THE NEWSPAPER
NEWS
R400m Mixed-Use Retail Centre Opens In Somerset West
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Speaking of the uniqueness of the development, Abacus managing director Gavin Blows said a fibre optic backbone meant high-speed connectivity for stores and office tenants alike, with 100 mbits speed and 250MB of free Wi-Fi data available to shoppers daily and is a continuation of the national partnership with Vodacom which has resulted in cost effective connectivity not only for office and retail tenants but also for surrounding developments. Vodacom has invested in a high speed “meet me room” which will act as hub for fibre connectivity in the Strand and Somerset West.
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Table Mountain National Park Gears Up For Fire Season Several agencies including South African National Parks (SANParks), Working on Fire (WoF) Department of Environmental Affairs Expanded Public Works Programme, the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services, Cape Nature, Provincial Disaster Risk Management and Cape Peninsula Fire Protection Association will once again come together this summer as the 2016-17 fire season subsequently kicks off. SANParks would thus like to advise that the public can be assured that TMNP Fire in conjunction with these fighting teams will play a joint role during this fire season. The months of September and October 2016 have been particularly dry, coupled with rainfall that was far below the average for both of these months. Table Mountain National Park’s (TMNP) preparation for the 2016/17 fire season has been tested by a fire just above De Waal Drive whereby the park dispatched both the TMNP Newlands and Kloofnek crews to the scene of the fire. The fire has subsequently been contained with TMNP crews as well as WoF (Working on Fire) crews assisting with the mopping up and ensuring that the area remains safe. It is important to note that as soon as a fire is reported all resources are dispatched from key stand-by points at the City Bowel, Kloofnek and Newlands dispatches. Teams are trained and on stand-by based at Silvermine and Newlands in the event of fire outbreaks. These teams are comprised of TMNP Fire staff accompanied by volunteers of the Wildfire Services and the City Fire and Rescue Services. TMNP also makes use of the Volunteer Wildfire Services (VWS) to assist the Parks contract as well as WoF fire fighters with regards to the extinguishing of wildfires, this unit forms an integral part of the TMNP fire-fighting capacity.
In addition to acclaim for several malls in its portfolio, Abacus recently scooped the top honours for its mixed-use retail development in Johannesburg, Dainfern Square, at the SA Council of Shopping Centres’ (SACSC) annual Retail Design and Development Awards. Abacus Chairman, Jaco Odendaal said, “There is an increasing demand for boutique convenience shopping centres servicing high income suburbs, The Sanctuary combines a scenic setting with high-speed connectivity and high-end retail. It’s also the first restaurant node for Somerset West, which is a great drawcard.”
TMNP fire crews are assisted by crews from (WoF) programme as well as three medium sized helicopters which are stationed at the SANParks Fire Base at Newlands. The TMNP crews are on standby 24/7 and resources dispatched to wildfires will depend on the Fire Danger Index for that specific day as well as the locality of the fire in relation to “high risk” areas in the Park.
Odendaal said the development also caters to the high demand for premium office space in area and the growth in the residential market. “Our AAA-grade office space features break-away areas for office staff including Zen gardens,” adding the centre was conveniently located, plus the Virgin Active gym provides easy access to a healthy lifestyle. “Bringing the popular Turn ‘n Tender steakhouse franchise to The Sanctuary, which is their first offering in the Western Cape, is supported by our research indicating an under-supply of quality dining areas in the Somerset West and Strand areas,” he said. Designed to be sensitive to the water body which borders the centre, the wooden decks and retractable shopfronts will also allow for restaurants to trade internally or externally, depending on the weather. The water body, which serves as a storm water retention facility, has been rehabilitated, with the developers having removed tons of polluted soil and implemented a water and landscaping maintenance programme to ensure the natural environment can propagate and provide a sanctuary for the birdlife of the area. A path has been built around the water body so as to allow bird watchers access to all sides and includes a few rest areas and benches. Abacus Asset Management leasing director Eradus van Antwerpen said the centre would primarily serve Somerset West, Strand and Gordon’s Bay residents. It was the first restaurant hub for Somerset West, he said, adding that the centre would boast extended trading hours and a safe trading environment along a high traffic node. A key feature for business tenants at the centre was the high-speed connectivity, he added.
Fire Index signage is displayed daily at the entrance of the Newlands Forest and on the TMNP social media pages for the public’s information. Due to adverse and unpredictable weather conditions TMNP and all fire agencies requests that the public exercises extreme caution during the upcoming fire season, to only braai in designated braai areas, not make any illegal fires and to discard of cigarette butts safely. The general public are requested to immediately report all fires within TMNP on 0861 106 417 or the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services on 021 480 7700 and 107 (from a landline). If you suspect a fire outbreak has occurred due to arson, report it by tweeting us and the Volunteer Wildfire Services @VWSfire immediately.