Name: Freedom Plaza
Use: Mixed Use
Floors: 2 X 14F + 2 X 12F + 9F
Status: Approved
Location: CBD of Windhoek, Namibia


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Biggest mixed-use development ever for Namibia

Company announcement
20 October 2008

Madison, Redefine, Swish in mega property deal similar to Joburg's iconic Melrose Arch.

Madison Property Fund Managers has announced a massive new mixed-use development for Namibia. Here is the statement:

In the first and largest development of its kind in Namibia, Windhoek will soon have its own mixed use precinct - with retail, residential, hotel, entertainment and offices all interlinked in a single vibrant location. Freedom Plaza is designed to new-urbanist principals, similar to South Africa's iconic Melrose Arch in Johannesburg.

The premium quality, R2 billion, 80 000m2 precinct development is set to go ahead in the heart of the Windhoek CBD and will be developed by South African companies Madison Property Fund Managers together with Swish Properties. Redefine Income Fund, a leading JSE-listed property company, is the major shareholder with partners which include Namibian company United Africa Group.

Freedom Plaza is a project of the highest international standards and will transform the urban design and dynamic of Windhoek CBD. "We are secure that this world-class asset will add prestige to the city as well as become an interest point for locals and travellers alike," says Mike Flax of Madison Property Fund Managers.

"Africa remains underserviced by reasonable quality real estate to cater to the needs of a continent growing at a pace well ahead of that of the developed world," says Flax. He adds that Namibia is a natural first step for South African companies wishing to grow beyond the border of South Africa as a result of its neighbouring proximity, political stability and growing economy.

Redefine CEO Brian Azizollahoff has every confidence in property investment and development in Namibia. "Freedom Plaza represents an exciting opportunity for Redefine to expand its investment into Namibia. We are confident that it will enhance our property portfolio and contribute to growing income returns for our investors," says Azizollahoff.

Comprising four premium-grade office towers, a 6-star boutique African Pride Hotel, a 4-star Hotel for the Arabella Starwood Group, three trendy residential apartment blocks including airy lofts and exclusive penthouses, and convenient retail to meet the everyday needs of those living, working, enjoying and meeting in this top-notch cosmopolitan destination, Freedom Plaza is exciting, energetic and is set to be the heart of all that is trendy in Windhoek.

All this will be underpinned by a three-level super-basement which provides secure, weatherproof parking. Retail will be conveniently located at street level with the energy of pedestrianisation creating an exciting human-scale interaction setting on the tiered shopping podium, with vibrant open spaces and sidewalk café seating taking advantage of the gorgeous climate.

Superbly situated, Freedom Plaza is surrounded by the Namibian Reserve Bank, Namibian Supreme Court, Windhoek City Council and the important "green lung" of a beautiful public park. It is located on Independence Avenue, the main road in Windhoek.

This five year project will culminate in two hotels with 350 rooms combined, 8 000m2 of retail floorspace, 180 residential units, 35 000m2 of office space and 2 000 parking bays, with the public space linking all these ingredients offering an unsurpassed social experience.

As specialist developers - Madison has been behind some of South Africa's landmark properties such as iconic Convention Tower which stands at the gateway to Cape Town's illustrious foreshore and neighbours the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) - Flax stresses choosing the right local partner is imperative. "We will be looking for a major contractor with an established base in Namibia which will ensure that Madison's expertise is applied correctly in a local context. It also facilitates the exchange of knowledge and skills," says Flax.

The construction phase of the development is going to create thousands of jobs and numerous opportunities for Namibian businesses, with the ongoing operations of the hotels, shops and restaurants creating sustainable economic advancement for hundreds of families within the community.

"It is our strategic goal to ensure that as much benefit as possible which flows from the development of Freedom Plaza should stay within the local economy," says Flax.

A third of Freedom Plaza will be dedicated to community facilities including an important bus terminus served by the main public transport routes, tourism kiosk, craft market, taxi rank, pedestrian walk ways and public squares. In addition it will be an asset to the business community with convention, conference, presentation and meeting facilities.

Flax explains that a mixed - use retail, commercial, residential and recreational precinct encapsulates an ideal lifestyle. "It creates an environment where personal and business needs can be met with ease, without having to travel long distances," he explains. "You can live, work, workout, eat-out, relax, socialise and shop - all without leaving Freedom Plaza."

This, of course, means that it is also good for the environment as it is easy to get around on foot, instead of having to jump into a petrol-guzzling, carbon-emitting car. In fact, mixed-use developments like Freedom Plaza have powerful environmental advantage and can reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. "We use less energy living closer together, people walk more and take advantage of public transport, in addition to other benefits," notes Flax.

The developers will be applying the latest green building principles and techniques to Freedom Plaza, bringing with them the cutting-edge information, ideas and methods which they are privy to as members of the Green Building Council of South Africa.

The first phase of Freedom Plaza is due to commence in November 2008 and will comprise an impressive 32,000m2 including a hotel and office location. It is anticipated to take two years to complete.

http://www.property24.com/Property24/img/P24HeaderImages/logo_property.png

Namibia to get mixed-use project

2008/10/21

The Namibian capital will soon have its own mixed use precinct – with retail, residential, hotel, entertainment and offices all interlinked.

Freedom Plaza is designed to new-urbanist principals, similar to South Africa's iconic Melrose Arch in Johannesburg.

The R2bn, 80,000sq m precinct development is set to go ahead in the heart of the Windhoek CBD and will be developed by South African companies Madison Property Fund Managers together with Swish Properties.

"Africa remains underserviced by reasonable quality real estate to cater to the needs of a continent growing at a pace well ahead of that of the developed world," says Mike Flax of Madison Property Fund Managers.

He adds that Namibia is a natural first step for South African companies wishing to grow beyond the border of South Africa as a result of its neighbouring proximity, political stability and growing economy.

Redefine CEO Brian Azizollahoff has every confidence in property investment and development in Namibia. "Freedom Plaza represents an exciting opportunity for Redefine to expand its investment into Namibia. We are confident that it will enhance our property portfolio and contribute to growing income returns for our investors," says Azizollahoff.

It will comprise four premium-grade office towers, a 6-star boutique African Pride Hotel, a 4-star Hotel for the Arabella Starwood Group, three residential apartment blocks including lofts and exclusive penthouses, and convenient retail to meet the everyday needs of those living, working, enjoying and meeting in this development.

All this will be underpinned by a three-level super-basement which provides secure, weatherproof parking. Retail will be located at street level.

Freedom Plaza is surrounded by the Namibian Reserve Bank, Namibian Supreme Court, Windhoek City Council and the important "green lung" of a beautiful public park. It is located on Independence Avenue, the main road in Windhoek.

This five-year project will culminate in two hotels with 350 rooms combined, 8,000sq m of retail floorspace, 180 residential units, 35,000sq m of office space and 2,000 parking bays.

A third of Freedom Plaza will be dedicated to community facilities including a bus terminus served by the main public transport routes, tourism kiosk, craft market, taxi rank, pedestrian walk ways and public squares. In addition it will be an asset to the business community with convention, conference, presentation and meeting facilities.

The developers will be applying the latest green building principles and techniques to Freedom Plaza.

The first phase of Freedom Plaza is due to commence in November 2008 and will comprise 32,000sq m, including a hotel and office location. It is anticipated to take two years to complete.

For more information contact Mike Flax on 021 425 1000.

http://www.hotelsmag.com/articles/images/HTLS/20081020/Freedom-Plaza2.jpg
Namibia Development To Include African Pride, Arabella Starwood Hotels

Shouldn´t that be in the Southern African Development section?

i stay and work in windhoek and wish to post pictures of projects, ans skyline can anyone help me.there are sum good projects around town .such as a 20 level tower and the freedom square project.

i stay and work in windhoek and wish to post pictures of projects, ans skyline can anyone help me.there are sum good projects around town .such as a 20 level tower and the freedom square project.

Can you elaborate about the 20F tower in Windhoek?

Namibia Development To Include
African Pride, Arabella Starwood Hotels

http://a330.g.akamai.net/7/330/2540/20081020185820/www.hotelsmag.com/articles/images/HTLS/library/1620-Freedom1.jpg

http://a330.g.akamai.net/7/330/2540/20081020185650/www.hotelsmag.com/articles/images/HTLS/20081020/Freedom-Plaza2.jpg

-- Hotels, 10/20/2008 12:53:00 PM

In the first and largest development of its kind in Namibia, Windhoek will soon have its own mixed use precinct – with retail, residential, hotel, entertainment and offices all interlinked in a single vibrant location. Freedom Plaza is designed to new-urbanist principals, similar to South Africa’s iconic Melrose Arch in Johannesburg.

The premium quality, R2 billion, 80,000m2 precinct development is set to go ahead in the heart of the Windhoek CBD and will be developed by South African companies Madison Property Fund Managers together with Swish Properties. Redefine Income Fund, a leading JSE-listed property company, is the major shareholder with partners which include Namibian company United Africa Group.

Freedom Plaza is a project of the highest international standards and will transform the urban design and dynamic of Windhoek CBD. “We are secure that this world-class asset will add prestige to the city as well as become an interest point for locals and travellers alike,” says Mike Flax of Madison Property Fund Managers.

“Africa remains underserviced by reasonable quality real estate to cater to the needs of a continent growing at a pace well ahead of that of the developed world,” says Flax. He adds that Namibia is a natural first step for South African companies wishing to grow beyond the border of South Africa as a result of its neighbouring proximity, political stability and growing economy.

Redefine CEO Brian Azizollahoff has every confidence in property investment and development in Namibia. “Freedom Plaza represents an exciting opportunity for Redefine to expand its investment into Namibia. We are confident that it will enhance our property portfolio and contribute to growing income returns for our investors,” says Azizollahoff.

Comprising four premium-grade office towers, a 6-star boutique African Pride Hotel, a 4-star Hotel for the Arabella Starwood Group, three trendy residential apartment blocks including airy lofts and exclusive penthouses, and convenient retail to meet the everyday needs of those living, working, enjoying and meeting in this top-notch cosmopolitan destination, Freedom Plaza is exciting, energetic and is set to be the heart of all that is trendy in Windhoek.

All this will be underpinned by a three-level super-basement which provides secure, weatherproof parking. Retail will be conveniently located at street level with the energy of pedestrianisation creating an exciting human-scale interaction setting on the tiered shopping podium, with vibrant open spaces and sidewalk café seating taking advantage of the gorgeous climate.

Superbly situated, Freedom Plaza is surrounded by the Namibian Reserve Bank, Namibian Supreme Court, Windhoek City Council and the important ‘green lung’ of a beautiful public park. It is located on Independence Avenue, the main road in Windhoek.

This five year project will culminate in two hotels with 350 rooms combined, 8,000m2 of retail floorspace, 180 residential units, 35,000m2 of office space and 2,000 parking bays, with the public space linking all these ingredients offering an unsurpassed social experience.

As specialist developers – Madison has been behind some of South Africa’s landmark properties such as iconic Convention Tower which stands at the gateway to Cape Town’s illustrious foreshore and neighbours the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) – Flax stresses choosing the right local partner is imperative. “We will be looking for a major contractor with an established base in Namibia which will ensure that Madison’s expertise is applied correctly in a local context. It also facilitates the exchange of knowledge and skills,” says Flax.

The construction phase of the development is going to create thousands of jobs and numerous opportunities for Namibian businesses, with the ongoing operations of the hotels, shops and restaurants creating sustainable economic advancement for hundreds of families within the community.

“It is our strategic goal to ensure that as much benefit as possible which flows from the development of Freedom Plaza should stay within the local economy,” says Flax.

A third of Freedom Plaza will be dedicated to community facilities including an important bus terminus served by the main public transport routes, tourism kiosk, craft market, taxi rank, pedestrian walk ways and public squares. In addition it will be an asset to the business community with convention, conference, presentation and meeting facilities.

Flax explains that a mixed – use retail, commercial, residential and recreational precinct encapsulates an ideal lifestyle. “It creates an environment where personal and business needs can be met with ease, without having to travel long distances,” he explains. “You can live, work, workout, eat-out, relax, socialise and shop - all without leaving Freedom Plaza.”

This, of course, means that it is also good for the environment as it is easy to get around on foot, instead of having to jump into a petrol-guzzling, carbon-emitting car. In fact, mixed-use developments like Freedom Plaza have powerful environmental advantage and can reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. “We use less energy living closer together, people walk more and take advantage of public transport, in addition to other benefits,” notes Flax.

The developers will be applying the latest green building principles and techniques to Freedom Plaza, bringing with them the cutting-edge information, ideas and methods which they are privy to as members of the Green Building Council of South Africa.

The first phase of Freedom Plaza is due to commence in November 2008 and will comprise an impressive 32,000m2 including a hotel and office location. It is anticipated to take two years to complete.

construction has already started and it will be the headquarters of south african insurance giant old mutual.The cost of development is around R260 million.it will be the city and the country's tallest building .renders were shown in the local media .I tried to google to see if i can find any but without success.It looked reasonable .it had sum glass.we have not had this type of development for decades.

Nice, I love it.

WHK what other projects are taking shape in Windhoek? Are there any public transport projects.

WHK what other projects are taking shape in Windhoek? Are there any public transport projects.

not that i know of .There are several low rise buildings going up .and recently we had 2 major mall extentions ,one of them in the cbd.Generally there is no mass exodus fof business from the cbd ,like in som parts of SA.the cbd is still safe compared to other cities on the continent.i have a render of the new 21 level tower .i just dont know how to place on here.



Namibia: Old Mutual to Build 21-Storey Building

Andreas Thomas
Windhoek

Old Mutual Namibia has unveiled a 21-storey building project that it said will represent one of the largest post-independence building investments in Namibia.

The N$260 million(read R260m) project will take two years to complete. The building that will serve as the Old Mutual headquarters will make history in the Namibian architectural sector, as the first "green" building of its size to be constructed in Namibia
Namibian President Hifikepunye Pohamba, who officiated at the ceremony, said the event highlighted how Namibia's private sector can sieze opportunities to make a meaningful contribution to economic development and growth of the country.

"This is vital because a health and sustainable property development is important to the growth of our economy at both macro and micro levels," said Pohamba.

Pohamba said upon its completion, the building will contribute to the conservation of Namibia's natural environment.

"We welcome the private sector's growing awareness about environmentally-friendly building practices.

"In particular, the designing and constructing of environmentally friendly buildings can yield remarkable savings of energy and natural resources," he said.

Johannes !Gawagab, managing director of Old Mutual African Operations said Old Mutual does not only strive for profitability, but also understood the critical importance of running a sustainable enterprise.

"We are looking for ways to develop and implement sustainable practices, in terms of investment in our communities and our commitment to conserving our environment," said !Gawagab.

The building will consist of approximately 27 000 m2 of office and retail space as well as and parking. Old Mutual and Nedbank will occupy most of the space.

Leon Barnard of Leon Barnard Architects said innovative sustainable technologies had been installed in the building to realise energy savings.

He said the building has been designed to reduce carbon emission through the reduction of energy consumption compared with conventional office building.

The building is expected to maximise the use of natural daylight through large expanse of glazing. It will use energy efficient lighting sources and control system to reduce energy consumption.
"The objective has been to produce a landmark ecologically sustainable building that will provide a healthy, stimulating workplace, supporting organisational excellence and cultural change," said Barnard.

Thanks for the info about Old Mutual's 21F tower. Glad to hear it's under construction.

http://llnw.creamermedia.co.za/articles/images/resized/53075_resized_freedom_plaza1.jpg

http://i436.photobucket.com/albums/qq89/diekapenaar/17262_1620_freedom_plaza-1-3-1.jpg

We'll need to start a new thread for the Old Mutual tower

What website did you find the render for the OM tower? Is it the Namibian or Republikien?

i stay and work in windhoek and wish to post pictures of projects, ans skyline can anyone help me.there are sum good projects around town .such as a 20 level tower and the freedom square project.

Is the Freedom Plaza development the same development as the Eliakim Namundjebo Plaza but on a grander scale?

I noticed that African Pride will manage the hotel in that development and suspect that this development is the same as Freedom Plaza.

What website did you find the render for the OM tower? Is it the Namibian or Republikien?

the republikein .u need to search in its archive .the article was published in around april i think.if u have time u can search it u will find it .

Is the Freedom Plaza development the same development as the Eliakim Namundjebo Plaza but on a grander scale?

I noticed that African Pride will manage the hotel in that development and suspect that this development is the same as Freedom Plaza.

it's the same project

http://i436.photobucket.com/albums/qq89/diekapenaar/17262_1620_freedom_plaza-1-3-1.jpg

this is the second proposal of freedom plaza .i liked the first proposal.the concept is more or less the same .about 10 years ago a malaysian investor wanted to build a very tall skycraper there ,but som residens complained that such a develpoment would be an eyesore so the project never went ahead.freedom plaza side is in the cbd ,it's currently a huge car park and there are no buildings on it .it would have beeen nice to go much taller than the what is currently proposed to maximise the fulll potential of the site and because thre is a shortage of A grade premuim office as the city's main office blocks were build in the 70's and 80's.Freedom o plaza is never the less an exciting project it will make the cbd look bigger and change it beyond recognition.

clearing of the site is underway.is it not ironic that at time of a recesssion or credit crunch or what ever it's called by economist and academics , windhoek is having some of it's biggest property developments in it's history .The windhoek CBD has not seen multiple projects running into millions of dollars (read SA Rand ) at the same time in last 15 years .

awesome! :cheers:

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Eerste 'sooi' vir hotel der hotelle gespit

22.10.2008

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United Africa Group het Maandag met voorbereiding vir die bouwerk aan Freedom Square, ’n luukse leef-, sake- en winkelkompleks in die middestad van Windhoek begin.

VOORBEREIDINGSWERK vir die oprigting van Namibië se eerste “sesster" hotel, die African Pride Eliakim Namundjebo hotel, het Maandag op die voormalige OKparkeergebied oorkant die Hooggeregshof in Windhoek begin. Die hotel, saam met ’n kantoorblok, vorm die eerste fase van United Africa Group (UAG) se Freedom Plaza, ’n reuse-ontwikkeling van sowat N$2 miljard wat beloof om die aangesig van die middestad soos handomkeer te verander.

“Dit gaan uit die boonste van die boonste rakke wees,” het mnr. Brian Rubenstein, hoof uitvoerende beampte van UAG, die superluukse hotel beskryf. Namibië se amptelike graderingstelsel vir hotelle strek tans slegs tot vyf sterre. Volgens mnr. Rubenstein gaan bouwerk teen die einde van November begin en die hotel behoort sy deure vir die eerste gaste in 2010 oop te maak. “Ons het ons huiswerk gedoen.

Daar is beslis ’n mark vir ’n sesster-hotel in die hoofstad,” het hy gesê. Die hele Freedom Square-projek, wat binne vyf jaar voltooi moet wees, bestaan uit twee hotelle met altesaam 350 kamers, 8 000 m² se winkelruimte, drie woonstelblokke met altesaam 180 woonstelle en dakwoonstelle, 35 000 m² kantoorruimte en 2 000 parkeerplekke.

Die ander hotel is uit die Arabella Starwood-stal en sal met vier sterre pryk. ’n Derde van die plaza sal uit ’n busterminaal, toerisme-kiosk, kuns- en handwerkmark, taxihalte en uitspanplekke beslaan. Dit sal ook oor konferensie- en vergaderinggeriewe beskik.

“Freedom Square gaan ’n omgewing skep waar persoonlike en sakebehoeftes met gemak vervul kan word, sonder om lang afstande af te lê,” het mnr. Haddis Tilahun sr, voorsitter van UAG, gesê. UAG ontwikkel Freedom Square saam met Madison Property Fund Managers, Swish Properties en Redefine Income Fund.

Jo-Maré Duddy

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Windhoek set for large-scale mixed-use development

Written by Staff Reporters

In the first and largest development of its kind in Namibia, Windhoek will soon have its own mixed-use arcade with retail shops, residential area, hotels, entertainment area and offices all interlinked in a single vibrant location.

http://www.economist.com.na/images/stories/241008/freedom-plaza-east.png

Freedom Plaza is designed to new-urbanist principals, similar to South Africa’s iconic Melrose Arch in Johannesburg.

The N$2 billion 80,000m2 precinct development is set to go ahead in the heart of the Windhoek CBD and will be developed by South African companies Madison Property Fund Managers and Swish Properties.

Redefine Income Fund, a leading JSE-listed property company, is the major shareholder with partners, which include Namibian company United Africa Group.

Freedom Plaza is a project of the highest international standards and will transform the urban design and dynamic of Windhoek CBD.

“We are secure that this world-class asset will add prestige to the city as well as become an interest point for locals and travellers alike,” said Haddis Tilahun Sr., Executive Director of the United Africa Group.

“Africa remains under-serviced by reasonable quality real estate to cater to the needs of a continent growing at a pace well ahead of that of the developed world,” he added.

He added that Namibia is a natural first step for South African companies wishing to grow beyond the border of South Africa as a result of its neighbouring proximity, political stability and growing economy.

Redefine CEO Brian Azizollahoff said Freedom Plaza represents an exciting opportunity for Redefine to expand its investment into Namibia.

“We are confident that it will enhance our property portfolio and contribute to growing income returns for our investors,” said Azizollahoff.

Comprising four premium-grade office towers, a six-star boutique African Pride Hotel, a four-star Hotel for the Arabella Starwood Group, three trendy residential apartment blocks including airy lofts and exclusive penthouses, and convenient retail to meet the everyday needs of those living, working, enjoying and meeting in this top-notch cosmopolitan destination, Freedom Plaza is exciting, energetic and is set to be the heart of all that is trendy in Windhoek.

All these will be underpinned by a three-level super-basement, which provides secure, weatherproof parking. Retail will be conveniently located at street level with the energy of pedestrianisation creating an exciting human-scale interaction setting on the tiered shopping podium, with vibrant open spaces and sidewalk café seating taking advantage of the gorgeous climate.

The Reserve Bank, the Supreme Court, the Windhoek City Council and the important ‘green lung’ of a beautiful public park surround Freedom Plaza. It is located on Independence Avenue, the main road in Windhoek.

This five-year project will culminate in two hotels with 350 rooms combined, 8,000m2 of retail floor space, 180 residential units, 35,000m2 of office space and 2,000 parking bays, with the public space linking all these ingredients offering an unsurpassed social experience. As specialist developers, Madison has been behind some of South Africa’s landmark properties such as iconic Convention Tower, which stands at the gateway to Cape Town’s illustrious foreshore and neighbours the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC). The construction phase of the development is going to create thousands of jobs and numerous opportunities for Namibian businesses, with the ongoing operations of the hotels, shops and restaurants creating sustainable economic advancement for hundreds of families within the community.

“It is our strategic goal to ensure that as much benefit as possible which flows from the development of Freedom Plaza should stay within the local economy,” said Tilahun. A third of Freedom Plaza will be dedicated to community facilities including an important bus terminus served by the main public transport routes, tourism kiosk, craft market, taxi rank, pedestrian walk-ways and public squares. In addition it will be an asset to the business community with convention, conference, presentation and meeting facilities.
The first phase of Freedom Plaza is due to commence in November 2008 and will include a hotel and office location. It is anticipated to take two years to complete.

Edition for 24 October 2008

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FULL STORY

26.11.08

Freedom Plaza on the rise

BY: NANGULA SHEJAVALI

Site preparation has begun, and construction of the “premium quality, 80 000m2 precinct development in the heart of the Windhoek CBD” in the form of Freedom Plaza, is set to commence early next year.

The first phase of the N$2 billion project will comprise the six-star boutique African Pride Eiliakim Namundjoebo Plaza Hotel – a 1 700m2, 131 luxury suite hotel, which is anticipated to be completed by mid-2010. The hotel will form part of the Freedom Plaza mixed-use development, which will feature retail, residential, hotel, entertainment and offices “all interlinked in a single energised location”.

At the official launch and groundbreaking of the Eliakim Namundjebo Plaza Hotel and Freedom Square development, the chairman of the Freedom Plaza and executive director of the United Africa Group, Haddis Tilahun, defined the project as “promoting indigenous people who have made sacrifices to secure opportunities bring us to where we are today”. Tilahun explained that the hotel, for which the estimated total project cost is N$180 million, would contribute immensely to the local economy, employing a permanent staff of 125 employees.

Giving the keynote address at the event, former president Sam Nujoma said that “from the architectural drawing that I have seen, the project, once completed with its state-of-the-art facilities, will enhance the beauty of the country’s capital city, thus opening our country to more tourists and business opportunities”.

Once completed, Freedom Plaza will include “four premium-grade office towers spanning some 35 000m2, a 3-star hotel, three trendy residential apartment blocks including 180 airy lofts and penthouses, and 8 000m2of convenient retail and 2 000 parking bays”, in addition to the five-star hotel, named for Eliakim Namundjebo, who Nujoma described as one of the business pioneers of the country.

“Comrade Eliakim Namundjebo was indeed a great businesss entrepreneur who worked hard for success in the business arena. He was a man driven by passion and determination. His legacy is thus an inspiration to many of our people,” he said.

The United Africa Group has a 100 per cent share in the African Pride Eliakim Namundjebo Plaza Hotel, and owns 50 per cent in the Freedom Square development along with its equal partner, Redefine Income Fund - a leading JSE-listed property company. It has also secured the support of South Africa-based specialist developers, Madison Property Fund Managers and Swish Properties.

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Groundwork started for Eliakim Namundjebo

Written by Alvine Kapitako

The face of the City of Windhoek’s CBD is already changing with the preparations for the construction of the proposed Freedom Plaza at the site opposite the Supreme Court.

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A view of the construction site where the Eliakim Namunjebo hotel is to be built. Preparation of the site started in December shortly after the detail of the financing and shareholding arrangements had been finalised. A few graders could be seen at the constructing site, with some construction workers hard at work.Despite an apparent misunderstanding regarding the name of the N$2 billion development in December, clearing and fencing of the building site were completed late in December.

The entire campus will be known as the Freedom Plaza while the anchor tenants, a five star hotel, will be known as the Eliakim Namundjebo Plaza Hotel.

The Freedom Plaza will comprise the five star hotel, entertainment facilities, office and parking components. According to Brian Rubinstein, the United Africa Group (UAG) CEO, the development for the Eliakim Namundjembo Plaza Hotel is progressing well as the digging for the foundation trenches is already underway. He also said that they will be advertising for tenders of the hotel as from 23 January 2009.

The hotel which is set to attract both local and international clients is expected to be completed by the end of April 2010. Rubinstein said that plans for the construction of the other two phases of the Freedom Plaza which will include entertainment, office and parking components amongst others are also moving ahead rapidly but he declined to give detail at this point. A few tractors and workers could be seen at the construction site earlier this week when excavation work started in earnest.

Construction of the plaza is expected to create over a thousand jobs while at the same time also taking Windhoek’s development to another level in terms of infrastructure.

“The upmarket N$2 billion, 80 000 sqm precinct development is developed by South African companies Madison Property Fund Managers together with Swish Properties.

Redefine Income Fund, a leading JSE-listed property company, is the major shareholder with partners including Namibian company UAG,” said marketing manager for Madison Fund Property Managers Caroline Coates in December.

“An additional residential letting element would be launched mid-2009,”said Coates. She added that, apart from the five-star hotel, a smaller three-star Park Inn Hotel is envisaged under Phase 2 of the project, as a joint venture development with several investors.

United Africa said earlier it has invested millions in the project and that the first phase of the project, the Eliakim Namundjebo Plaza Hotel, covering 32,000 sqm will be completed by May 2010.

Protea Hotels Namibia, which falls under the UAG banner, will manage the Hotel through its Africa Pride brand.

In December Rubinstein dismissed any fears that UAG was a small player in the development saying that the group had a “substantial” shareholding in the project although he would not give a figure.

“The hotel site is 10% owned by UAG, we own 100% of Protea Namibia and the hotel (ENP) will be 100% Namibian. The development company is controlled by UAG,” Rubinstein said then.

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UAG minority shareholder in plaza development?

Written by Staff Reporters

Confusion seems to prevail over who owns the new N$2 billion Freedom Plaza – the hotel and commercial office development currently underway Windhoek - with latest indications suggesting that more powerful investors from South Africa could have sidelined United Africa Group (UAG), the local developer.

The Freedom Plaza is being built on a site opposite the Supreme Court in Windhoek’s CBD and will be a mixed-use precinct – with retail, residential, hotel, entertainment, office and parking components all interlinked in a single location.

“The premium quality, R2 billion, 80 000 square-metre precinct development is set to go ahead in the heart of the Windhoek CBD and will be developed by South African companies Madison Property Fund Managers together with Swish Properties.

“Redefine Income Fund, a leading JSE-listed property company, is the major shareholder with partners including Namibian company UAG,” said marketing manager for Madison Fund Property Managers Caroline Coates this week.

The statement from Swish Properties this week invited potential investors to take up commercial rental space in the plaza. It said the Freedom Plaza is designed to new-urbanistic principles, similar to South Africa’s iconic Melrose Arch in Johannesburg.

Further enquiries also revealed that Greg Beadle of Swish Properties SA, as well as Paul Scop of Madison Fund Property Managers, would work together in leasing out the commercial and retail space at the development.

“An additional residential letting element would be launched mid-2009,”said Coates.

She added that, apart from the five-star hotel, a smaller three-star Park Inn Hotel is envisaged under Phase 2 the project, as a joint venture development with several investors.

Last month, UAG announced at the groundbreaking ceremony of what it termed the five-star African Pride Eliakim Namundjebo Plaza (ENP) Hotel that it had invested millions into the project and that the first phase of the project, a hotel, covering 32,000 square metres would be complete by May 2010.
Protea Hotels Namibia, which falls under the UAG banner, would manage the ENP Hotel through its Africa Pride brand, it said.

CEO of Protea Hotels Namibia, Brian Rubinstein however dismissed any fears that UAG was a small player in the development saying that the group had a “substantial” shareholding in the project although he would not give a figure.

“The hotel site is 10% owned by UAG, we own 100% of Protea Namibia and the hotel (ENP) will be 100% Namibian.

The development company is controlled by UAG,” said Rubinstein. He added that a lot of interest has also been shown by “some serious” local investors in the project.

In August, UAG announced that it had entered into partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to pump in 50% or US$10 million into the hotel project. The UAG was expected to fund the rest from its own sources and other investors.

UAG chairperson Martha Namundjebo-Tilahun and executive director Haddis Tilahun signed the agreement on behalf of the group while Mike Tiller, IFC senior manager for Sub-Saharan Africa, represented the World Bank investment arm.

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SA property companies pour money into Namibian Hotel

Company announcement

22 January 2009

Listed companies announce R2bn hotel project.

Hospitality in Namibia is set to get a new vibrant and sophisticated asset: the six-star boutique African Pride Eliakim Namundjebo Plaza Hotel.

The 3,400m2 125 room hotel will be developed within Windhoek's new Freedom Plaza mixed-use development with retail, residential, hotel, entertainment and offices all interlinked in a single energised location.

The R2bn, 80,000m2 Freedom Plaza precinct development is in the heart of the Windhoek CBD. Developed by Madison Property Fund Managers together with Swish Properties, Redefine Income Fund, a leading JSE-listed property company, is the major shareholder with partners who include Namibian company United Africa Group.

Site preparation for the hotel has commenced and the construction of the hotel will begin in February 2009. The grand opening of this spectacular hotel is anticipated two years from now.

It is located at the entrance of the development, which is situated at the gateway of the Windhoek CBD when approaching on the main road from the Hosea Kutako International Airport.

Eliakim Namundjebo Plaza Hotel will be joined in Freedom Plaza by four premium-grade office towers spanning some 35,000m2. There are three residential apartment blocks including lofts and penthouses. There is also 8,000m2 of retail and 2,000 parking bays to meet the everyday needs of those living, working, enjoying and meeting in this top-notch cosmopolitan destination.

"Freedom Plaza is a project of the highest international standards and will transform the urban design and dynamic of Windhoek CBD," said Mike Flax of Madison Property Fund Managers.

Respecting the environment is integral to the development of the Eliakim Namundjebo Plaza Hotel. The hotel will have solar panels, green roofs and solar control whilst making use of intelligent lighting, thermal and coloured glass and the use of evaporative cooling for the hotel's passive cooling is also being investigated.

The hotel will link seamlessly with Freedom Plaza of which one-third comprises community and tourist facilities including an important bus terminus served by the main public transport routes, tourism kiosk, craft market, taxi rank, and pedestrian walk ways and public squares. In addition Freedom Plaza is set to become a major asset and venue for the business community with convention, conference, presentation and meeting facilities.

Eliakim Namundjebo Plaza Hotel will enjoy the benefit of the superbly situated Freedom Plaza which is surrounded by the Namibian Reserve Bank, Namibian Supreme Court, Windhoek City Council and the important ‘green lung' of a beautiful public park. It is located on Independence Avenue, the main road in Windhoek.

The construction phase of the development is going to create thousands of jobs and numerous opportunities for Namibian businesses.

"It is our strategic goal to ensure that as much benefit as possible which flows from the development of Freedom Plaza should stay within the local economy," said Brian Azizollahoff, CEO of Redefine.

He added that Namibia is a natural first step for South African companies wishing to grow beyond the border of South Africa as a result of its neighbouring proximity, political stability and growing economy.

The views expressed above are those of the contributors and not necessarily shared by Realestateweb. This announcement is published in the interests of the Realestateweb community of readers. If you'd like to submit a media release or contribute a blog or guest column, send an email to news@realestateweb.co.za

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R2bn Freedom Plaza to house a six star hotel

January 23, 2009

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Windhoek - Hospitality in Namibia is set to get a new vibrant and sophisticated asset: the six-star boutique African Pride Eliakim Namundjebo Plaza Hotel. The 3,400m2 125 room hotel will be developed within Windhoek’s new Freedom Plaza mixed-use development with retail, residential, hotel, entertainment and offices all interlinked in a single energised location.

The premium quality, R2 billion, 80,000m2 Freedom Plaza precinct development is in the heart of the Windhoek CBD. Developed by Madison Property Fund Managers together with Swish Properties, Redefine Income Fund, a leading JSE-listed property company, is the major shareholder with partners which include Namibian company United Africa Group.

Site preparation for the hotel has commenced and the construction of the hotel will begin in February 2009. The grand opening of this spectacular hotel is anticipated two years from now.

Prominently located at the entrance of the development, which is situated at the gateway of the Windhoek CBD when approaching on the main road from the Hosea Kutako International Airport, the 30 metre high glass and steel tower of the hotel enjoys panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains beyond to the West and south-west, and growing city to the north.

Innovative and classic, yet understated, exciting, elegant, uncluttered and enduring, the Eliakim Namundjebo Plaza Hotel overlooks the tree-lined pedestrian spine of Freedom Plaza retail, office and social interaction points.

Eliakim Namundjebo Plaza Hotel will be joined in Freedom Plaza by four premium-grade office towers spanning some 35,000m2, three trendy residential apartment blocks including 180 airy lofts and exclusive penthouses, and 8,000m2 of convenient retail and 2,000 parking bays to meet the everyday needs of those living, working, enjoying and meeting in this top-notch cosmopolitan destination. The public space linking all these ingredients will offer an unsurpassed social experience.

Freedom Plaza, explains Mike Flax of Madison Property Fund Managers,is exciting energetic and is set to be the heart of all that is trendy in Windhoek. “It is a project of the highest international standards and will transform the urban design and dynamic of Windhoek CBD,” says Flax.

“Eliakim Namundjebo Plaza Hotel will be a world-class asset will add prestige to the city as well as become an interest point for travellers and locals alike,” Flax notes.

Space and light, representing elegant comfort and inspiring nature, are major design elements of this iconic urban hotel. A full-height glazed atrium will welcome visitors to the hotel lounge, coffee shop, banqueting hall, meeting rooms and terrace, all on the ground level.

The first floor will feature a speciality restaurant, cocktail lounge, bar and terrace bar. A casino is the lower-ground level attraction. On the upper levels visitors will be treated to a travellers lounge, business centre, executive boardrooms and a cigar bar. The rooftop houses a gym and wellness ‘spa’, pool, poolside cabanas, health bar and garden terrace.

The hotel’s internal design will reflect influences unique to Namibia and invite nature indoors using a uniquely inspired colour palate, local materials and textures. Generous public spaces will mirror the expanse of the great Namibian landscape. Light and glass - clear, coloured, opaque and sandblasted — are two of the major elements to be applied together with a mixture of Namibian stone and timber and other distinguishing features.

Respecting the environment is integral to the development of the Eliakim Namundjebo Plaza Hotel. The hotel will have solar panels, green roofs and solar control whilst making use of intelligent lighting, thermal and coloured glass and the use of evaporative cooling for the hotel’s passive cooling is also being investigated.

The hotel will link seamlessly with Freedom Plaza of which one-third comprises community and tourist facilities including an important bus terminus served by the main public transport routes, tourism kiosk, craft market, taxi rank, pedestrian walk ways and public squares. In addition Freedom Plaza is set to become a major asset and venue for the business community with convention, conference, presentation and meeting facilities.

Eliakim Namundjebo Plaza Hotel will enjoy the benefit of the superbly situated Freedom Plaza which is surrounded by the Namibian Reserve Bank, Namibian Supreme Court, Windhoek City Council and the important ‘green lung’ of a beautiful public park. It is located on Independence Avenue, the main road in Windhoek.

The construction phase of the development is going to create thousands of jobs and numerous opportunities for Namibian businesses, with the ongoing operations of the hotels, shops and restaurants creating sustainable economic advancement for hundreds of families within the community.

Redefine CEO Brian Azizollahoff says “It is our strategic goal to ensure that as much benefit as possible which flows from the development of Freedom Plaza should stay within the local economy”.

He adds that Namibia is a natural first step for South African companies wishing to grow beyond the border of South Africa as a result of its neighbouring proximity, political stability and growing economy.

I'm so excited to hear and see this! Those renderings look fabulous..this should be an excellent step for Windhoek! I love Windhoek btw, reminds me of my own hometown. I'm glad to say I will be visiting in 2010. :D Hopefully, I will get to see Freedom Plaza while I'm there....or at least it being under construction.

reviving this thread :)
:deadthrea

^^ Well, how's it going?

I can get current pictures of the project!

The new Hilton (the 6th Hilton to open in Africa) is now completed and is opening for business in February or march! Heres a picture :)
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