Professional property owners in South Africa today announced that No. 1 Silo at the V&A Waterfront is the overall winner at the prestigious South African Property Owners Association (SAPOA) Innovative Excellence in Property Development Awards 2014, held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre today.
In an exceptional showcase of extraordinary property development, SAPOA announced the top performers in 10 categories and four overall awards at its annual award ceremony, as well as the top overall award clinched by No. 1 Silo. It revealed the winners at the 46th annual SAPOA International Property Convention and Exhibition.
“The winners highlight excellence in design and innovation. They meet today’s challenges and tomorrow’s needs, and reflect the cutting-edge of design in South Africa and globally,” says Neil Gopal, CEO of SAPOA.
“The awards recognised exceptional quality in buildings and reward excellence in building design. It is also a litmus test for the health of our industry and, based on the excellent entries this year, our sector is in thriving health.”
Entries have rocketed 65% in the past two years, demonstrating the esteem in which the industry holds these accolades. The award winners were decided by a multi-disciplinary expert panel of judges comprising leaders in their fields.
SAPOA Awards Committee Chairman, Pieter Engelbrecht notes: “2014 was a fantastic year in terms of recognising talented property innovators in South Africa. This year we received a very positive response, which shows the esteem in which the awards are held.”
Engelbrecht adds: “We have the privilege of showcasing world-class owners and built environment professionals’ outstanding contributions that have significantly enhanced the industry, economy and skylines of South Africa.”
Besides being the overall winner, No. 1 Silo at V&A Waterfront also won the corporate office development category and the overall green award – scooping up a total of three top awards.
Developed by the V&A Waterfront, owned in equal parts by Growthpoint Properties and the Government Employees Pension Fund represented by the Public Investment Corporation (SOC) Limited, and designed by Rick Brown Architects, VDMMA, No. 1 Silo is the 18,500sqm corporate head office of blue-chip tenant Allan Gray.
No. 1 Silo is part of the first phase in the Silo Precinct of V&A Waterfront, which will soon see the redevelopment of the historical Grain Silo. The building has been awarded the region’s first GBCSA Six-Star Green Star SA rating, and is seeking “As Built” rating too. With sustainability features in abundance, No. 1 Silo is designed to reflect its tenant’s company values and encourage greater communication between its staff members.
And, No. 2 Silo at V&A Waterfront triumphed in the residential developments group. Owned, developed and designed by the same team as No. 1 Silo, the building is the V&A Waterfront’s first residential development in more than five years and the first residential development to be assess using the GBCSA Multi-Unit Residential Design rating tool and to receive a 4-star rating. It comprises 31 one- and two-bedroomed apartments over seven stories with a solar heated rooftop pool and water-wise garden.
Cradlestone Mall wins coveted SAPOA award for retail development excellence
Taking pole position in the retail developments category is Cradlestone Mall in Krugersdorp, developed by Sasol Pension Fund and designed by Bentel Associates International. Inspired by its setting, the landmark Cradle of Humankind was the starting point for the philosophy that underpins its design concept.
Cradlestone Mall in Krugersdorp has won the esteemed South African Property Owners Association (SAPOA) Innovative Excellence in Retail Property Development Award 2014.
The awards were announced at the 46th Annual SAPOA International Convention and Exhibition, held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre last week.
Cradlestone Mall, which opened its doors in November 2013, is owned and developed by Sasol Pension Fund, Pivotal Property Fund and Retail Africa. It was designed by Bentel Associates International.
The 76,000sqm super-regional mall is in the heart of Mogale City in Johannesburg’s West Rand, with a fresh retail mix and wide choice in nearly 200 shops, restaurants and services.
AndriesSchaap, General Manager Investment from Sasol Pension Fund, says: “We are delighted that Cradlestone Mall has earned such a prestigious tribute. So much has gone in to making Cradlestone Mall a success, starting with a real need for quality retail and the vision to develop a world-class mall inspired by the World Heritage Site of the Cradle of Humankind. Thousands of people have played a role in conceiving, developing and building Cradlestone Mall. They can all be immensely proud of their contribution to the mall and winning this sought-after award.”
Inspired by its setting, the landmark Cradle of Humankind was the starting point for the philosophy that underpins its design concept while, at the same time, adhering to proven retail flow and layout.
But, it isn’t only the architectural appeal that is considered in these awards. SAPOA notes recognition is based on a holistic approach which expects developments to be economically viable, to satisfy the needs of the investor and users, to be aesthetically appealing and enhance the locality in which they are situated.
Schaap adds: “Cradlestone Mall’s alluring shopping, unique fresh design, easy access, entertainment, leisure and total experience all come together to create a complete leading mall package.”
The shopper appeal of this award-winning mall lies not only in its design, but in a power-house line up of retailers led by of anchor tenants including Woolworths, Pick n Pay, Checkers, Game with FoodCo, Dion Wired and the Edcon Group, as well as Food Lovers Market, which will open this year.
Its positive reception has also attracted a selection of new stores which have opened in the mall since it was launched, including latest additions Lego, Baby Boom, Isabella’s Food and Cake shop, John Craig and Sunglass Hut. Plus, Dis-Chem and Virgin Active is also set to open at Cradlestone Mall before year-end.
Cara Grobler, General Manager of Cradlestone Mall, comments: “This SAPOA accolade is a meaningful and respected honour for the mall. Cradlestone Mall has enjoyed a positive and exciting beginning. We look forward to what the future holds, it promises to be very exciting indeed.”
