Legacy Corner
The Missing Link
With just a few months shy of its completion, the impressive mixed-use development—Legacy Corner, is bound to become an iconic reference point in Sandton’s commercial property market.
Situated at the corner of 5th Avenue and Maude Street, its location is the last undeveloped site in the Nelson Mandela Square Block, which already hosts other renowned developments including Michelangelo Towers, the Raphael Suites, Michelangelo Hotel and Nelson Mandela Square. Legacy Corner will be linked through to the Square on parking and retail levels and will seamlessly compliment the overall precinct these other developments already contribute to.
Background
The impetus for this development was the success of the Michelangelo Towers, which evidenced further market demand for apartments in Sandton’s CBD. Additionally, the upcoming 2010 World Cup and the locality of the site dictated the inclusion of an upmarket hotel (Da Vinci Hotel). Both these factors were viewed as opportunities that the developer, Legacy Hotels & Resorts International, could not let pass.
The company’s portfolio includes various four and five-star hotels, bush lodges and resorts in Africa and on various Indian Ocean islands. Primarily targeting luxury corporate and leisure markets, their flagship hotel—the Michelangelo, is a member of Leading Hotels of the World, and is a stone’s throw away from Legacy Corner.
Design
The architects of the classically-inspired Michelangelo hotel—Bentel Associates International (BAI), also designed Legacy Corner, yet took a more modern approach to the design as stated by Franc Brugman, senior director at BAI.
“As with the Michelangelo Towers we are aiming to make another iconic design statement for Legacy in the heart of Sandton. The building will be contemporary with a classical edge. The design is unique in a contemporary manner, but with timeless and elegant features, textures and finishes,” continues Franc. “However, this project will differ from the Michelangelo in that it was more classical in terms of its overall architectural design. The perfectly situated Legacy Corner will have excellent aesthetics while at the same time complementing and respecting the surrounding built environment.”
Sizing it up
Valued at R180 million (21 million USD) the 15-level development spans approximately 32,000m2 and will comprise basements retail levels, hotel and apartment component.
The mall component includes three levels of upmarket retail, two of these levels will link to the upper and lower levels of the Nelson Mandela Square. The retail tenancy of Legacy Corner will not clash or duplicate, yet rather complement the existing retail of the other developments.
Extending upwards from the retail level is the six-level Da Vinci hotel that is designed to have 175-suites, 50 apartments and three large penthouses on six levels. Patron amenities will include a leisure terrace offering a glass roofed lounge and breakfast area, a fitness facility; heated pool, spa and sun deck.
Inclusion of the apartment block was envisaged to provide its target market of urban and suburban professionals with a sophisticated urban lifestyle in an innovative setting with a sense of privacy and exclusivity.
Green with Envy
In an industry ever cognisant of responsible building issues, the BAI team has ensured the inclusion of numerous green solutions geared at sustainability and energy-efficiency. These technologies include heat exchange systems, solar panels and performance glazing as well as low flow shower heads in the hotel suites and apartments. Legacy Corner’s facade will also have a thermally efficient materials ensuring that no heat build-up or loss occurs in the structure.
Clients are scrutinizing environmental issues, maintenance and operating costs with the realisation that initial capital outlay will be offset in the medium to long-term by the design and selection of green technologies, which may have a capital premium during the construction of the building, but could be recouped in a couple of years.
BAI reports the inclusion of energy-efficient specification within the brief and budget as a rewarding challenge, as they believed the addition of such principals should be the norm, not a luxury, in a development of this nature.
To this end, the Legacy developers recently committed to the Heritage Environmental Rating Programme in Africa, whereby all its properties will undergo continuous assessment and receive independent accreditation for being environmentally responsible. The company aims to ensure that their properties reduce the impact of their operations on the environment.
Overcoming the Odds
In the current economic crisis and lack of readily available resources, challenges with a contract of this size are expected. LDV Construction reports a major challenge being the site’s location. Absent were any adjoining areas that could be utilised as site establishment points for them, causing all construction related activities (e.g. transportation and storage) to be coordinated on the same streets the public uses for day-to-day activities.
Leaving a Legacy
As with the Michelangelo, the combination of a hotel and apartments is proving to be a winning formula of the Legacy Hotel Group. Statistics show that Johannesburg receive more revenue from tourism than Cape Town, and Sandton has become exceptionally popular not only with locals, but also with international travellers from around the world including other African nations. The development is expected to become a sought after destination due to its excellent location, world-class hotel , high-end retail shops as well as its contribution to residential market demand within Sandton’s CBD.
Project Team
| Client | Legacy Hotels and Resorts International |
| Contractor | LDV Construction Management |
| Architects | Bentel Associates International |
| Quantity Surveyors | Schneid Libera |
| Civil / Structural Engineer | Tony Ritchie in Association with Ritchie Midgley |
| Mechanical Engineer | WSP Group Africa |
| Wet Services | Wat-Sol Design Technology |
| Town Planner | Tinie Bezuidenhout & Associates |
| Fire Consultant | Building Code Consultants |
| Land Surveyor | KMLS |
| Electrical | CKR |
Innovative Harbour Bridge Hotel & Suites Launches Near Cape Town V&A Waterfront
As the 2010 World Cup looms, construction sites have become a norm in South Africa. A number of impressive buildings have caused a great stir in the Western Cape, particularly in central Cape Town. Consider The One & Only Hotel located at the Waterfront that was launched recently. The Waterfront location has its good points since it is located near to the Green Point Stadium. However The Harbour Bridge Hotel & Suite Development poses stiff competition. The Harbour Bridge hotel officially opened in January this year 2009.
Realising The dream
It has taken approximately six years for this dream to materialise. Harbour Bridge Hotel & Suites is the newest and most innovative hospitality offering by Relais Hotels. Relais Hotels initiated its plans for Harbour Bridge shortly after the environmental impact assessment and urban design guidelines and directives were concluded in 2001. It is said that this development will soon be recognised as the most pioneering, modern and inventive hotels in Cape Town’s picturesque Roggebaai Tourism Project.
Relais Hotels South Africa is a premier boutique hotel group operating exclusive luxury suites, city hotels and country retreats of individual character.
Location
Harbour Bridge is a unique and exclusive apartment complex set in the midst of buzzing Cape Town city life. The hotel is set against a backdrop of mesmerising ocean and mountain views. It is also in close proximity to the Convention Centre and ideally positioned on the fringe of the V& A Waterfront. The development of Cape Town’s emerging Canal Precinct and Harbour Bridge is located adjacent to the Cape Town International Convention Centre and the Arabella Sheraton Hotel.
In fact, the new Blue Train’s terminal and Duncan Dock will soon be located near the precinct, and will increase number of passenger liners.
The Harbour Bridge Hotel straddles the canal that runs between the city centre and the Victorian and Alfred Waterfront. It is located on Cape Town’s Foreshore between Cape Town International Convention Centre and the Waterfront, the Roggebaai Canal provides Harbour Bridge residents with an enviable neighbourhood. Thus, the hotel has the advantages and appeal of the V& A, canal living, easy access to the Cape Town Waterfront and City Centre. It also has a sophisticated lock-up and on-the-go lifestyle in a secure environment.
Impressive Roggebaai Water Canal
The six floor state-of-the-art hotel offers no less than a 360 degree view of the best the Mother City has to offer. The building consists of blocks on both sides of the Roggebaai Canal, connected by third block over the canal’s water. The six floor building has been designed in such a way that units have both mountain and harbour views. Gapp Architects and Urban Designers were major role players in the development.
The building’s construction consists of blocks on both sides of the Roggebaai Canal connected by third block over the canal’s water.
A fresh water Roggebaai canal runs through the centre of the hotel, connecting the International Convention Centre and Western Grand Hotel to the V&A Waterfront. It also boasts Venetian water-taxis. Harbour Bridge Hotel and Suites links the city to the sea. The paved walkway of the Precinct follows a cool and exciting cosmopolitan look and feel seamlessly connecting the hub of the Convention Centre to the Waterfront. Gapp Architect and Urban Designers were called in on the job. Their portfolio includes the domestic terminal of Johannesburg International Airport and the Apartheid Museum.
Studio Apartments
The development has its share of permanent residents andownerships. Yet, it can also take the form of unique part-time access models in conjunction with Relais Hotels. Choosing its model limits access to the unit but comes with a guaranteed minimal rental return of 6% for the first two years. Responsible for the operation, servicing and marketing of the apartments purchased under the part-time scheme. Relais is adequately experienced for the task.
Owned by the JSE-listed Tourvest Relais is regarded among the leading operators of boutique hotels in South Africa.
The hotel offers 40 quality rooms and 17 luxury suites and clear-lines and high-quality furnishings along with pure luxury and modern elegance. Five star amenities combined with state-of-the-arts meeting facilities will make Harbour Bridge and Suites the hottest property on the business and conference circuit.
The bedrooms are carpeted, air conditioned and include flat screen televisions. Each room opens up onto its own balcony through stacking glass doors. The bathrooms are tiled with heated towel rails, hairdryers, and sockets for electrical shavers and internal telephone.
5 Star Grading
Harbour Bridge Hotel and Suites anticipates dual four and five-star grading with Relais Hotels. It promises to offer the discerning traveller an unforgettable location and uncompromising levels of service, culminating in a unique experience only Cape Town can offer.
The Cost
Harbour Bridge, a Faircape development, consists of one and two bedroom units between 56m²and 146m² in size. The pricing is particularly high as a 60m² on the ground floor of the south block is currently priced at R1.5 million. A 60m² two bedroom unit on the second floor of the extremely popular bridge block is currently selling for R1.8 million. All studios in the north block sell for more than R3.7 million. However, the only three building unit in the building, boasts 293m² of space and has been sold for an incredible R7.3 million.
All studios in the north block sells for more than R3.7 million. The building’s only three bedroom unit boasts 293m² of space and has been sold for R7.3 million.
The development has come just in time for the 2010 Soccer World Cup. Its location is superb as it is close to amenities and offers easy access to Green Point Stadium.
Project team
| Project Manager: |
Mark Saacks Projects |
| Architects and Designers: | GAPP Architects & Urban Designers (Pty) Ltd |
| Quantity Surveyors: | LDM |
| Structural Engineers: | DeVilliers Sheard |
| Mechanical and Plumbing Engineers: | G Johardien & Associates |
| Electrical Engineers: | Charl Electrical Engineering |
| Fire Consultant: | Keith Fletcher & Associates |
| Main Contractor: | Faircape Construction |
| Plumber Sub-contractor: | MRR Plumbing |
| Electrical Sub-Contractors: | JFE & Charl Electrical |
| Lift Sub-contractor: | Kone Elevators |
| Mechanical & Ventilation Sub-Contractor: | Airfreeze |