CONCOR’S MASTERY IN FAST TRACK PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION UNDERSCORED BY SAFETY AWARD

Caption: The taxi holding facility was integrated within the centre’s existing parking structure. It includes 165 parking bays, with 135 for standard minibus taxis and the remainder for larger long-distance minibuses.

Concor has showcased its ability to execute complex, fast track projects with efficiency and safety during the construction of the new drop-off and pick-up facility, along with the reconfiguration of an underground parking area into a taxi holding facility at Menlyn Park Shopping Centre. The company was honoured by the Master Builders Association (MBA) North, winning in the regional category for projects under R15 million. The MBA North regional safety competition saw 67 entries, including 60 principal contractors and seven sub-contractors.

Menlyn Park Shopping Centre, one of South Africa’s largest mega shopping centres, boasts a diverse array of over 500 shops, restaurants and entertainment facilities. The centre attracts a vast number of shoppers and visitors each month, necessitating a significant workforce to support its operations. While some commuters use personal vehicles, the majority rely on minibus taxis for transportation. To streamline this process and enhance the commuter experience, a Public-Private Partnership was established for the construction of the taxi holding facility.

Concor contract manager, Martin Muller explains that the company is known for managing high-pressure construction programmes effectively, and applied attention to planning underpinned by effective programme management to ensure every phase of the project dovetailed seamlessly, meeting tight deadlines without compromising quality or safety.

“Our ability to deliver projects on time, within budget and to the highest safety standards was evident throughout this project,” he says. The project, initiated in February 2024 and completed by April 2024, was delivered on time and within budget, ready for the official opening by the Tshwane mayor.

Despite the tight timeline, the project was executed without any incidents, a testament to the rigorous safety protocols implemented. The construction site, active within a live retail environment, required meticulous traffic management and pedestrian safety measures. A full-time safety officer ensured compliance with all safety procedures, leading to a Five Star safety rating from the Master Builders Association (MBA) North.

Another of Concor’s significant strengths lies in involving local SMMEs and individuals from the communities where it operates. On this project, Concor engaged with community representatives to source, vet and employ SMME subcontractors, offering opportunities in trades such as brickwork, plasterwork, painting, paving and plumbing.

Muller says that while the contract period was too short for a formal skills development programme, local labourers were given the chance to work on the project, gaining valuable experience and mentorship.

The drop-off and pick-up facility is strategically located on the northern side of the centre, accessible from Atterbury Road. This facility enhances the movement of taxis, allowing for safe drop-off and pick-up of passengers. Commuters benefit from a designated pedestrian walkway leading directly into the mall, which is both safer and sheltered from the elements.

The facility can accommodate around 40 taxis at any given time within its spacious footprint. The construction involved extensive groundwork, soil stabilisation, and paving to ensure durability under high traffic volumes. Security measures include fencing around the area and structural steel canopies with reinforced concrete foundations. The pedestrian walkways were also designed with aesthetic landscaping.

In addition to the primary logistical infrastructure, provisions were made for registered informal traders to set up kiosks, offering food and other goods in a secure and sanitary environment with shelter from inclimate weather. Nearby, 24/7 accessible ablution facilities ensure safe and hygienic conditions for commuters and taxi operators.

Muller explains that previously, taxis lined Lois Avenue on the eastern side of Menlyn Park Shopping Centre, creating hazardous conditions for both commuters and other vehicles. “The new facility alleviates these issues by providing a controlled environment for taxi operations and commuter safety.”

The taxi holding facility was integrated within the centre’s existing parking structure. It includes 165 parking bays, with 135 for standard minibus taxis and the remainder for larger long-distance minibuses. Access is controlled via license plate recognition, with separate entrances for short-distance and long-distance operators. The area is secured with fencing, and the parking layout was upgraded with energy-efficient LED lighting and clear demarcation of bays.

The holding facility also features utility areas, including a rest area with a kitchen, ablution facilities catering to disabled individuals and a wash bay. With a focus on the environment, sustainable design elements were incorporated such as sensor-based lighting and water-efficient fixtures to reduce resource consumption. The dedicated wash bay encourages water conservation among taxi operators while providing a suitable vehicle cleaning area.

As with all its contracts, Concor’s commitment to community upliftment extended beyond the project site with the company identifying needs within local communities. In this instance the company donated building materials to a nearby school for an upgrade project, collaborating with the professional team to support local education infrastructure.

“Concor’s successful execution of the Menlyn Taxi Integration Project underscores our capability in handling complex projects fast track projects with precision and excellence,” Muller says. “This project not only improved the commuter experience at Menlyn Park Shopping Centre but also, once again, showcased our dedication to quality, safety, and community engagement.”