Arup has been appointed to supply multidisciplinary engineering services to the iconic mixed-use office and retail development, Park Square situated in the heart of Umhlanga New Town Centre, north of Durban, Kwa-Zulu Natal.  The project is being developed by Nedport Developments (Pty) Ltd, a fully owned subsidiary of Nedbank Ltd.
 
The R1bn development comprising approximately 36,000m2 of lettable commercial space and 4,000m2 of lettable retail space - with a gross building area of approximately 85,000m2 - is currently under construction with the basement structure nearing completion.
 
“We are pleased to be providing full multidisciplinary engineering services comprising of 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 Adhir Imrith, senior engineer and Arup project manager, Buildings Southern Africa.
 
“Our collaborative, engaging approach and use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) as an integral part of our workflow has added value to the client, the professional team and main contractor, the latter using our models to assist in the development of their construction programme.
 
“The Park Square development aims to achieve a 4-star Green Star As-Built rating, largely due to energy savings in the HVAC 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,” added Imrith. 
 
Arup has also been appointed to assist the anchor tenant, Nedbank Ltd, in achieving a 4-star Interiors Fit-Out rating.
 
Park Square will be supported by the planned expansion to the metro’s Bus Rapid Transport system to Umhlanga.
 
Occupation at Park Square is scheduled to commence in the fourth quarter of 2018.
 
“This prestigious project enables Arup to further enhance their 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.”