Time Square Casino, Arena and Hotel, South Africa

A world-class entertainment precinct in Menlyn Maine, Tshwane, combining casino, arena, and hotel facilities with sustainable design.

Client

Sun International

Project date

2018

The project involved the design and construction of Time Square casino, arena and hotel at Menlyn Maine in Tshwane. The R4.6-billion development forms part of the new Menlyn Maine Precinct. The casino opened in April 2017, the Sun Arena in November 2017, and the Maslow Time Square Hotel in April 2018.

The opportunity

The new arena can accommodate 8,000 people seated in a theatre configuration and up to 10,000 standing. The casino offers world-class facilities across two gaming floors, with 2,000 slot machines and 60 tables. The 17-storey, 252-key hotel features three to five-star rooms and an 800-seat conference centre. The project required energy-efficient buildings delivered on a tight deadline and a strict budget.

What we did

Zutari provided heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) solutions, wet services for the casino and arena, and fire services. Green Planet Engineering Services provided wet services for the hotel, WSP handled civil and structural engineering, and CKR provided electrical and electronic engineering during the design phase. An energy centre was constructed as part of the first phase. Green Star guidelines were followed, although no formal rating exists for casinos.

The team faced challenges in coordinating a large number of stakeholders, managing a tight construction programme, and designing sustainable, ergonomic, and cost-effective HVAC systems. Daily engagement and a document control platform enabled the sharing of live Revit models, accelerating project phases.

The air-cooled system’s energy-efficient features include low-friction ducting and piping, inverter direct expansion units in electrical plant rooms, ice storage for peak load demand, and advanced air handling units with economy cycles, CO2 sensors, and variable frequency drives to save fan energy.
The arena accommodates 8,000 seated or 10,000 standing.

The outcome

All three buildings were delivered to high-quality standards within tight deadlines. The energy-efficient systems and sustainable design features achieved operational savings while maintaining comfort and functionality.

Tackling three major projects simultaneously required collaboration, efficiency, and professionalism. Zutari’s technical expertise enabled world-class entertainment, hospitality, and event facilities that set a new benchmark for Menlyn Maine.

Projects of this scale require highly efficient and sustainable HVAC solutions. Zutari’s design ensured the most ergonomic and economic systems were incorporated for the Times Square casino, arena, and hotel.

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