Earthworks for Melrose Arch Shopping and Offices on the Piazza at Melrose Arch will be complete next week facilitating the commencement of construction of the new scheme. The excavation work required for this precinct development is progressing on schedule and within budget, reports Nicholas Stopforth, a director of Amdec Gauteng.
Over 31,000m2 of lettable office space will be introduced to Melrose Arch, of which 12,000m2 of the triple A office space is already allocated. The office space will be located above Melrose Arch Shopping, the retail precinct inspired by some of the world’s greatest piazzas and international high street shopping destinations. Melrose Arch Shopping will provide a cosmopolitan 28,000m2 retail and leisure space at the trendy mixed-use precinct in Melrose Arch, Johannesburg.
In excess of 60% of Melrose Arch Shopping is already let and includes anchor retailers; Woolworths, Truworths and Foschini brands as well as select retailers which are being strategically identified to meet with specialist entry criteria to ensure exceptional synergies with the ethos of the vibrant Melrose Arch mixed-use precinct.
The offices, whilst sharing retail frontage, will have dedicated entrances thus integrating the office and retail experience, with additional access from the basement. Bulk earthworks, including removing 250,000m3 of soil for the new basement parking, is nearing completion. The R25 million bulk earthworks contract, which has taken four months and is being undertaken by Diesel Power, has also involved relocating the material to the neighbouring James and Ethel Gray Park as part of a much welcomed
R5 million upgrade sponsored by Melrose Arch. On completion of the bulk earthworks the main contractor, Murray and Roberts, will move onto site to commence construction of the vibrant mixed-use projects inspired by international landmark streets such at Regent Street in London and Grafton Street in Dublin and squares such as the Piazza del Campo in Sienna.
Amdec Property Development owns 50% of Melrose Arch. Amdec is also the appointed Development Manager for Melrose Arch, and is therefore the driving force behind the development and roll out of all development projects on the Melrose Arch precinct.
“The architecture of Melrose Arch Shopping and Offices on the Piazza at Melrose Arch will continue the existing Melrose Arch measured ‘contemporary African’ expression characterised by the use of first world and natural materials, which enhances the powerful Melrose Arch brand,” notes Stopforth. Melrose Arch Shopping is scheduled to open in Easter 2009.
