Engineering firm appointed for Umhlanga development

Multidisciplinary engineering firm Arup announced last month that it had been appointed to provide multidisciplinary engineering services for the iconic mixed-use office and retail development Park Square, in Umhlanga New Town Centre, KwaZulu-Natal.

The project is being developed by financial services provider Nedbank subsidiary Nedport Developments.
The R1-billion development, comprising about 36 000 m2 of lettable commercial space and 4 000 m2 of lettable retail space – with a gross building area of about 85 000 m2 – is currently under construction, with the basement structure nearing completion.
“We are pleased to be providing full multidisciplinary engineering services, comprising civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, public health, fire and façade engineering. In addition, we are providing sustainability consulting services for the Green Star-rated development,” said Arup Buildings Southern Africa senior engineer and project manager Adhir Imrith.
He noted that Arup’s collaborative, engaging approach and use of Building Information Modelling as part of the workflow had added value to Park Square, the professional team and main contractor. Imrith pointed out that the main contractor was using Arup’s models to assist in developing the construction programme.
“The Park Square development aims to achieve a 4-star Green Star As-Built rating, largely owing to energy savings in the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system from the use of thermal ice storage, which, in principle, uses half-sized air-cooled chillers to efficiently produce ice at overnight off-peak tariffs and assist cooling loads during warmer days,” he explained.
Arup has also been appointed to assist the anchor tenant, Nedbank, in achieving a 4-star Interiors Fit-Out rating.
Park Square will be supported by the planned expansion to the Bus Rapid Transport system to Umhlanga. Occupation at Park Square is scheduled to start in the fourth quarter of 2018.
“This prestigious project enables Arup to further enhance its reputation as a leading multidisciplinary engineering firm, not only in the Durban market but throughout Southern African markets. We look forward to delivering one of the most successful developments in the New Town Centre precinct,” concluded Imrith.