US$67m trio of new A-grade offices to go up in Africa’s only green city

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Already home to leading companies like BMW, Nedbank and SAGE VIP, the multi-billion rand Menlyn Maine green city development in Pretoria is set to get 26,500sqm of new office space in three new buildings from the end of 2015 to the end of 2016.

Menlyn Maine Investments is pioneering the Menlyn Maine development – Africa’s only green city. In the latest tranche of developments to be announced, it will invest R750 million to develop three top-class, green A-grade office buildings.

Henk Boogertman, main architect of Menlyn Maine confirms the trio of quality office buildings will all achieve at least a 4-Star Green Star SA rating from the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA), in line with Menlyn Maine’s exceptional sustainability benchmarks.

Menlyn Maine is South Africa’s first green, mixed-use city. It’s more than a collection of award-winning green buildings in one place; everything between the buildings is designed to be environmentally sustainable too, from sidewalks and streets, to parks and squares. The benefits go beyond a lighter carbon footprint and lower electricity bills, to the enjoyment of a quality experience in a distinguished address of choice for working and – in soon-to-come future phases – shopping, entertainment and living, all designed to promote responsible, healthy lifestyles.

As a partner of the Clinton Climate Initiative, Menlyn Maine is one of 16 green cities being built in various countries, and the only one in Africa.

“Its superb location has been a key factor in attracting top business names to Menlyn Maine,” notes Linda Riley, Leasing and Investment Advisor at Menlyn Maine.

Menlyn Maine is minutes away from the N1 motorway’s Atterbury and Garsfontein interchanges, right off the main arterial of January Masilela Road, and a mere 500 metres from the main entrance of the super-regional Menlyn Park Shopping Centre.

Its bustling location also means it benefits from exceptional transport connections. This includes access to excellent transport links, including three Gautrain bus stops, the new BRT bus system and a taxi terminus. Menlyn Maine is designed to welcome pedestrians. Fewer cars on the roads also mean lower carbon emissions. It is also surrounded by medical facilities, schools, and all the amenities that come with being in the heart of the upmarket, growing Eastern Suburbs of Pretoria.

Already under construction, the landmark 13,500sqm West Tower Office Block is at the heart of Menlyn Maine’s vibrant future retail and entertainment epicentre. This A-grade nine-storey office tower has been designed to create flexible space for corporate headquarters or a bustling multifaceted business environment. Located on the corner of Aramist Avenue and Dallas Road, it will be ready for tenant occupation in September 2016 and offer ample parking at a ratio of 4.5 bays to every 100sqm.

Opposite this iconic tower, The Indus Building will provide 9,500sqm of A-grade office space across five floors, allowing for the flexible subdivision of offices. It is set for completion in late 2016.

“Like the other two new buildings it comes with naming rights for a major tenant taking up more than half of each building,” explains Riley.

The Orion Building will be developed opposite the 3,200sqm Regus Building, which was completed in June this year. Standing in a prime position at the new gateway to Menlyn Maine from January Masilela Road, The Orion Building mirrors its neighbouring offices. The four-storey building will provide 4,500sqm of environmentally innovative and flexible lettable A-grade offices, suited to either a single or multi-tenant environment. Its development will be demand driven, with completion delivery possible as soon as late 2015.

Menlyn Maine Model

An aerial view of the model showing what the Menlyn Maine multi-billion rand green city development in Pretoria will look like when it is fully complete

“The benefits of offices in a green city go beyond simple environmental responsibility,” explains Riley. “It also means smart building design for energy efficiency, recycling, environmentally friendly waste management and roof gardens. All this adds up to less operational costs and more savings over a company’s lease period.”