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CONSTRUCTION WORLD
MARCH
2017
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Within walking distance from the University of Pretoria’s main
campus, the new development offers a mixed-use precinct
that will include state-of-the-art student residences, retail and
leisure facilities, specifically designed for Pretoria’s large student
community from various campuses.
“Our committed construction team worked around the clock to
ensure that the student residence was ready for occupation at the
start of the academic year, to provide students with the purpose-
designed environment that they need to support their academic
careers in what is often a first move away from home,” says Craig
McMurray, CEO Respublica.
The Hatfield Square development is vastly different to any
other student accommodation offering, with its various room
configurations and premium facilities such as unlimited Wi-Fi, gym,
multiple recreation rooms, outdoor courtyards, communal pause
areas on each floor, laundry facilities, study rooms, computer labs
and a swimming pool.
With varied price points, the precinct offers options ranging
from four-sleeper apartments that share a communal kitchen to
single studios with an en suite bathroom and kitchenette, as well as
more affordable bedrooms that have modern shared ablutions and
kitchens. “We believe that this variety of amenities makes it possible
for students with diverse resources to have access to the kind of
environment they need to excel in their academic endeavours, and
enjoy the social benefits of residence life,” adds McMurray
The residential component of the first phase of the Hatfield
development opened on 1 February, and the retail component will
open in March 2017. The development has secured top retailers
including Rhapsody’s, Studio 88, and Cross Trainer. Phase 1 will be
completed for the 2017 academic year, with Phase 2 expected to be
complete for the 2018 academic year.
Another Respublica residence in the area is Eastwood Village,
which opened in 2016. Located a mere 2,8 kms away from Hatfield
Hatfield Square officially opens
Respublica is excited to announce that the new Hatfield
Square redevelopment officially opened its doors on
1 February 2017. The first phase of the two-phase
project is operational and ready for occupation for all
students eager to kick-off the 2017 academic year.
Square, it provides a free shuttle throughout the day to and from the
University of Pretoria.
Eastwood Village, which offers all amenities that are standard
across the Respublica residences, recently saw its shared bedrooms
transformed into techno-pods, with screens installed above each
bed for ultimate convenience, and a gaming room has been set-
up for students who love spending their down-time in a world of
uninterrupted LAN-gaming. A professional in-door action cricket
facility was also built in the basement.
PROPERTY
Co-owners of OPEN (from left) Paul Keursten, Mark Seftel and
Westleigh Wilkinson.
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Growthpoint Properties, says: “This partnership combines and
amplifies Growthpoint’s and OPEN’s shared passion for nurturing and
growing business in South Africa with innovative and sustainable
property solutions. It creates incubator spaces for thriving
businesses and tomorrow’s office users.”
Paul Keursten, co-founder of OPEN, comments: “Growthpoint is the
leader in commercial property. It operates with integrity and has the
matching values we believe are crucial for a successful joint venture.
We look forward to growing by tapping in to the expertise and
experience, portfolio and financing power of Growthpoint.”
Mark Seftel, co-founder of OPEN, says: “What was a novel idea
five years ago is now becoming mainstream. Even at 1% of the
office property pie there is significant growth opportunity in South
Africa. We are focused on creating spaces where people can thrive
via a unique combination of design, technology and customer care,
while ensuring that we take care of the environment. We feel truly
honoured to be able to do this together with Growthpoint as the ideal
partner with shared vision and values.
The eight – or more if demand is robust – new co-working
locations planned for the next three years will each have a coffee bar
with public access, meeting and seminar facilities, member areas
with hot desking, dedicated desk and team spaces, and dedicated
serviced offices.