2008 Awards - Recreational, Leisure and Hotels
WINNER
"Virgin Active Gateway", by Grinaker-LTA Building East
It is only right that hard work and dedication get recognised, hence the award in this category going to GLTA for a project well done and completed with every aspect of this competition taken into consideration.
The two-level Virgin Active gym was built on top of a portion of the existing four-storey parking garage in the Gateway Theatre of Shopping complex. The project includes an aerobics studio, Kauai coffee shop, Zen garden, pool, children's entertainment area and a sports area along with offices and ablution facilities. Alterations and additions to the existing structure also included extending the fire escape staircases and the elevator shaft to suit the new extension.
The most challenging aspect of the project was the fact that Grinaker-LTA had to operate within the busy public environment of an operational shopping center. But in spite of this, the Virgin Active project had an impeccable safety record. Also worth a mention is that due to the specialised finishes required (i.e. sprung floors and saunas); the co-ordination of the 50 subcontractors was considerably more difficult than usual.
Geoff Bright of Old Mutual Properties noted that the project was "very well managed", with the tenant moving in on time "which is always a plus!"
HIGHLY COMMENDED PROJECTS | "Le Domaine Hospitality Suite" by Reed Simpson Construction cc Situated in an existing "active over 50s" estate, with 450 occupied units, the new hospitality building comprises 64 units of various sizes and finishes and was built 'overhanging' an existing dam.
The groundwork consisted of piling, large strap beams and retaining walls. The dam was lined with plastic and great care was taken not to deposit rubble into it or damage its lining.
The compliance with the contract requirements from Reed Simpson was excellent. At the end, Andrew Butler of Butler and Butler Quantity Surveyors said, "We found reed Simpson Construction to be a company that always keeps the best interests of the client in mind, in producing a quality product". |
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