Construction World October 2015

PROJECTS AND CONTRACTS

WATERFALL’S PROGRESS Attacq, South Africa’s leading capital growth fund listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, with a market cap of approximately

PwC, Novartis, Cummins, Schneider, Cipla, Honda, Cell C, Group Five, Premier Foods, Covidien, Westcon, Altech and Servest. “Some impressive buildings have already been completed in Waterfall while others are making rapid progress.” Wilken emphasised however that Attacq’s goal at Waterfall is more than the development of impressive stand-alone buildings. “We want to build a world-class city that works”. Urban design and planning is a key focus to ensure this prestigious new urban development along the N1 will develop into a world class city; changing the landscape to one of an economic power- house with fantastic infrastructure and unparalleled access linking this growth node in our province to the rest of the world,” says Wilken. It is insightful that in a recent survey of corporates who have already relocated to Waterfall the high visibility, central location and advanced architecture in Waterfall have been identified as the top reasons for making Waterfall their destination of choice. Respond- ents felt that Waterfall City offers great value for money while being a ‘cool site’ with a great reputation to work at. Some also indicated that the location provides the ideal location to consolidate Pretoria and Johannesburg operations while, infrastructure was cited as a further key draw card by others. The combination of work and lifestyle was also mentioned as being attractive and some companies’ feel that Waterfall as an employment destination will be a top talent destination in future. The new CBD of Waterfall, Waterfall City, is also adding significant economic value to Gauteng. During the construction phase of Waterfall City over the next few years, Attacq will create almost 27 000 new employment opportunities. A significant number of sustainable direct and indirect job opportunities will continue beyond construction into the operational phase of the new economic hub, both as part of the development itself as well as the occupants of the various buildings across the new city. “Waterfall City, will be anchored by the 131 000 m 2 Mall of Africa due to open in April 2016,” says Wilken. “The Waterfall development as well as the commercial jewel in the crown, Mall of Africa is well on track and we look forward to the mall opening in 40 weeks with prestigious brands,” states Wilken. The massive 131 000 square metre shopping mall will combine significant scale with innovative architectural design to set a new benchmark for malls on the continent. The Mall of Africa is the largest mall completed in a single phase in South Africa. This first phase of Mall of Africa competes favourably with some of the largest completed multi-phase expanded mall developments on the continent and indeed the southern hemisphere. Mall of Africa is set to be a major catalyst for further growth in the greater Waterfall mega development node. Attacq Limited owns 80% of Mall of Africa while Atterbury Property Holdings, Attacq’s appointed

Attacq’s business has two focus areas; investments and developments. It has consistently delivered growth in capital to its investors through its strategic property holdings and developments. Attacq focuses on sustainable capital appreciation through the development and ownership of a balanced portfolio of properties with contractual income streams. Capital appreciation is supplemented by development and redevelopment profits made in the company. Attacq’s investments comprise landmark commercial and retail property assets across an ever-expanding international footprint. Its portfolio of properties is geographically diverse and includes a growing portfolio of international investments in sub-Sahara Africa with a direct shareholding in Att Africa of 31,25%, and exposure to property invest- ment in Germany, Switzerland and the United Kingdom via a strategic 45,3% shareholding in JSE-listed MAS Real Estate Inc. Attacq’s investment portfolio is expanding and is doing well. Morné Wilken, CEO of Attacq, confirms: “Attacq is working hard on its diversifi- cation strategy including its international footprint.” Attacq’s prestigious Waterfall development continues to expand and provides Attacq with an attractive 15-year pipeline. Waterfall is regarded as the new inbound headquarter destination for many inter- national corporate firms seeking a foothold in Gauteng as the commer- cial hub of South Africa and the economic gateway to Africa. A number of corporates have already committed to Waterfall, including Massmart, R17-billion, hosted an exclusive gathering to showcase the significant business strides the company has recently made with regards to its key Waterfall development pipeline. Selected senior journalists were provided the opportunity to experience the substantial progress made in Gauteng’s new and rapidly developing growth node, Waterfall and its prestigious CBD – Waterfall City.

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CONSTRUCTION WORLD OCTOBER 2015