Construction World February 2016

PROPERTY

HILL ON EMPIRE Abland is developing the 35 000 m 2 A-grade office park development in Parktown called Hill on Empire. This is the first new office park development to be constructed in this Johannesburg node in more than 10 years.

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The development is strategically positioned in Johannesburg’s leafy green suburb of Parktown, surrounded by the city’s leading

One of the changes that played a big factor in commencing with this development, is Johannesburg’s new transport corridors, which now place Hill on Empire at the cross- roads of many transport systems, giving it exceptional accessibility. While always well positioned, the site is now ideally connected with the BRT Rea Vaya bus stop a mere 50 metres away from Hill on Empire and the closest Gautrain bus stop 100 metres away. In addition, Empire Road is a main route for Metro Bus and minibus taxis. The park also has good highway access to easily connect it to the entire Johannesburg Metro and beyond. Contributing to this are the significantly higher efficiency levels that new office devel- opments are able to offer their users. Not only is this environmentally mindful, but it also translates to financial savings for its occupants. Majola notes: “At Hill on Empire we are creating a quality asset in a safe environment. Its buildings will have large floor plates, facilitating easily sub-divisible and flexible offices. The office park will feature generous parking, great security and will be ideal for all

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education, cultural and heritage node. Situated in a prime position on the corner of Empire and Hillside Roads, Hill on Empire is in Parktown’s green belt, at the gateway to the city, surrounded by Wits University and many of the city’s cultural landmarks. The first of the four buildings being constructed in this secure R700-million precinct will be complete in June 2016 . Abland saw the potential in this uniquely located site almost a decade ago, acquiring and land-banking it for the right opportu- nity to optimise its investment. Since then, portions of the site have been developed to house the SAPS headquarter and a BP filling station. Donald Majola, development manager at Abland, explains that the development coin- cides with a growing demand for new, quality office space in the node. “The Parktown area hasn’t received new product for the past 10 to 15 years, although many office buildings in the node have received revamps,” he notes.

Donald Majola, development manager at Abland.

kinds of companies but especially financial institutions, call centres, training or education centres and any people-intensive businesses.” The development of Hill on Empire on this prime site purchased over a decade ago shows that a strategic investment by Abland is good thinking. “We’ve invested in a great node with strong heritage and we are creating a property asset not only for its owners but also for the people who use it and its commu- nity,” says Majola. Abland’s relationship-building approach to property development will also continue long after Hill on Empire is complete. Its property management company, Abreal, will continue nurturing strong relationships with excellent property management that focuses on the needs of tenants.

CONSTRUCTION WORLD FEBRUARY 2016