The Cape Town International Convention Center (CTICC), in Cape Town, South Africa, announced the appointment of new design architects for the expansion project, which will see the Center doubling in capacity over the next three years. Piet Bakker of Stauch Voster Architects, Anya van der Merwe of Van der Merwe Miszewski Architects, and Mokena Makeka of Makeka Design Lab have been awarded the contract for the design of the new expansion.
“It is the goal of the CTICC to be the best long-haul international convention center by 2020 and this exciting expansion project and the caliber of architects who have been appointed to lead the process, are essential to achieving this goal,” said Rashid Toefy, CEO, CTICC. “We are looking forward to the positive impact this project will have on the marketability of the Western Cape and South Africa as a year-round business and leisure destination.”
The winning architects were given an opportunity to showcase their design to the media in a multimedia presentation. Design criteria included the integration of environmental, social and economic sustainability in the design and the creation of exceptional client and guest experiences. The design also had to adhere to strict budgetary and spatial guidelines.
Van der Merwe said the new buildings are designed as a seamless extension of the CTICC to provide complementary space for large exhibitions or conferences, while also being able to operate as an independent facility.
“The increased Center will not only create much needed capacity for larger events that we’ve not been able to accommodate to date, but it will also allow multiple large events to be hosted at the CTICC simultaneously,” said Toefy. “Both outcomes are in line with the needs of local and international meeting and event organizers.”
Since opening its doors in 2003, the CTICC has contributed to the creation of more than 60,000 direct and indirect jobs, and has played a pivotal role in raising the profile of Cape Town and the Western Cape as a globally competitive meetings destination. According to Toefy, the expansion is likely to increase the number of direct and indirect jobs created by the CTICC from about 7,000 to about over 10,000 annually by 2018.
“As part owner of the CTICC, the Western Cape Government is delighted that it is to be expanded,” said Alan Winde, Western Cape MEC for economic development and tourism. “The expansion of the CTICC means that there is space for even more tourists. More tourists mean more economic growth and more opportunities for employment for the citizens of the Western Cape.”
Toefy said the next step in the process is the appointment of quantity surveyors and project managers. Over the next three months, the CTICC will also start engaging with users, suppliers and the public for comment, and it is anticipated to have a spade in the ground in approximately one year. Construction is expected to take place between 2013 and 2015.
“Convention and exhibition spaces like the CTICC are our modern day cathedrals or city halls – this is where we go to meet, learn and be inspired. And we are confident this new space will be an iconic meeting place on the African continent,” said Toefy.
