Africa

Africa

Africa's Real Time Built Environment News & Information Network

Keeping Africa's Building Professionals in touch with the continent's development - as it happens.


 





The Orion Retail complex forms part of the Orion Centre property situated at the confluence of two of Gauteng's busiest arterials - the R24 and N12 highways. Containing a mix of office, residential and retail space, the centre is presently being re-developed by the Orion Group's Development Division to be a multi-purpose environment.

The residential components' 90 apartments and five luxury R4 million penthouses were recently completed and the units are already almost sold out. The 22-floor Orion Towers has become a familiar landmark with its enormous and attractive tower signage.

The conveniently situated building offers convenience, security and a lockup and go lifestyle that will be enhanced by an excellent range of retail stores and restaurants when the refurbishment of the Orion retail component is completed in 2009.

The 80% national and 20% local destination centre will comprise three anchor tenants and an exciting mix of national retailers with some unique independent operators. The two-level retail component will also feature a 2500m2 Planet Fitness Gym on the roof.

The re-development will incorporate a more functional layout with wider passageways and an extended multi storey parking lot with an additional 261 parking bays bringing the total number of bays to 627 on completion of the retail node.

 Read more: architectafrica.com/orion_centre

Website: www.oriongroup.co.za


Myanmar Reconstruction Appeal : One million are in need of shelter.

It has been less than 24 hours since Cyclone Nargis hit the heart of Myanmar (Burma). Government figures have reported 15,000 dead but reports claim it is now 22,000. In the coming days it may move closer to 50,000. While the media will naturally focus its attention on the loss of life there are more than a million displaced in the coming weeks many will be moved into makeshift tents and lean-toos. Like most natural disasters there will no plan for long term sustainable reconstruction and little community involvement in the rebuilding of their lives.

Our favorite large aid agencies like Oxfam, The IRC and Care International are knee deep in immediate delivery of aid however how will the country respond to the long term strategy need to rebuild the country. Given early contact with colleagues in the field and many of whom partnered with us to rebuild after the 2004 Tsunami, we have decided to respond. If we are going to get involved and make local impact we will need to raise a minimum of $10,000 for an assessment team or a local team with international support. At that point we will see if we can help in the transitional and long-term phase. If you are interested in joining the team email us directly.

Syndicate content