R800m Hatfield Square revamp

An artist's impression of the Hatfield Square redevelopment which is on track to open doors in January next year, offering a state-of-the-art student residence. The project costs an estimated R800 million.

An artist's impression of the Hatfield Square redevelopment which is on track to open doors in January next year, offering a state-of-the-art student residence. The project costs an estimated R800 million.

Published Aug 26, 2016

Share

Pretoria - Developers have unveiled the first complete images of what the R800 million mixed-use Hatfield Square student village will look like when it opens in January next year.

“The redevelopment of Hatfield Square is focused on meeting the needs of students while providing a rejuvenated space for the public,” said Craig McMurray, chief executive officer of Respublica.

The company is developing the precinct with Redefine Properties through a joint venture aptly named Respublica Student Living.

“It’s with this in mind that we briefed Paragon Architects to design a safe, accessible environment where students can live, study and play.”

The redevelopment pays homage to the site’s heritage as the heart of Pretoria’s student culture.

It was an end to a memorable era when the original Hatfield Square, a place to see and be seen for the city’s student population, was demolished last year.

The new Hatfield Square will accommodate 2 200 students and offer five options to suit different needs and budgets.

Regardless of individual space, every student will have access to all facilities including a gym, recreation rooms, laundry facilities, computer and study rooms, a swimming pool, and unlimited wi-fi connectivity.

The four main buildings in the complex are being built using Hebel autoclaved aerated concrete, a revolutionary material offering a unique combination of strength, light weight, thermal insulation, sound absorption, fire resistance and ease of construction.

It is cut and shaped like wood with simple hand tools and is naturally smooth, thus requiring a skim coat, thereby eliminating the need to plaster conventionally.

This system has contributed to the clockwork-timing of Hatfield Square, as a two-man team working with it can build up to 25m² a day, allowing for the speed of construction that is faster than that of conventional building.

The entire construction will feature a complete intelligent wireless network that will allow each user to connect multiple devices, offering easy access to online courses, distance learning, social media and video streaming. The complex will feature a biometric access control system, complemented with a CCTV system that will monitor entrances, exits and the perimeter.

As a ground-breaking project that sets new standards in student accommodation, Hatfield Square will have energy efficient lighting and control systems fitted with LED lighting.

All common areas will be fitted with occupancy sensors to switch on lighting when movement is detected. Installed generators will provide lighting and run all essential systems throughout the buildings in the event of a power outage.

Students will have easy access to the variety of retail outlets in approximately 2 700m² of purpose-designed space for sit-down and quick service restaurants, fashion outlets and technology stores. These have all been chosen to ensure that students will not have to travel far to meet their basic needs.

The first phase of the development, which includes the retail component, will be ready for occupation for the next academic year, with the remaining opening a year later.

Previously, the square was a party hub and a place where students could get together, laugh and make memories that would never be forgotten long after their academic years had passed.

Each of the four buildings in the development has been designed to create smaller neighbourhoods within the precinct, with common areas in and around them to encourage interaction and movement. Intimate courtyards will offer more private, smaller spaces, while an abundance of breakaway rooms and study areas provide the peace and quiet that is necessary to study.

[email protected]

Pretoria News

Related Topics: