Property developers Abland appointed Zutari as the civil, mechanical and structural engineers as well as environmentally sustainable design (ESD) consultants for the Loftus Park mixed-use development in Tshwane, Gauteng. The development has a gross lettable area (GLA) of approximately 55 000 m² consisting of 15 800 m² commercial and 8 000 m² retail space, a 10 000 m² hotel and a 3 500 m² gymnasium. It also provides parking for approximately 2,000 vehicles.
The retail portion includes grocery stores, restaurants, convenience shops and a pharmacy. One of the project features was the de-construction of a heritage building – the old Northern Transvaal Tennis Union clubhouse, also known as the Sin Bin – on site. The building was reconstructed on the podium level and it now accommodates one of the restaurants in the complex.
The central podium area has a big-screen television that broadcasts the regular live shows held at the venue. Situated next to the Loftus Versfeld Stadium, a large number of spectators come to relax prior to or after sporting events.
One of the challenges of the project was the close proximity of deep excavations needed on the northern stand of the stadium and certain buildings of the adjacent Pretoria High School for Girls (PHSG) during the bulk earthworks phase, which started in July 2015. The excavations extended below the water table, which required extensive de-watering during construction as well as permanent groundwater drainage post construction.
Situated next to the Loftus Versfeld Stadium, a large number of spectators come to relax prior to or after sporting events.
As the basement was excavated to below the water table, groundwater had to continuously be removed to prevent flooding of the basement. A drainage layer and subsoil drains were installed below the basement to drain groundwater to a sump, from where the water is pumped to a storage tank that also collects rainwater from the building roofs. The water is then used for irrigation of the landscaping and for flushing toilets. The sustainability initiatives enabled the project to receive a 4-Star Green Star SA rating from the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA).
This new mixed-use development, which is close to schools, sports facilities, and the University of Pretoria, provides much-needed services to the community. The project was completed in May 2018 and the number of visitors to the complex is a testimony to its value for the surrounding community.
*The Aurecon Africa business has been officially renamed Zutari as at 21 July 2020. Zutari acquired Aurecon Middle East on 20 November 2020.
