Construction World June 2019

LEADING AFRICA HOTEL CHAIN DEVELOPMENT The big chains, Marriott and Accor, are leading the way in African hotel development which overall has more than 75 000 rooms in 401 hotels in the pipeline. This is according to the 11 th annual survey by W Hospitality Group, acknowledged as the industry’s most authoritative source.

T he figures represent a 1,5% decrease on the 2018 pipeline, but still more than 12% ahead of 2017. Data for deals which have been realised show almost 100 hotels opened in Africa in 2017/18 with a total of 16 000 rooms. The annual African Hotel Chain Development Pipeline survey had a record 43 international and regional hotel contributors covering 54 countries in north and sub-Saharan Africa, and the Indian Ocean islands. W Hospitality’s Managing Director, Trevor J Ward, said: “The growth of the chains’ presence in Africa is a positive story. This year’s slight decrease is largely due to them 'cleaning' their pipeline, deleting deals that they believe are not going to happen. “So while the 2019 total is slightly down, overall there has been growth of 51% in total pipeline rooms since 2015, and in that time, North Africa has grown by 58% and sub-Saharan Africa by 47%.” Full details will be revealed and discussed at the Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF) in Addis Ababa, September 23 – 25, organised by Bench Events. AHIF, the leading conference of its kind, connects business leaders, driving investment in tourism projects, infrastructure and hotel development across the continent. Marriott, the world’s largest hotel chain, has the biggest pipeline in Africa, 42% more hotels and 25% more rooms than second-placed

Accor. But in absolute terms, Accor beat the pack in 2018, with a net increase of 3 400 rooms in 15 hotels. Hilton and Marriott signed around 2 000 and 3 600 rooms respectively, but saw a net reduction in their pipelines, due to openings and 'cleaning'. Just over half of the rooms in the African pipeline are currently onsite and under construction, making them much more likely to open than those still ‘on paper’. Ranking the companies on this basis, Accor heads the list, followed by Radisson, then Hilton and, in 4 th place, Marriott. Trevor Ward said: “There are almost 200 hotels due to open this year and next. We estimate, conservatively, that they will create around 30 000 direct jobs when they open, with some commentators estimating that each wage earner supports five other family members. And indirect and induced employment could total another 150 000 people.” Chairman of Bench Events, Jonathan Worsley said of the 2019 survey: “It’s only through such knowledge and transparency that participants in the industry can execute its strategic plans for growth. With the huge growth in the number of deals signed by the chains, Africa is today on the agenda of virtually every major hotel company.” 

The Rubik in CAPE TOWN

Abland, one of South Africa’s leading property developers for 30 years, is developing a distinctive mixed use development in the CBD of Cape Town in partnership with Nedbank. The Rubik, which launched last month, is a mixed use development with retail, commercial and residential components.

W ork on the development is expected to commence in the latter part of 2019 with the demolition of existing buildings. Thereafter, bulk earthworks will take place followed by the construction of the building which is set for completion in July 2021. “When this property came up for sale, we wasted no time in its acquisition as the location is perfect for a mixed use development and already had plans for it. As Abland, we have undertaken numerous high rise developments in the Cape Town CBD and are very excited to bring this vision to life,” says Jurgens Prinsloo, Managing Director, Abland. With this new development, Abland looks to create a unique and aesthetically pleasing development with retail, commercial and residential components without taking away from the functionality of the building. The building will have double glazing, an air-conditioning system that doesn’t

use water evaporation for cooling, energy efficient lighting and water heating systems which compliments green star initiatives. The residential component will offer an eccentric and present-day design with residential units that are located at the top of the building and perfectly positioned to give residents an amazing view of the ocean, Lion’s Head and the Table Mountain. Additionally, there will be separate foyers to separate the residents from the commercial tenants. “The advantage of implementing this project is the modern and unique design that compliments the historical buildings that surround the development. Considering Abland’s experience in completing complex buildings; the building is set to be completed on time with all the superb finishes and style from the outside as well as the inside. We have now received approval for the zoning of the building,” adds Prinsloo. 

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CONSTRUCTION WORLD JUNE 2019