Cape Town station unveils R900m makeover

Cape Town station

Cape Town central station is boasting a R900 million makeover that includes a brand-new student residence, new pedestrian walkways and retail outlets.

The 77 000m2 project, undertaken by GVK-SiyaZama for the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa was completed just in time for the 2024 student intake, Bizcommunity reports, quoting the developer.

“The project had to be complete in time for the 2024 student intake. The 20-storey building required hoisting of some 9 million bricks, which meant many extra hours of crane hook time and additional protection and resources while navigating adverse weather conditions,” said Chris Maughan, MD of GVK-Siya Zama’s Western Cape business unit.

The 20-storey student residence  offers 3 000 beds, while the 6,700m2 of retail space includes restaurants and retail chains such as Spar and Clicks.

The direct pedestrian link to bustling Strand Street offers visitors easier access to the station. Visitors enter through a grand galleria, while they can also enjoy the world-class public square in the precinct.

The project took almost two years to complete and was one of the biggest by value on GVK-Siya Zama’s books in Cape Town.

The student residence offers its young occupants a full range of amenities to ensure a safe and enjoyable life.

Property Wheel reports that it includes several study hubs, seven-a-side football fields on the fourth floor as well as a cinema and relaxation areas.

The building also boasts solar and energy-efficient appliances including many safety features, specifically related to fire compliance, the publication reports.

“Many elements had an industrial look and feel. We had to find ways to retain the architectural features without making the development feel too basic,” says Maughan.

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