city bus system could do the same at a fraction of the cost. While I would love trams, the route from the cbd to the waterfront and stadium does not justify that sort of spending.


Thanks Mo, but if this is the case, why not include bus platforms/stops right outside the station. Many major cities have pedestianised the streets which major stations are on and only allow trams or busses access.

Thanks Mo, but if this is the case, why not include bus platforms/stops right outside the station. Many major cities have pedestianised the streets which major stations are on and only allow trams or busses access.

this might be part of the plans for the inner city bus system. the infrastructure to support the system is def needed and according to the premier the cost of this inner city system is quite high..just need to check the number, but it does seem high enough to ensure that we dont only buy busses and expect the rest to fall in place.

its amazing how well the UCT Jammie Shuttle works, does its job, but are easily identifiable, mostly on time, available, clean and modern. It really is nothing special but that fact is that it works and it works well.

Photos of Jammie shuttle, Mo. Please.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2393/1798737602_866b9aeece_o.jpg

Intro
The past year has seen the Cape Town Central City developing at a rapid pace

“Potential investors are standing in line to become part of the revitalisation of the Central City,” said Andrew Boraine, Chief Executive of the Cape Town Partnership, at the Partnership’s 8th Annual General Meeting, held at the new Mandela Rhodes Place Conference venue today.

According to Boraine, the key development trends in the past year were:

• Major improvement in the Central City commercial property market, with A-grade vacancies down to under 4%. The latest Rode Report, released in October 2007, states that: “despite the much talked-about movement of office rentals in central business districts, most centres showed nominal rentals moving sideways, with real rentals declining. The only exception was the Cape Town CBD, which jumped by 20% year-on-year during the second quarter of 2007”.

• The emergence of the Foreshore precinct as a major financial, media, convention and business services centre, signifying movement towards the final completion of the Foreshore Reclamation project which starting over 70 years ago.

• Continued growth of creative and cultural industries such as advertising, craft, design, film, media, publishing, performing and visual arts. There are currently more than 800 of these creative industries and organisations in the Central City alone.

• A shift from residential conversions to office-space development, although a large number of mixed-use developments with a residential component continue. Ian Slot, the managing director of Seeff City Bowl, Atlantic Seaboard and the CBD, said the CBD will continue to deliver a capital growth of 10% per year. “We have seen a consistent return on investments in excess of that – and we expect this to continue.” (Source: Weekend Argus, October 13, 2007)

• A strong trend towards new private sector developments in Lower Gardens, Green Point and Woodstock/Salt River precincts.

• The growth of new ground floor retail, in particular, home ware, health shops, fashion and design – signifying a shift for the first time in over twenty years. Important retailers are now opting for Central City high street retail as opposed to the customary decentralised shopping malls.

• The growth of restaurants and coffee shops. The CCID has just released its 2008 eating guide – Taste the City – where more than 200 restaurants, coffee shops and other similar establishments in the Central City are listed.

• Upgrading of key public spaces such as Pier Place (on the Foreshore) and St Andrew’s Square (Green Point) by the City of Cape Town. Good progress is being made on the planned upgrading of the Grand Parade and Greenmarket Square in time for 2010.

• Hosting of bigger and better events in the City Centre, such as the Tickertape Parade for the Springboks, the 2006 Homeless World Cup, the Cape Town Marathon, the Switching on of the Festive Season Lights, the Adderley Street Night Market, the Community Chest Twilight Run, the Cape Argus Pick ‘n Pay Cycle Tour, the Design Indaba and the Cape Town International Jazz Festival to name but a few.

Boraine said between R28 to 30 billion worth of new private and public sector investments are being planned for the next three to five years in the Central City.

He said some of the specific development highlights of the past year include:

• The launch of Mandela Rhodes Place in November 2006 (a development comprising of seven buildings being renovated into a mixed use property complex).

• The launch of the Icon Building on the Foreshore in March 2007.

• The sale of the V&A Waterfront to an international consortium based in the UK and Dubai, as well as the planned expansion of the Waterfront over the next 3-5 years.

• Commencement of planning for the R2,2 billion Strand-on-Adderley mixed use development.

• Planning process for the revitalisation of the Cape Town Station, including upgrades in time for 2010, as well as good progress towards an Inner City Public Transport Plan.

Boraine said a strong performer of the past year has been the various components of the Cape Town Central City Visitor Economy – being a combination of spaces and places for events and festivals, facilities for conventions, meetings and exhibitions, the hospitality industry, the experience economy and branding and marketing Cape Town. According to him, over 21 50 (47%) out of 45 750 beds in the greater Cape Town region are located in and around the Central City.

“Cape Town has undoubtedly the safest central city in South Africa. Hence we see the rapid development of new hotels, such as The Adderley, Protea North Wharf, Urban Chic, Daddy Longlegs, Cape Diamond, Protea Extreme, Holiday Inn Express, Taj Palace, 15 on Orange, Wale Street site and Oscar Pearse, to name but a few. All located in the Central City where people nowadays feel safe to walk the streets during the day and at night time.

“At last, the Central City is becoming what we have been striving for: a place where the people of Cape Town meet, in a unique and pleasant urban environment, to conduct business, welcome visitors and in true tradition of the Mother City, watch the world go by over a good cup of coffee”, said Boraine.

aaaaaaaaaah need info on this...Mosi, make a plan!

wippeee! towers
r&l architects and louis karol

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/towers2.jpg
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/towers1.jpg

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/towersstation.jpg

nice cluster happening with Shell, ABSA, Cape Sun , Goldern Acre and these 2 bad boys.

Look Commercial (taller one) and Resi to me

Before I get overexcited again... Mo, is this just hypothetical ideas from Louis Karol and the archi-boys, or are these actual submissions by the developer of this property? It would be very exciting to see something like this, but this project seems to be dragging on so long, it's pissing on the fire of excitement for Adderley/Strand:wallbash:!

Before I get overexcited again... Mo, is this just hypothetical ideas from Louis Karol and the archi-boys, or are these actual submissions by the developer of this property? It would be very exciting to see something like this, but this project seems to be dragging on so long, it's pissing on the fire of excitement for Adderley/Strand:wallbash:!

the design would def need to be refined but Old Mutual properties approached these architects to come up with something. So it might not be final but gives a good indication of the height and bulk.

why do they look so crap black and white?

they are just concepts..i got them from a city of cape town council document which is black and white...ill ask them for colour copy but doubt they have it.

oh ok, so there are no confirmed designs or towers yet? very appealing project

oh ok, so there are no confirmed designs or towers yet? very appealing project

confirmed towers, unconfirmed design.

The development is going ahead but will not be 2010 deadline related. The design is being sorted out/finalized since the mayor made reference to issues with the amount of parking allowed on site conflicting with public transport ambitions.

adding these again. photobucket links have changed

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/Cape%20Town%20Developments/towers2.jpg
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/Cape%20Town%20Developments/towers1.jpg

^No way! they'll be the tallest buildings in CT? How great is that?!

^^ I just wish all the secrecy would come to an end and we'd see some final plans for this project... it seems to be dragging on forever in the initial planning phases. It is a pity it will not be done by 2010, so the world can see an improved CT skyline!

this looks really promising,it would also look nice in double glazing

What's happening with these towers? Has it really been confirmed? Cuz if it has, they're doing a good job at keeping i a secret. Wouldn't be surprised if I just see them there one day all of sudden lol. If they approved Portside, they shouldn't have a problem with these two....

no news yet

>( I'd give up the WC stadium to have these towers in our city

>( I'd give up the WC stadium to have these towers in our city

no. kapow.

^^ I will NOT choose... I want my bread buttered on both sides. This is Cape Town, mostly we get our development-bread buttered that way, and on the crusts as well! :)

^^ I just wish all the secrecy would come to an end and we'd see some final plans for this project... it seems to be dragging on forever in the initial planning phases. It is a pity it will not be done by 2010, so the world can see an improved CT skyline!

i hardly think two buildings will even be noticed by most people...its not the thing that interest a soccer traveller imo... they'd stare right past them to the mountain

wats up here guys??? this is the old mutual one worth billions, surely there is some press info lately?

wats up here guys??? this is the old mutual one worth billions, surely there is some press info lately?

nope. things being kept quiet until the reveal.

^^ I will NOT choose... I want my bread buttered on both sides. This is Cape Town, mostly we get our development-bread buttered that way, and on the crusts as well! :)

whats this...

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/rfataar/StandonAdderley.jpg

thats them, nice height and bulk, CT is cartching up with elegant glass as well instead of the typical SA exposed agregate facade pannels

5 bucks to the first person to get us some elevations and heights>

Well done Mo you are truely a credit to Slaap Stad

YIPEEE!!!!! :banana: :banana: :banana: Finally some sort of render. Just wish we could find a less pixelated one, but I like the look of things, seems to complement Portside in its style. It's difficult to make a proper assessment of the height and storeys as the levels are blurred, but judging from the ABSA and Cape Sun Buildings, looks like these are between 130m-150m tall.

I'm excited to see more more more... lets hope the developers start releasing info! :)

YIPEEE!!!!! :banana: :banana: :banana: Finally some sort of render. Just wish we could find a less pixelated one, but I like the look of things, seems to complement Portside in its style. It's difficult to make a proper assessment of the height and storeys as the levels are blurred, but judging from the ABSA and Cape Sun Buildings, looks like these are between 130m-150m tall.

I'm excited to see more more more... lets hope the developers start releasing info! :)

Its about 26F

I think I came a little.

^^ eew

nice to see more glass in use! def not as high as Portside, but attractive nonetheless

DAMN! Lankal nie meer Slaapstad nie. It's becoming Trendy Town.

Does anyone know whats happening with this? still on?

^^ Not speaking from any position of inside knowledge, but judging by economics, Portside going up and what the plans are from Strand/Adderley street upgrades... I think this is not "canceled" or "canned", but it's dormant until things explode to life again. Think this may only be finalised in 2010 and we may only see construction begin in 2011... just a calculated guess though. :)

Lmao

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

___________________________

Don't think so.

If there was news it would be here...

http://i5.cmail1.com/ti/r/62/322/48F/logo-ctp.gif

http://i436.photobucket.com/albums/qq89/diekapenaar/strand-on-adderley-2.jpg

Please change the thread:

#ADDERLEY/STRAND STREET INTERSECTION - Cape Town (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=466130&page=4)

to the following:

#Strand on Adderley - Mixed Use - 30F X 2 - Cape Town (CBD)


Thanks

that is ridiculously sexy.

trying not to get my hopes up

If I could lick those renders I would.

Insider scoop perhaps? I work for a Property Management company and we were approached by a company to conduct market research into 2 new developments on those exact erfs....here's hoping!

If I could lick those renders I would.

mate you are thinking like me:cheers:

Simply Stunning, whonder what the GFA is? Also wonder what the mixed use components are?

That would be a great addition to our skyline... Hopefully these plans come into fruition.

they look great!! but am i the only one that thinks they have a funny skinny shape? surely not a good use of the floor plate?

^^I dont follow? skinny?

looks great to me.

No clue what you mean either...

no not really, they are triangular with 2 straight sides and 1 curved side, I actually think thy look hot and it will all be ablout the facde with tehse. Height is moderate but the look and feel of them will make of break them

they look great!! but am i the only one that thinks they have a funny skinny shape? surely not a good use of the floor plate?

:shake: whenever i see u show up in a cape town thread its to complain about something. what is your problem? great project!

:shake: whenever i see u show up in a cape town thread its to complain about something. what is your problem? great project!

lets not start this please!

@ dysan, If what you are refering do is what I think you are, they were probably limited by cut backs and GFA (having seen a few concepts by louis carol, which Im trying to get, all the designs were either this height and skinny or very short and stubby)

Beneath the city streets

2009-09-26 23:53:40

Beneath the bustling heart of the city centre is an unkempt subterranean mall through which thousands of people pass every day on their way to and from Cape Town Station. Plans to upgrade the area have been temporarily shelved because of the recession. But the city has short-term plans to revive the Strand Street Concourse as one of next year's 2010 fan parks, Soccer World Cup Fan Mile.

The mall covers a vast area - it includes the underground mall beneath the Golden Acre, the station and the Sun International Hotel. It's a maze of corridors and shuttered shop doors unknown to many. Some sections of the concourse still house open shops, but many other spaces are isolated, dirty and smelly.

Many of the escalators that run from street level into the concourse are out of order and littered with broken bottles and rubbish, while staircases between the escalators lead to dark, quiet spaces where shifty characters lurk. Quiet parts of the mall reek of sewage and old dirt.

Mansoor Mohamed, the city's executive director for Economic and Social Development, Tourism and Property Management, said the section from Golden Acre to the Sun Gallery below the Sun International hotel is owned by the city. The second section is the Sun Gallery which is owned by the city but leased to Tsogo Sun Holdings, which owns the hotel.

The third section, known as Exchange Place, is owned by Old Mutual and runs from the station to link up with the city's portion. Each owner or landlord is responsible for managing and cleaning its section. Mohamed said the city's portion was filled with shops and trading spaces, some of which were vacant. The vacant spaces had not been leased since the city was now looking at short- to medium-term plans in anticipation of next year's World Cup Fan Mile, of which the concourse would be part.

"Planned work includes tiling, painting, improved lighting and repairs to the air conditioning system. Tenders will be advertised for this work within the next four weeks," Mohamed said. The Fan Mile, one of the World Cup fan parks, will run from the station through Riebeeck Street and Somerset Road to Green Point Stadium.

Mohamed said that until recently, the city's plans for the concourse had been held in abeyance in consideration of the proposed Strand-on-Adderley development, the brainchild of a consortium of Woolworths and Old Mutual. "The project has been extended indefinitely due to the economic situation and the city is now looking at short- to medium-term plans."

Andrew Boraine, chief executive of the Cape Town Partnership, said there had been various proposals for the concourse from the private sector but no one had formally submitted a proposal to the city. They expected formal plans to come in to the city in the next few, while re-development would only take place after the World Cup.

Boraine said the concourse was not being managed properly. "It's a vast area and you need a public-private partnership; we need one agency or organisation to manage it properly. My opinion for that space is that all the shops should be moved up to ground level and the entire concourse below be turned into parking."

Boraine said the sections owned by Old Mutual and the hotel were mostly vacant and had been for a very long time. "I think when the recession ends next year we can expect proposals on the table for these sites. "The proposal between Old Mutual and Woolworths came in but then the recession hit."

CAPE ARGUS

Beneath the city streets

2009-09-26 23:53:40

Beneath the bustling heart of the city centre is an unkempt subterranean mall through which thousands of people pass every day on their way to and from Cape Town Station. Plans to upgrade the area have been temporarily shelved because of the recession. But the city has short-term plans to revive the Strand Street Concourse as one of next year's 2010 fan parks, Soccer World Cup Fan Mile.

The mall covers a vast area - it includes the underground mall beneath the Golden Acre, the station and the Sun International Hotel. It's a maze of corridors and shuttered shop doors unknown to many. Some sections of the concourse still house open shops, but many other spaces are isolated, dirty and smelly.

Many of the escalators that run from street level into the concourse are out of order and littered with broken bottles and rubbish, while staircases between the escalators lead to dark, quiet spaces where shifty characters lurk. Quiet parts of the mall reek of sewage and old dirt.

Mansoor Mohamed, the city's executive director for Economic and Social Development, Tourism and Property Management, said the section from Golden Acre to the Sun Gallery below the Sun International hotel is owned by the city. The second section is the Sun Gallery which is owned by the city but leased to Tsogo Sun Holdings, which owns the hotel.

The third section, known as Exchange Place, is owned by Old Mutual and runs from the station to link up with the city's portion. Each owner or landlord is responsible for managing and cleaning its section. Mohamed said the city's portion was filled with shops and trading spaces, some of which were vacant. The vacant spaces had not been leased since the city was now looking at short- to medium-term plans in anticipation of next year's World Cup Fan Mile, of which the concourse would be part.

"Planned work includes tiling, painting, improved lighting and repairs to the air conditioning system. Tenders will be advertised for this work within the next four weeks," Mohamed said. The Fan Mile, one of the World Cup fan parks, will run from the station through Riebeeck Street and Somerset Road to Green Point Stadium.

Mohamed said that until recently, the city's plans for the concourse had been held in abeyance in consideration of the proposed Strand-on-Adderley development, the brainchild of a consortium of Woolworths and Old Mutual. "The project has been extended indefinitely due to the economic situation and the city is now looking at short- to medium-term plans."

Andrew Boraine, chief executive of the Cape Town Partnership, said there had been various proposals for the concourse from the private sector but no one had formally submitted a proposal to the city. They expected formal plans to come in to the city in the next few, while re-development would only take place after the World Cup.

Boraine said the concourse was not being managed properly. "It's a vast area and you need a public-private partnership; we need one agency or organisation to manage it properly. My opinion for that space is that all the shops should be moved up to ground level and the entire concourse below be turned into parking."

Boraine said the sections owned by Old Mutual and the hotel were mostly vacant and had been for a very long time. "I think when the recession ends next year we can expect proposals on the table for these sites. "The proposal between Old Mutual and Woolworths came in but then the recession hit."

CAPE ARGUS

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2617/3903060637_4765fe2688.jpghttp://farm4.static.flickr.com/3435/3903058187_ac333d01d5.jpghttp://farm3.static.flickr.com/2503/3968817496_c4d32b9d8f.jpghttp://farm4.static.flickr.com/3492/3903059995_e3e519c1b1.jpg

Apparently, shops kicked out because owner wanted to create a parking complex underground...except he/she did so before plans were approved...

Still think I saw this design some where, but cant remember where.

I love those towers. Let's hope for the best. Central City needs something spectacular.

^^I dont follow? skinny?

looks great to me.

No clue what you mean either...

:shake: whenever i see u show up in a cape town thread its to complain about something. what is your problem? great project!

lets not start this please!

@ dysan, If what you are refering do is what I think you are, they were probably limited by cut backs and GFA (having seen a few concepts by louis carol, which Im trying to get, all the designs were either this height and skinny or very short and stubby)

Did i not say that i like them?? chill people it seems CT is on the mighty defensive!

It seems that only Herb understands what i was getting at. i mean they are striking and what not, but i just do not see the upper floors as being overly efficient from a work space perspective.

Well Durbs isn't from CT...and I take it jozi4life isn't either.

I didnt mean that you meant you didnt like them, my comment "it looks great to me" was saying that the design weight wise looked great. :)

haha u guys from durbs and ct will neva stop lol

:bash::bash: Why no action....i know recession recession but man it's frustrating!!!

:bash::bash:

Yoha, 4 years later and we're still discussing the "proposals" but alas no real movement as to when it might actually go ahead....

I'm going to make a list of all these beautiful concepts and designs that we've talked about over the years but that have never really materialized, maybe someone will know some inside information about what's happening...if anything... :ohno::ohno::ohno:

Hasn't this always been a post-World Cup proposal?

Hasn't this always been a post-World Cup proposal?

I thinks its a proposal which will go ahead when they get some tenants which won't be anytime soon

one of these should be medium density, inner city high rise resi building (look at how we did them in all Australian and canadian cities) and the other should be a 5* hotel property with commercial on lower floors.

best project in Sa at present and will bring the focus of the city back to Aderlley

Are you seriously pushing for yet another 5 star hotel? giles the 5 star segment is way over traded, unless they wait a few years. the residential component is good though, but i do not know if they will get anyone buying those just yet, will need the market to turn. however old mutual i do not see getting into residential developments

over traded by non branded local properties. Current 5* offer is not great if you are a buisness man (you dont stay at mt nelson,cape grace, one and only and Table bay) but in a Branded business property like a hilton, hyatt, maritot, sheraton intercon etc.

When I was doen last year, couldent get into westin and stayed at radisson which was disapointing for the rates paid, great location but poor service, ageing property and not international 5* standard at all.

If CT is one of the worlds top tourist locations and building a strong international buiness location (BP/Shell/fnancial services etc) then it needs internationally recognised properties not more portwood or whatever properties.

as for inner city resdi, Sa has got it all wrong. Take any mayor austrlaian and canadian city and see the amount of iner city high ride resi. High rise dors not mean luxury like SA thinks (prearls in Durban,michalangel Sandton, Icon cape town) but means location and proximity for iner city residents who dont have 2 cars and want to communte from teh burbs.

a bunch of 20/30/40F affordable resi towers are a must in a modern vibrant 24h city. CT lacks this as they are periferal, high end and mosly converted/refurbished older properties.

You can't compare South African cities to cities abroad.

Yes, we do need those high rish resi developments, which has always been the aim of Cape Town Partnership but actually developing them and paying for them is another.

Somebody has to pay for these towers, with a secure income from reliable tenants. Somewhere along the lines supply needs to increase to the point where these prices are accessible.

I just don't see it happening soon. There is no local developer with the balls or money at this stage to do this.

dude are you nuts, CT has far too much sprawl backed up by shit mass public transport, Densification of urban corridors is a must. Inner city high rise non luxuary resi is a must and why doesnt it work in SA? Look at Hilbrow, Look at Durban albert park area .

All cities are the same no matter where they are, they suffer teh same probelsm. Only diff is oz and canada deal with them and there is investment in property by state pention funds (which does not hapen in SA) and in OZ by funds holding super annuation. In fact most western or first world countries have state pentions funds iunvesting in real estate.

I think you're missing my point.

I AM agreeing with you on densification and sprawl.

Wanting them is one thing, paying for them and supplying them is another.

probelm is funding by SA banks is the crux and we looked at something in CT around 28 floors maybe 4 years ago and met with SA banks and they saw high rise resi developmnet as risky. We dont have the same positive institutional support for high rise and Sa has almost love the want or need for high rise prefereing to sprawl. yes there are high rises here and there but nothing like the explosion of high rise developmnet the world over over the past 10 years yet we have been left behind.
Apart from banks, sa construction firms price High rise as a luxuary and as risky and are not very good at knowcking out fast floor cycles

It will require a government rethink which is unlikely to happen.

Many Asian cities as you know built hundreds of these resi towers housing everybody.

It's been over a year...I take it there's been no movement on these whatsoever?

Thankfully almost everything else exciting seems to be moving.

This scheme was jointly designed by Louis Karol, Stauch Vorster and R&L Architects, and proposed a mix of office, retail, residential and/or hotel space according to tenant demand. The construction period was estimated at 24-36 months.

Official word: this scheme has sadly been cancelled.

Old Mutual are informally looking at other options for the site.

The scheme was cancelled a while back. I thought this was known.

How so? Nothing of the sort has been mentioned before?

This was one of several projects scrapped when the restructure took place after the poo hit the fan.

OMP needs to update their website - still shows this as a project. Portside is not official project - but mentioned under 'News' that M&R will do construction.

OMP not the most exciting developer around (although I’m grateful for Portside!) - The Zone Development (phases 1&2) in Joburg is a bit of a disaster (maybe bad designed?). It seems that they are focussing on shopping centres - Menlyn, Cavendish, Theatre of Shopping, etc.

Maybe use these 2 sites and develop a mega Woolworths & Truworths store - excellent exposure - anything is better than the current Woolworths occupying one of the sites.

OMP needs to update their website - still shows this as a project. Portside is not official project - but mentioned under 'News' that M&R will do construction.

OMP not the most exciting developer around (although I’m grateful for Portside!) - The Zone Development (phases 1&2) in Joburg is a bit of a disaster (maybe bad designed?). It seems that they are focussing on shopping centres - Menlyn, Cavendish, Theatre of Shopping, etc.

Maybe use these 2 sites and develop a mega Woolworths & Truworths store - excellent exposure - anything is better than the current Woolworths occupying one of the sites.

There is sale negotiation on the Old Mutual Exhange Place property which the new owners would refurbish

^^ Just to confirm, do you mean Old Mutual have found a buyer for the site and the sale is currently being negotiated?

^^ Just to confirm, do you mean Old Mutual have found a buyer for the site and the sale is currently being negotiated?

Correct

They put a portfolio of properties up for sale, effectively by tender, which included this and Werdmuller Centre amongst others

^^ That's magnificent news. I just hope the new owner/s have proper plans for the site. Old Mutual Exhange Place must be the ugliest 'building' I have EVER seen.

The area of St George's Mall directly surrounding it also need a lot of TLC. Hopefully if there's development here in the near future, the immediate surrounds, including St George's Mall will be beautified as well.

only good news is foxy saying they will refurbish them not redevelop them

Anything is better than what's currently there :puke:

only good news is foxy saying they will refurbish them not redevelop them

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8528/8594827842_57b8ac774f_b.jpg

I really hope the new owner/s are more ambitious than a simple refurb. There isn't much to refurb. It's just a concrete block at the moment. A spectacularly ugly one...

^^ Yeah, seriously... a stumpy, dingy, 3storey concrete monolith in Cape Town's CBD; At what is probably the CBD's 2nd most prominent intersection, after Waterfront/Helen Suzman/Buitengracht. It's a colossal waste of space and something that makes one's eyes bleed.

the face of that building is just screaming for digital signage especially with the amount of people coming out of the station on that side, that buildings actually in a prime spot

You mean like Piccadilly Circus?

^^ Yeah, seriously... a stumpy, dingy, 3storey concrete monolith in Cape Town's CBD; At what is probably the CBD's 2nd most prominent intersection, after Waterfront/Helen Suzman/Buitengracht. It's a colossal waste of space and something that makes one's eyes bleed.

yes but wrong part of town for institutional money to invest in. might be a prominent intersection but too close to the train station and parade area. who would want to live on that corner overlooking the station?, who would want the grime and chaos of Adderly street?
very hard to motivate for a development here and no debt would be forthcoming by banks who are the catalyst for a development here. without bank buy in and agreement to provide debt, this is dead. banks reluctant to fund High rise resi at the moment due to the inability of a large part of the population to qualify for a bond, which makes resi sales extremely tough.

also note that both cartwrights corner and the old mutual chambers buildings were spectacular failures as far as investment returns is concerned for OMP. Might look great and was a good idea at the time but if they had to do it again knowing what they know about the yield , they would have sold them , like they are doing with these (and most of their portfolio in CPT including triangle house).

Wrong location for investors and if it was 3 blocks over towards Loop , a different story.

id also note that CPT had a 10 year lul and then a massive spurt of activity like we se now but this is not sustainable as its going form low vacancies and nice rentals to over supply in 2 years. Once these cranes come down , it will be another lul for the market to correct and this means that this development opportunity gets further behind.

Yeah I don't imagine anyone of prominence would want to base themselves on said intersection. That's what will be very interesting about the next phase of Cape Town Station...seeing who the hotel operator and office tenants will be.

I'd love to see an 'affordable' residential highrise here. It'll probably not happen, as I'm sure OM is selling the property at a premium. The area immediately surround the site (st george's mall) and the underground retail is pretty grimy, so I hope that if redevelopment does happen here, it'll extend to the immediate surrounds. It's sorely needed.

Sometimes, when I walk from Long street, which can be grimy in part as well, down to this section of st georges mall, I almost can't believe I'm even in the same city.