A new home for PwC in Cape Town
PwC is moving its Cape Town Office to a newly constructed building at the iconic Waterfront, with move-in to occur on 22 July 2016.
Danie Fƶlscher, Partner in Charge of PwCās Western Cape Region, says: āWe are excited about this move. This new location will keep us right in the heart of Cape Townās most vibrant area, easily accessible to our clients.ā
The Western Cape is steadily building its reputation as a leader in the provision of design-led products and innovation to the global markets. Cape Town was named as the World Design Capital in 2014. Furthermore, the city is the most popular tourist attraction in South Africa, with a total of R3.5bn planned for new hotels in Cape Town over the next four years.
āWe are delighted to welcome a tenant as prestigious as PwC to the V&A Waterfront. This moves reinforces the V&A as a premier Cape Town office location, offering city centre connectivity and lifestyle advantages,ā says David Green, CEO of the V&A Waterfront.
Cape Town is also regarded as the ācity of choiceā, in particular by young people and tends to attract entrepreneurial, innovative and educated types. Cape Town has four universities, which also assists in attracting entrepreneurial potential to the city. āOur relocation will improve our ability to attract, recruit and retain young, bright talent,ā adds Fƶlscher.
PwC and the V&A Waterfront Holdings (Pty) Ltd signed a 9 000mĀ² lease in the Silo precinct. Silo No. 5 is expected to be completed by mid-2016 and will offer over 13 000mĀ² of multi-tenanted office space.
āThe newly constructed building is expected to be more efficient, comfortable and flexible for our staff and clients. The firm has thrived for many years on the tenets of collaboration and team work to provide and add value to our clients. Our new building space is intended to reflect these core values, and enhance our ability to serve our clientsā needs at the highest level,ā adds Fƶlscher.
āThe building is truly impressive providing some of the most scenic views of the oldest working harbour in the country set against the backdrop of the iconic Table Mountain.ā
The new building will be located in the vibrant Silo District at V&A Waterfront, which attracts more than 24 million visitors annually. In addition, the new office will be in close proximity to world class hotels, easy access to shops, restaurants and banks, and within walking distance of the Cape Town International Convention Centre, have state-of-the-art security in place, as well as substantial investment in ICT infrastructure. Furthermore, the City of Cape Town has improved access to public transport, with MyCiti bus stops located conveniently in front of the building.
The new building follows best practice in terms of sustainability and green building principles, climate control and security. Some of the highlights of this ābuilding of the futureā include a district seawater cooling plant, electric car charging points, and bicycle storage facilities.
Other āgreenā features include systems that ensure carbon dioxide levels are monitored adequately so that optimum amounts of oxygen are delivered to the building; the installation of metering systems that monitor and manage water consumption; an acoustic design which maintains suitable internal noise levels; and a design that provides good daylight levels for building users.
The architects have also allowed for high-performance glass panels that allow for 360Ģ- degree spectacular views while minimising passive solar gain and optimising natural daylight. āThese initiatives will result in PwC having one of the most energy efficient buildings in Cape Town,ā says Fƶlscher. The building will result in lower ongoing maintenance costs and cost savings through energy savings initiatives.
In addition, the internal aesthetics are inspired by international norms with great attention to detail. Each internal area is unique and innovative, but functional. Although the work stations are compact, there will be plenty of space. Focus will be placed on creating a more inspiring and effective working environment conducive to even better collaboration. Workstations will capture the collaborative needs of the modern workplace, providing employees with all the necessary components to shape their ideal working space.
The building will be equipped with a number of client meeting rooms, state-of the-art training room facilities and a client entertainment area on the roof terrace. While the interior design puts a focus on open-plan, employees will also be able to make use of pods with high-back chairs for informal meetings or discussions. In addition, staff can break away from their work to the restaurant on the top floor ā āwe have created a stimulating environment in which employees can meet, exchange ideas, relax, as well as interact with clients.ā
Staff will also be encouraged to engage in a more healthy work lifestyle. Cycling and running will be promoted as sports. Dedicated cycle trails and running paths have been set up in the Waterfront precinct and the new building will feature change rooms and shower facilities on each floor. āThis is an environment in which our staff will enjoy working ā however, it goes beyond that of an office; it is a new lifestyle,ā adds Fƶlscher.
āOur goal is to achieve a green-star rating from the Green Building Council of South Africa for our new building for its sustainable initiatives.ā
āIt is a pleasure to work with an organisation that is as dedicated to sustainability as we are. Sustainable development and green operations are fundamental to the V&A Waterfrontās overall development strategy,ā adds Green. āWe have adopted a rigorous approach to green construction and sustainable design principles, and the efficient use of natural and energy resources.ā
The building will be the new work home for the approximately 650 employees currently at Century City.
āWe are confident that our new office will provide an excellent platform from which to further enhance our presence in the Western Cape region and extend our profile in City of Cape Town and across the wider region,ā concludes Fƶlscher.
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