Blue Route Mall, Cape Town - September 2011

Project Discipline: Africa/International Sector
Business Unit: Aveng Grinaker-LTA Building

The R630-million contract to extend and upgrade the almost-40-year-old Blue Route shopping centre in Tokai, Cape Town, represents a nostalgic return to this site for Aveng Grinaker-LTA, which has been involved in the development of the mall since its inception, with several additions and alterations undertaken over the years.

The latest upgrade will see the addition of a new 58 000 m2 double-level shopping area to the Blue Route Mall, the refurbishment of 8 000 m2 of existing basement parking and the construction of a new 29 000 m2 basement parking level. This contract is being undertaken for long-standing client Fountainhead Property Trust.

Working close to the public in a well-established retail environment means safety will be a top priority for Aveng Grinaker-LTA during the project. Sections of the shopping centre have remained operational during construction works through the creation of temporary accesses.

The presence of an environmentally sensitive wetland adjacent to the site means that Aveng Grinaker-LTA is taking all precautions to ensure that there is no contamination of the stormwater system with any construction materials. As a member of the Green Building Council of South Africa, Aveng Grinaker-LTA is committed to limiting any environmental impact as far as possible, by recycling waste, reducing its carbon footprint by limiting the transport of materials and plant, and using recycled materials wherever possible.

Due for completion: 2012