Construction World July 2018

PROPERTY

Leading the way for FUTURE FORWARD work spaces

T he benefits of this work method have been lauded for increasing productivity and work-happiness in employees. While it seems work may have left the building, companies and employees are still in need of future-forward spaces to connect, col- laborate and share ideas. As a result, many office developments are responding to this need by providing considered work environ- ments that emphasize openness, transcend the idea of the daily grind and encourage a healthy work life balance in campus-style and community orientated spaces. In a 2017 article for ‘Director’, Monica Parker a behaviourist and founder of organisational change consultancy, Hatch, whose clients include Microsoft, Deloitte and the BBC says, “People always need a place to come together, and while coffee shops are goodbye to the nine-to-five, many professionals around the world are now untethered from their desks, able to work remotely from anywhere and at any time thanks to WiFi, smartphones and a whole host of other tech savvy tools. Rapid technological advancements have gifted people with the ability to redefine their work lives. Saying

great, people still like to have a place they can call a work home. I don’t think work has left the building – there is still that communal driver.” Today, companies are understanding more and more the importance of nurturing productivity through the significant benefits of open and flexible office environments. These benefits include creativity, knowl- edge sharing, teamwork and coordination. While Google, Apple and various other tech advanced companies have been operating like this for decades already, South Africa is just beginning to ride the crest of the flexible and open work wave. Cue Park Square, Nedbank’s iconic R-1billion mixed-use office and retail development located within uMhlanga’s New Town Centre and thriving commercial hub. Bordering the popular CJ Saunders Park and featuring innovative commercial and retail offerings, Park Square with its considered restaurants, shops and coffee bars will offer a connected work cul-

ture incorporating a unique leisure offering seamlessly linked to a vibrant and open urban square. The Four Star Green Star-rated building, due for completion in October this year, includes 36 000 m² of commercial space, 4 000 m² of retail and an impressive 3 500 m² open public piazza. Furthermore, it’s easily accessible to pedestrians, offers abundant parking and is close to a GO!- Durban Integrated Rapid Public Transport Network (IRPTN) stop. Ken Reynolds, Nedbank Property Finance Divisional Executive, property expert and Director of Nedport Developments, a subsidiary of Nedbank and Park Square’s developers says, “Projects like Park Square are effectively turning the South African urban planning paradigm around. This innovative and con- nected space encourages people to think beyond the boardroom, take time to unplug and to connect with one another. “By similarly drawing the surrounding communities for shopping and relaxing, the overall effect is a sociable, communal space that emphasises a convenient and balanced work life experience.” Park Square has already secured a series of high profile tenants including Nedbank, Spar and the IBV International Vaults. Spar This world-class destination offers a win-win situation for both, where staff benefit by working in an open, future-forward environment and companies reap the rewards on their bottom line.

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CONSTRUCTION WORLD JULY 2018