Seeing is believing - energetic activity at the new site

"An energetic hive of activity" is how visitors have been describing The Innovation Hub site over recent weeks. For some, on their second or third visit, the progress has been astounding - an impression that is affirmed by the aerial images below, taken by "the blimp" (aerial balloon) over the last couple of months.

As is evident from the images taken during September, most of the Phase 1 roads have now been surfaced, while the bulk earthworks for the Phase 2 and 3 roads have been completed. The installation of kerbs is in progress.

The construction of the two bridges in the vicinity of The Innovation Hub is nearing completion. On the N4, the bulk earthworks for the widening of the Meiring Naudé Road/Cussonia Avenue bridge has been completed and the bridge deck cast. On the N1, the western embankment for the new bridge over the freeway, which will give direct access to The Innovation Hub from Meiring Naudé Road, is nearing completion. Final surfacing and kerbing is due to commence, while all the bridge decks have been cast and the construction of the concrete balustrade is in progress as shown in the images above.

At the Innovation Centre and Enterprise Building, the installation of services and brickwork is well underway. The façade on the Innovation Centre is nearing completion - the target is to have both buildings sealed by the end of October.

Eksklusiewe Tuine has procured and inspected most of the plants off-site, focussing on indigenous species, and is busy with general landscaping maintenance activities. On-site landscaping activities are also due to commence in October.

The additional cable for the bulk electrical supply and reticulation has been delivered to the site and is being installed. Preliminary testing has commenced and the council switchgear into the Energy Centre is being installed. The power-on date scheduled for 29 October 2004. In addition, the Telkom fibre optic sleeves to support the ICT implementation are being installed from the Persequor Technopark to the bridge. All other sleeves have been installed and all data centre equipment is due for delivery on site in November this year.

All in all, great progress with the completion of Phase 1 in sight for December this year, to be followed by commissioning in January 2005! For further detail on the infrastructure development of The Innovation Hub, contact project manager Martin Schindler of Arup South Africa on 012 349 2703.

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