Privately owned construction company GVK-Siya Zama has worked “around the clock” to complete the redevelopment of Cape Town Station, in the Western Cape, into a mixed-use residential and retail space.

This despite experiencing one of Cape Town’s wettest winters in ten years last year, which threatened to derail the process.

One of the company’s largest projects to date, in terms of value – and its largest in the province – the development has opened a direct corridor between Strand street and the Cape Town railway station.

It boasts an unrestricted and pedestrian-friendly thoroughfare through a ‘grand entrance’ galleria.

Aligned with similar projects in European cities where less desirable spaces are being transformed into sought-after residential and retail offerings, the 77 000 m2 redevelopment incorporates a 20-storey, 3 000-bed purpose-built student accommodation facility.

It also includes 6 700 m2 of retail space and a new “world-class” public square.

GVK-Siya Zama Cape business unit MD Chris Maughan says the purpose was to introduce student accommodation in a transport node that could service both the University of Cape Town, the Cape Peninsula University of Technology and other significant tertiary educational campuses.

“The project had to be complete in time for the 2024 student intake,” he explains.

The 20-storey building required hoisting of some nine-million bricks, which meant many extra hours of crane hook time and additional protection and resources while navigating adverse weather conditions.

Additionally, the team was challenged to “use budget-conscious products and deliver them in an upmarket fashion”.

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

Owing to the size of the project, financial consideration played a critical role in product selection, and it became increasingly challenging to ensure that cost-effective products did not distract from aesthetic goals and the envisioned design.

With student safety and wellbeing the primary focus, the development includes several study hubs, seven-a-side football fields on the fourth floor of the building and cinema and relaxation areas to create a safe, enjoyable and practical living space.

Maughan says the building boasts solar and energy-efficient appliances which include many safety features, specifically related to fire compliance.

“Owing to the large number of students to be housed in the building, it was essential that control measures were put in place to monitor water and electrical usage alongside an efficient, centralised water heating solution.”

He says GVK-Siya Zama is delighted with the outcome of the project.

“It showcases our ability to work on large, complex projects within tight budget and time constraints.

Cape Town Station stands testament to a visionary team committed to delivery of this fine development, Maughan avers.