Eastgate builder scoops prestigious award

The construction team behind the multi-million Rand refurbishment of the Eastgate Shopping Centre has been named as the overall winners of the 2016 South African Institute of Steel Construction’s (SAISC) Steel Awards.

The second phase of the centre’s refurbishment project was recognised by the SAISC for balancing high-tech construction methods with ground-breaking aesthetics.

The team behind the project, including steelwork contractors Tass Engineering, were tasked with facilitating the shifting of the entire cinema complex, which is 4000m2, from the lower level of the mall to the roof-level car park area. The team was also responsible for developing new structures, including two entrance canopies, a feature skylight roof over the Central Court area, a large feature stairway and a large signage wall, at a cost of more than R60-million.

Tass Engineering’s Mr Robert Mylroie said the move of the cinema was challenging as it also involved additional reinforcement to the building’s foundations while balancing the need to limit disturbance to ongoing operations in the shopping centre.

Liberty Property portfolio fund manager, Mr Alex Phakathi, said the SAISC Steel Award is a tribute to the successful completion of a challenging task.

“The refurbishment of the centre was a massive undertaking, and the recognition received from SAISC is a feather in the cap of all those who contributed to the challenging task of redeveloping the building.

The bulk of the two-year refurbishment and extension project of the centre was completed in July 2016, with the finishing touches set to be in place by December 2016.