Constitution Hill project steams ahead

AN array of property investment opportunities have opened up at the R492m Constitution Hill site in Johannesburg. Constitution Hill will officially be opened on March 21, but construction will continue until 2006. The Constitutional Court, which is housed in a building on the site, is the most significant and probably the most striking building constructed by government in the past 10 years since democracy. The court, which begins work in the new building on February 16, is cooled by water running across rocks and vents that allow cool air to rise during the day and hot air to be distributed in the evenings. The waste management system is also environmentally sensitive. The site has the court's multi-million rand art collection housed in a huge atrium, open to the public, to the left of the main court entrance. Art works are placed throughout the building and many of the court fittings are considered artworks in themselves. The building itself was the result of an international competition won by South African architects, Urban Solutions and Ohmm Design Workshop. Letting opportunities have opened for 36 000 sq metres of office space and 2 000 sqm of retail property. The Hyatt group will also construct a limited service hotel on the nine hectare site. The parking basement at the site is funded by Blue IQ, and with accommodation for 1 720 vehicles, is one of the largest parking garages in the city. The old Victoria hospital will, over time, be converted into middle-rent and luxury apartments with many art deco features from the original building still intact. An array of government and non-government organisations have expressed interest in office space at the site. Restaurants owned by Nino's and Party Design, both run by black franchisees and incorporating halaal and kosher kitchens have been appointed preferred bidders for a restaurant and a coffee shop. The Johannesburg Development Agency is also exploring a joint venture arrangement with a museum shop operator. (Miguel de Sousa)