Concor’s safety culture was in the spotlight at the recent Master Builders Association (MBA) North regional safety competition, with the company winning five coveted awards. 

Margaret Dube, Concor’s Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) Manager, was crowned the Construction HSE Manager of the Year, while the company’s Safety Representative, Mduduzi Mamba received the award for the Construction HSE Representative of the Year. Concor’s projects were also honoured in the ceremony: it earned first place in category F (projects valued at R100 to R250 million) for its Fourways Mall New Roof and Solar Project; second place in category G (R250 to R450 million) for the Oxford Parks Block 2A Phase 1 Project and third place in category E (R40 to R100 million) for its Ga-Rankuwa City Centre Project.

Concor Contracts Manager Martin Muller highlights the significance of this recognition in a sector where fast tracking of building projects has become the norm. The considerable deadline pressure on such projects has the potential to compromise safe working practices. 

“This is why safety needs to remain at the centre of our working culture every day, and why we prioritise the training and support that is given to our safety officers and representatives, our on-site team and our subcontractors,” Muller says. “It is a real honour to see our safety team being recognised for their contribution – as their approach and commitment is critical to the success of our projects.”

Dube says her award has been a boost not only to her personal motivation as a safety manager, but a collective achievement for Concor’s entire safety team. 

“An award like this really motivates everyone and reinforces our commitment towards further improving our safety and project execution,” she says. “It also affirms the valuable contribution we are making to the construction sector as a whole.”

She emphasises that safety is not just about policies, systems and discipline – but equally about a shared culture of safety among colleagues who are concerned for each other’s well-being. While acknowledging that a safety officer needs to have a strong character to perform their duties, Dube says their role is to empower and educate the team. 

Mamba concurs, saying that he joined the Concor safety team in 2016 to help build an approach to safety where site safety personnel are not just viewed as ‘traffic officers’ to be feared and obeyed. He notes that one of his main areas of focus is to ensure that colleagues do not confuse work experience with safety awareness. 

“Even though a person has many years of experience on a construction site, they can still make mistakes if they do not embrace our safety culture,” he explains. “Our approach is to encourage everyone in our team to point out potential hazards and to help find and apply solutions.”

Concor’s role in the construction of Mulilo De Aar 2 South Wind Energy Facility in the Northern Cape, one of the company’s first fully wrapped Balance of Plant (BoP) contracts, extends far beyond engineering and project delivery. With a firm commitment to environmental stewardship, the company is ensuring that its operations meet the highest standards of compliance while actively protecting biodiversity and managing sensitive ecosystems in the Northern Cape.

The company’s environmental approach is guided by strict adherence to the project’s Environmental Authorisation (EA), Environmental Management Programme (EMPr) and all other relevant permits and licences. Beyond regulatory compliance, Concor embeds best practice environmental management principles throughout the project. According to Zimasa Nodangala, Environmental Officer on the project, this approach forms part of Concor’s culture of accountability and responsibility.

“Environmental protection is not a box-ticking exercise for us,” she explains. “We see it as part of how we build – responsibly, ethically and in partnership with the environment. Every activity on site is managed to minimise impact, whether it relates to dust control, water conservation or biodiversity protection.”

During the current phases of civil and infrastructure work, Concor has developed an aspects-and-impacts register aligned with the EMPr to identify and address environmental risks. “Dust suppression measures include restricting vehicle speeds on access roads to 40 km/h -and 20 km/h in unconsolidated areas – and using water carts for dust suppression. The project team has also implemented controlled blasting techniques to minimise both dust and fly rock,” Nodangala says.

Water usage is another key focus area. All abstractions are authorised by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) and daily monitoring through tally sheets and flow meters ensures responsible consumption. “We monitor water use daily and reinforce awareness through toolbox talks,” she adds. “Water is a scarce resource in this region, so it is essential that we use every drop wisely.”

Stormwater management has also been prioritised with drainage systems designed to prevent erosion and direct clean water around active work areas. “Our goal is to avoid sedimentation and protect surrounding ecosystems,” Nodangala notes. “By managing runoff carefully, we reduce the risk of environmental damage during heavy rainfall.”

Waste management forms another critical component of Concor’s strategy. Waste is segregated at source and transported to licensed landfill sites, with recycling implemented wherever possible. “We take waste separation very seriously – not only to meet compliance requirements but because it is the right thing to do,” Nodangala says. “We also ensure that hazardous substances are stored safely and that spill kits and drip trays are available at all times.”

The protection of biodiversity has been a major focus since the start of the project. “Before construction began, a registered specialist conducted a search-and-rescue operation under project-specific permits,” she explains. “Indigenous vegetation was relocated where necessary and biodiversity awareness training was rolled out to every employee, subcontractor and supplier.”

Construction activities are confined to authorised servitudes to prevent disturbance of previously relocated species and sensitive habitats. “We work very hard to ensure that no unauthorised clearing takes place outside the approved footprint,” Nodangala emphasises. “Rehabilitation is done concurrently with construction so that we can restore disturbed areas as quickly as possible using indigenous plants. This helps stabilise soils, prevent erosion and promote long term ecological resilience.”

Cultural heritage management has also been important, with the team ensuring that rock kraals  – heritage features of cultural significance – are properly demarcated and protected. “Access to some of these sites was challenging at first, but they are now all labelled and designated as no-go areas,” she says. “We have also appointed gate minders and worked closely with local landowners to ensure mutual respect and understanding.”

Environmental performance is continuously monitored through monthly Environmental Compliance Reports, Environmental Control Officer (ECO) audits and quarterly HSE audits. “We take a proactive approach,” Nodangala explains. “If a potential non-compliance is identified, corrective action is taken immediately. It is about maintaining high standards every day, not just during inspections.”

All subcontractors and service providers undergo mandatory environmental induction before commencing work, with training offered in multiple languages to ensure full comprehension. 

“Everyone who sets foot on site needs to understand the environmental rules and why they matter,” Nodangala says. “We want people to take ownership of their actions and understand that environmental care is part of their daily job.”

As construction progresses on the Mulilo De Aar 2 South Wind Energy Facility, Concor’s goal is not only to deliver a renewable-energy project of national importance, but to leave behind a landscape where biodiversity and ecological stability have been protected for generations to come. “Environmental responsibility is part of Concor’s DNA and it is something we take great pride in demonstrating on this project,” she concludes. 

Significant progress is being made on Concor’s major refurbishment project at The View, an existing section of Fourways Mall that borders Witkoppen and Cedar Roads. The project forms part of a comprehensive upgrade to both the interior and exterior of the mall, together with the reconfiguration of tenant spaces – all aimed at delivering a more modern, seamless and pleasant shopping experience.

Martin Muller, Contract Manager at Concor, says the transformation will create an exciting contemporary layout that will accommodate new tenants. “This project is all about future-proofing the centre and improving the retail environment. The modernised finishes, improved flow and enhanced comfort levels will elevate the overall experience for shoppers and the incoming tenants.”

The refurbishment includes a complete upgrade of the building façade, featuring recycled timber cladding and performance glazed shopfronts. The high performance glazing has been selected for its ability to reduce glare and heat, ensuring a comfortable indoor environment for shoppers. New balconies with glass balustrades are also being added, together with Alubond architectural elements that contribute to the sleek modern exterior aesthetic.

Externally, the parking area – a crucial part of any retail destination – is undergoing extensive refurbishment. Large sections of the parking surface have been uplifted and layer works re-established before being surfaced with asphalt. All parking upgrades are being executed in carefully planned phases due to the live nature of the mall, with Concor taking every measure to minimise disruption to shoppers and tenants.

Inside the centre, the upgrades include modernised ablution facilities, expanded family bathrooms and new baby-changing amenities to meet the needs of diverse shopper groups. The reconfiguration of tenant spaces varies according to each retailer’s requirements, with Concor delivering anything from grey-box to white-box handovers.

Further enhancements include the installation of new energy efficient escalators to improve vertical movement throughout the mall and the rollout of energy efficient lighting systems to reduce operational costs and environmental impact.

Muller emphasises that Concor’s teams are well recognised for their flexibility and meticulous planning when working in live environments. “A project of this nature requires absolute precision. We are upgrading a busy retail area without negatively affecting the daily shopping experience. Our teams are maintaining the high workmanship standards that Concor is known for, while taking extraordinary care to protect shoppers, tenants and all stakeholders.”

Safety remains a top priority, with ongoing communication and strict protocols in place to ensure a safe environment for all.

The project is scheduled for completion in March 2026, with Concor committed to delivering a revitalised future-ready retail destination for the Fourways community.

Leading infrastructure and building contractor Concor has been recognised at Construction World’s Best Projects 2025, receiving two Highly Commended Awards and a Special Mention in the AfriSam Innovation Award for Sustainable Construction category.

The company earned a Highly Commended Award in the Building Contractors Category for its work on the Compensation Fund House refurbishment project in Tshwane as well as another Highly Commended Award in the same category and a Special Mention for Oxford Parks Block 2A Phase 1 in Rosebank, Johannesburg.

Compensation Fund House – Refurbishment with Purpose

Currently nearing completion, the Compensation Fund House project represents one of the most complex refurbishment and compliance upgrades undertaken by Concor in recent years. The 7 storey building, historically the headquarters of the Department of Labour’s Compensation Fund, had been flagged as non-compliant with building and safety regulations and faced serious concerns regarding its structural integrity.

“From the outset, the project required a high degree of flexibility and technical problem-solving,” Martin Muller, Contract Manager at Concor says. “We were essentially dealing with a structure with no available design documentation, so every phase demanded careful investigation and engineering innovation. Our team had to adapt continuously to ensure the building’s safety, functionality and long-term compliance.”

To navigate this challenge, Concor embarked on a six month programme of detailed investigations when construction commencement in April 2024. The team extracted core samples from columns and slabs to assess concrete strength, performed 3D scanning to determine rebar spacing and exposed selected sections of concrete to examine reinforcement conditions. The insights gained enabled engineers to devise targeted solutions for areas of concern, ensuring structural soundness and compliance with current building codes.

“This project has been a true test of multidisciplinary collaboration – combining civil, structural and safety expertise with modern diagnostic technology,” Muller notes. “It is a project that truly showcases Concor’s ability to deliver under demanding circumstances.”

Oxford Parks Block 2A Phase 1 – Innovation in Sustainable Urban Design

In Johannesburg’s Oxford Parks Precinct, Concor was recognised for its continued contribution to the precinct’s growth through the completion of 10 Parks Boulevard and 55 Eastwood Road – collectively known as Oxford Parks Block 2A Phase 1. These buildings mark the company’s eighth and ninth successful projects for long standing client Intaprop, reflecting a trusted partnership spanning more than seven years.

The two office buildings share a three level super-basement, requiring the excavation and removal of over 146,000 m³ of material and the installation of 3,500 m² of lateral support systems to ensure stability. Proximity to the Gautrain tunnel servitude demanded precise foundation design, utilising raft foundations in conjunction with piling.

To accelerate progress and reduce environmental impact, Concor implemented several construction innovations, including early-stage preparation for column installation and off-site fabrication of unitised panels for the curtain wall façade. The development covers a gross building area of 15,712 m², incorporating over 18,000 m³ of readymix concrete, 1,745 tonnes of reinforcing steel and 5,500 m² of glass façade.

“Our work at Oxford Parks continues to raise the bar for sustainable urban construction,” Muller says. “Each project has allowed us to introduce improved design methods and buildability solutions that enhance both performance and environmental outcomes. The recognition from Construction World reinforces our team’s dedication to excellence and innovation.”

Commitment to Excellence

Concor’s performance across both projects reflects its ongoing commitment to quality, safety and sustainability in the built environment. “Receiving recognition in multiple categories is an affirmation of the professionalism and ingenuity of our project teams,” Muller concludes. “It also underscores Concor’s ability to adapt, innovate, and deliver – whether refurbishing complex legacy structures or shaping new urban landmarks.”

In a milestone achievement for South Africa’s renewable energy sector, Concor has taken full control of the Balance of Plant (BoP) scope on the TotalEnergies Renewables De Aar 2 South Wind Energy Facility in the Northern Cape. This marks the first time the company is delivering a fully wrapped BoP contract under its own direct engineering and construction management. Not only is Concor the main contractor for the 25 turbine project spread across five farms near Philipstown, but it is also responsible for both the Civil BoP (CBoP) and Electrical BoP (EBoP) – from design and engineering through to execution including the Eskom Distribution self-build scope. This comprehensive self-perform approach represents a bold departure from traditional contracting models and signals Concor’s evolution into a truly turnkey BoP provider.

“With over 13 years of experience in renewable energy infrastructure, more than 10 wind farms successfully completed since 2012 and a further six wind farms currently in various phases of construction, Concor is no stranger to the demands of this sector,” says Stephan Venter, Contract Director at Concor. “But this project sets a new benchmark. By taking full ownership of both the engineering and construction elements, we are reducing interfaces, improving accountability and de-risking the process for our clients.” 

This strategic shift positions Concor at the forefront of renewable project delivery in South Africa, offering clients a streamlined single-source BoP solution that enhances coordination and ensures delivery certainty.

The 5,473 hectare facility is on a fast track programme, with early works launched in November 2024 and completion expected by Q3 of 2026. The company’s scope includes 54 km of gravel road infrastructure, starting with the realignment and upgrading of 15 km of the existing Kranskop district road to accommodate heavy turbine components. Additionally, 41 km of new internal access roads are being constructed, supported by extensive blasting and cut-and-fill earthworks to adapt to the local terrain.

A major innovation lies in Concor’s design of the turbine foundations. A unique central pit, 7 metres in diameter and filled with G7 material, has been incorporated to address the region’s geological challenges, reducing stress on the 22 metre diameter concrete bases. Each foundation uses 600 m³ of specially designed readymix concrete, batched on-site making use of two brand new modified 45 m³/hr Karoo plants to ensure consistency and quality. Smart rock sensors embedded in the foundations monitor internal temperatures, allowing real-time adjustments to mitigate the risk of thermal cracking.

As part of the Electrical Balance of Plant (EBoP), Concor is responsible for trenching and laying 13km of 33kV medium voltage cabling from each turbine’s Power Transformer Kiosk (PTK) to a termination overhead line (OHL) structure. This is linked via an extensive 80km 33kV OHL network to the IPP substation, which steps up the voltage to 132kV utilising a 165 MVA power transformer. The project also includes the construction of a new adjacent Eskom Distribution 132kV Switching Station (SWS) and an extension of a 132kV OHL to an upstream Eskom Main Transmission Substation (MTS).

The project has not been without challenges. A high water table impacted 11 of the 25 turbine bases, requiring the installation of subsoil drainage systems. In addition, heavy seasonal rainfall necessitated robust stormwater management to protect both access and internal roads.

Environmental compliance has remained central to Concor’s operations, guided by the Environmental Management Programme Report (EMPR). Teams receive regular training to uphold environmental protocols and safeguard heritage and biodiversity in this sensitive landscape.

“Our execution reflects Concor’s depth of experience in remote, large-scale projects,” says Concor Project Manager Gideon Niemand. “We are delivering to the highest standards, with environmental responsibility and engineering excellence at the core of everything we do.”

Through innovative engineering, efficient planning, and environmental stewardship, Concor is helping shape a more sustainable energy future – one turbine at a time.

Mitigating the environmental impacts of construction work needs careful planning and meticulous execution, especially in areas like the Karoo – where vegetation can be more sensitive to disruption and take longer to recover. 

The 140 MW Karreebosch Wind Farm, being developed by Cennergi Holdings and G7 Renewable Energies between Matjiesfontein and Sutherland, will supply power to a private off-taker. The project will feature 25 turbines, each 100 m high with blades over 84 m long.

Environmental management has centred on protecting local watercourses and biodiversity, says Kevin Booth, Environmental Officer for Concor. While the rivers in this region are generally small and ephemeral or intermittent rivers they play a vital role as biodiversity hotspots.

“We design the layout of our working areas specifically to mitigate our environmental impact, particularly where the watercourses are,” Booth says. “This is done in compliance with both the project’s environmental management plan (EMP) and its water use licence (WUL).”

The WUL permits construction work within 32 metres of a watercourse, provided specific requirements outlined in the licence are met. All environmentally high-risk activities, however, must observe this buffer zone – such as refuelling which carries the risk of spillage and contamination.

“Our on-site environmental care must always prioritise the soil, organisms, plants, animals and the riparian environment of the watercourses,” he explains. “To achieve this, we limit our construction footprint as far as possible.”

The road network – to reach the sites where wind turbine towers will be placed – is one of the main infrastructural elements of the project, with the roads themselves occupying a width of 6 to 9 metres. The environmental impact assessment (EIA) allowed a total laydown area of some 18 hectares, but the Concor team strategically planned its laydown zones to reduce the area required, thereby minimising the footprint as far as possible.

Before any construction began, Concor’s surveyors demarcated the working area with surveying poles, ensuring that all activity is conducted within these zones. He highlights that earthmoving equipment moving outside of this area can severely damage the plant life. 

“Within these servitudes, we carry out a formal ‘search and rescue’ process to preserve diversity,” he continues. “This means identifying those plants that are sensitive and moving them out of harm’s way to where they can continue to thrive.”

Each province issues a biodiversity permit that prescribes how the work is to be conducted. As the project traverses both the Western Cape and Northern Cape, the developer secured permits from both provincial authorities, with Concor responsible for executing the permit requirements.

“After removing the identified plants from the working areas, we place them in an on-site nursery to help them recuperate before they are transplanted back into the surrounding area,” Booth says. “The sites for transplanting must be carefully selected as the new position must have comparable topography and geological conditions.”

The search and rescue phase focuses on plants that need protection, as defined by ordinances from national and provincial environmental authorities. The Concor team – including botanical specialists – then prepares a detailed report on the plant relocations for the client and the authorities, so that the area can be effectively monitored over time. 

“We conduct this monitoring to ensure that the search and rescue process is successful,” he says. “All this work is carried out in accordance with our onsite environmental monitoring and inspection plan.”

After the removal of sensitive vegetation, a clear-and-grub is done to remove topsoil – the ecologically important layer containing organic matter and its own seed bank. Once construction is completed; this material can be returned during rehabilitation – to ensure that indigenous vegetation can regrow.

Stormwater management is another critical element of preserving the environment, Booth explains, especially the separation of clean from ‘dirty’ water. While clean water refers to rainfall that lands on natural ground and flows off normally, there is also water that picks up sediment from the disturbed ground in the construction areas. 

“Our priority is to limit the runoff from the construction areas – using strategies including silt traps and sandbags,” he says. “This prevents muddy water from leaving the work areas and finding its way into natural drainage lines.”

The Concor site team follows a dedicated stormwater and erosion management plan, which aligns with the requirements of the WUL. The plan details exactly how the work will be carried out, specifying the drainage systems, cut-off berms and other infrastructure as well as culverts, gabion baskets and rock packing. 

With the movement of trucks, excavators and other vehicles on the site and road network, dust invariably becomes an environmental issue. Booth points out that this is mitigated through the application of a dust management plan – including the regular spraying of roads. 

“To conserve water in a responsible manner, however, we carefully target our water spraying activity for optimal effect,” he says. “This helps to limit any detrimental impact of dust on communities, vegetation or workers on site.”

He highlights that managing waste is also an ongoing concern for Concor on the Karreebosch Wind Farm project and is governed by a dedicated waste management plan. 

Communicating all these plans is as important as drafting them, he emphasises, explaining that the environmental aspects of the project also form part of the induction process for both Concor people and subcontractors. 

“Everyone who comes to site undergoes an environmental induction, so that they are aware of management’s requirements and understand what we want to achieve with our planning,” he says. “It is critical that all stakeholders are on the same page; all our foremen also have copies that they can refer back to when checking for technical details.”

In addition to the main work site where the turbines will be located, the project also includes a 9 km powerline between the wind farm and the connection substation to the main grid. This too required the investment of considerable time and environmental expertise.

“While the distance of the powerline itself was less than 10 km, the specialist botanist and her team covered a distance of 150 km over 10 days – searching for sensitive plants and removing them from the working area,” he says.

He notes that construction clients are increasingly conscious of on-site environmental obligations and value Concor’s proactive detail-driven approach to ensuring full compliance while safeguarding natural resources.

Concor has commenced groundwork on The Signal, a new residential block within the Conradie Park mixed-use development next to Pinelands, Cape Town. This latest addition will comprise 263 studio units, expanding the estate’s residential offering.

According to Sebastian Dieperink, Junior Project Manager at Concor, the units are designed to appeal to both young homeowners and buy-to-let investors. The Signal will be strategically located above The Pines Shopping Centre and four other residential blocks within Conradie Park – Castle Rock, Arch Rock and Lion’s Head – further enhancing the integrated lifestyle the development offers.

The Signal will feature a ground floor retail level, a parking deck on the first floor and six residential floors above. In line with Concor’s innovative and sustainable construction approach, the building has been designed to be 20 to 25% lighter than a conventional structure this has allowed Concor to reduce the extent of piling required for the building, says Dieperink. 

Piling began in May 2025 and involved the installation of 105 concrete piles, ranging in diameter from 350 mm to 600 mm. These were constructed using a 35 MPa compressive strength concrete mix and were driven to depths of between 8 and 10 metres.

Work on The Signal will also contribute to the precinct’s broader goals of training and skills development across various trades and disciplines, with a strong emphasis on empowering and upskilling local youth.

Construction of The Signal is set to begin in the fourth quarter of the year and will feature a reinforced concrete frame with post-tensioned concrete floors. The building is expected to be ready for occupation – either by owners or rental customers -by October 2026.

Leading construction specialist Concor secured the contract to construct 3 Parks Boulevard for prominent property developer Intaprop in the prestigious Oxford Parks Precinct, marking the latest addition to this thriving development node. This will be the tenth building that Concor has successfully undertaken within the precinct.

The new development will comprise two distinct office wings set atop four parking levels – two below ground and two above – with a shared parking area for office tenants and visitors. Built on a triangular site, the project presents some challenges including a constrained footprint and a tight construction timeline.

“While the structure itself is relatively straightforward, the limited laydown area and proximity to existing residential and commercial properties require meticulous planning and execution. We have worked closely with the local residents’ association, facilitated through Intaprop, to ensure clear communication and minimal disruption,” Warren Mills, Contract Manager at Concor, says.

The west wing of the building will cover 3,247 m² of Gross Lettable Area (GLA) over three floors (ground, first and second), while the east wing will provide 4,602 m² of GLA across four floors (ground, first, second and third). 

Both wings will have their own entrance and atrium, accessible from the road, and will be joined by a raised outdoor courtyard above street level, creating architectural interest. The parking area encompasses some 1,203 m².

In keeping with the aesthetic of the Oxford Parks Precinct, 3 Parks Boulevard will feature a unitised façade system on the northern façade to accelerate construction timelines. The southern and western façades will combine brickwork with strip windows, giving the structure a distinctive look while aligning with the broader precinct design language. Although the design features of both towers will be similar, each will boast a unique colour scheme to further differentiate them.

Mills explains that managing material deliveries is critical on such a confined site. “We secured a wayleave to use the roadway on the northern side of the site for deliveries, and in some cases, for limited material storage. Daily planning and weekly scheduling with suppliers and subcontractors are essential to keeping the project on track.”

Construction activities commenced in mid-April 2025, and completion is scheduled for May 2026. A single tower crane will service the entire site, with tight coordination required to maintain progress.

Aligned with Intaprop and Concor’s commitment to sustainable construction practices, the project targets a Five Green Star rating. Green initiatives include the installation of a Building Management System (BMS), solar energy generation, waste management and recycling programmes, water storage, energy-efficient HVAC and lighting systems and the sourcing of local materials within a defined delivery radius. AfriSam’s Green Star Mix concrete will be used to support these sustainability goals.

Concor’s emphasis on socio-economic development is evident in the extensive use of Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) for key trades such as brickwork, plastering, painting, steel fixing and earthworks. Many of these contractors have been mentored on previous Concor projects, ensuring a high standard of workmanship and tight adherence to project deadlines. The company continues to phase in new SMMEs on each project, providing critical development support.

As part of its corporate social investment (CSI) initiatives, Concor maintains its longstanding support for the Bramley Children’s Home and recently assisted a dog rescue centre by donating building materials for the construction of kennels and a dam.

“We are proud to once again be part of the continued growth of the Oxford Parks Precinct and are committed to delivering a high quality sustainable building while supporting local communities and enterprises,” Mills concludes. 

The Pines, a convenience retail zone with an aspirational edge, will be one of Conradie Park’s final achievements – helping to put this mixed-use housing development head and shoulders above anything comparable in South Africa.

Developed by Concor, the 22 hectare Conradie Park project has been under construction since 2019, and is bringing an added sense of community to the Pinelands area of Cape Town. According to Mark Schonrock, Property Development Executive at Concor, the quality of the housing units and the project’s carefully designed features and landscape is unmatched.

“An important element of the Conradie Park concept is its mixed-use zoning, ensuring that residents will have easy access to key retail outlets within walking distance of their homes,” says Schonrock. “At the same time, The Pines complex has convenient parking for shoppers – adding to the amenities available to the local community.”

There will be 13,000 m² of retail space at The Pines, he explains, including a supermarket as well as fast foods, fashion and service outlets. Another 2,200 m² will be dedicated to co-working space and play areas. To accommodate car-owning shoppers, there will be 230 ground level parking spaces in front of the centre, as well as 330 roof top covered parking bays on the first floor of the complex. 

“In line with our conceptual design to make the most of the available space at Conradie Park, the parking arrangement will be counter-cyclical,” he says. “During the day, the parking serves mainly the retail area, while overnight there is availability for the residents of the adjacent blocks.”

The Pines is ideally placed for the five residential buildings – each of which will be four or five storeys high – to be constructed around the retail area. Units in four of the five blocks will be available to the open market, while one of the blocks will be designated for first-time home buyers who are recipients of the Finance Linked Individual Subsidy Programme (FLISP), a government subsidy promoting affordable home ownership. 

The five blocks will add over 850 living units to the Conradie Park community. He adds that the location of The Pines complex on the edge of the development also gives it attractive views of Devil’s Peak and Lion’s Head the mesmerising Cape Town sunset.

“Our choice of retail tenants will ensure that The Pines delivers a differential offering, providing some variety to what the area already offers to residents,” says Schonrock. Construction work on The Pines has started with completion expected in the early months of 2026. 

Cape Town’s stock of affordable housing units will be receiving another boost from Concor, following the company being awarded a centrally located land parcel less than a kilometre from the central train station. 

The New Market Street site in Woodstock – currently leased as a parking lot – is one of several land parcels rezoned by the City of Cape Town and made available for the development of much-needed affordable housing. According to Mark Schonrock, Property Development Executive at Concor, the project will deliver at least 375 affordable rental housing units for qualifying residents who earn less than R22,000 a month. There will also be more than 400 residential units made available on the open market.

“Measuring just under a hectare in size, the site is remarkable for its prime location and scenic views,” says Schonrock. “Located right on the edge of the city centre, it is well serviced by multiple public transport systems – making it incredibly convenient to reach workplaces, retail areas and other key amenities for residents.”

The development is in Cape Town’s PT2 Zone, he says, indicating that it provides easy access to the MyCiTi bus transit line – which has a station on the project’s doorstep – as well as the train line, Golden Arrow buses and taxi routes. It is walking distance from the central station, and a similar distance from the Woodstock station. 

Concor won the opportunity to develop the land parcel through its submissions to Request for Proposals (RFP) on an open tender basis issued by the City of Cape Town. This required a conceptual design with extensive input from architects, urban designers and consulting engineers working in partnership with Concor. 

“Our depth of project management and construction experience, combined with our proven capability and Level 1 Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) status, positions us well to conceptualise, plan and execute complex projects like these,” he explains.

Concor has been leading the development of the 22 hectare Conradie Park project near Pinelands since 2019, which is on track to deliver over 2,000 affordable living units by the middle of 2026. Schonrock highlights that the New Market Street development will be an exciting contribution to the broader urban upliftment process underway in this part of the city. 

For instance, the areas of Woodstock and Salt River have seen considerable upgrading in recent years and have been targeted for expansions to the University of Cape Town’s academic and residential infrastructure. The City of Cape Town also recently announced plans to redevelop the iconic Good Hope Centre to enhance the area, so this will further improve the environment for the upcoming New Market Street housing project.

“Another outstanding feature of the New Market Street development will be its attractive views,” he says. “The east-west alignment of the property means that Table Mountain will be visible from one side, and the foreshore and Table Bay from the other.”

The mixed-use project will comprise two nine storey blocks up to a height limit of 25 metres. One of the buildings will be designated for affordable rental housing while the second block – accessed from the same central podium – will be for open market sectional title owners. The project will include some small-scale retail opportunities, although its proximity to the city gives residents ample access to the city’s well-developed retail network.

Construction is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2026, kicking off a build timeline of about 22 months. To achieve this, Schonrock says Concor will continue its close collaboration with the relevant departments in local, provincial and national government as well as its professional partners in the private sector.

“As an established construction and development player in South Africa with a solid reputation in the sector, we are proud to partner again with the City of Cape Town in its forward-thinking land release programme to drive more affordable housing,” he says. 

The City of Cape Town has over 6,500 social housing units at various stages of the planning pipeline, across 50 well-located parcels of land. It is also encouraging national government to make its unused land in the city available for this programme.