The tallest building in Africa has been proposed for Durban city in South Africa if the ambitious proposal for a R6b project presented to the city’s economic development and planning committee on Wednesday is effected.
eThekwini Municipal spokesperson Tozi Mthethwa on Wednesday said that a proposal for the 88 storey building had been presented to the municipality‘s Economic and Development Planning Committee by the Durban Tower Development Company.
He was however quick to clarify that this is just a proposal at this stage awaiting final decision from the relevant stakeholders. ”No final decision has been made regarding the development and it is still in the proposal phase,” Mthethwa said. If the proposal is adopted, this skyscraper will be constructed to a tune of R6 billions and will be ready for occupation in 2021. This building will be multi-functional and will host retail, commercial, parking, hotel and residential facilities.
If adopted, the building would be 370 metres above ground and would be the tallest building in Africa as well as the Southern Hemisphere a status that is currently held by Carlton centre located in Johannesburg. The building is proposed to be built on the site of the Durban Country Club and within the premises of the Natal Mounted Rifle (NMR).
This is a strategic location as it will place it directly opposite Kings Park Rugby Stadium that hosts the Sharks rugby franchise and the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium. This land belongs to the municipality but currently on lease to Durban Country Club and NMR.
According to the statement, consultations with communities and other parties involved are due to start in a week’s time before the proposal’s tabling for approval. This master piece is the latest in a series of catalytic projects set to be rolled out by the city with the Mabhida stadium already in the precinct.
Metopole Architect directors Nigel Tarbon and Tyrone Reardon presented the bold plans to the committee on behalf of the Durban Tower Development (DTDC).The councilors a have already given the go ahead to the project. Tarbon said the main aim of the project was to create another ‘globally recognizable world-class icon for Durban, South Africa and Africa’.
