The contractor's R161-million contract includes the hotel with conference facilities, as well as adjacent restaurants, all overlooking the Wave Pool at Gateway Theatre of Shopping. The four-storey hotel and conference facility is being developed by long-standing client Old Mutual (Investment Group - Property Investments) and will be operated by the Three Cities Group. Its opening is planned for Easter 2011.

The tight programme is among the challenges that Grinaker-LTA is facing. The client's commitment to the environment also sees the contractor working around some natural obstacles. Grinaker-LTA's Mark Bowen elaborates: "It's been stipulated that certain natural vegetation must be retained, including an ancient fig tree on the northwest corner of the site, so Grinaker-LTA is committed to delivering a quality project while maintaining a focus on environmental considerations."

The hotel is situated in the existing coach park at Gateway Theatre of Shopping, and, in addition to overlooking the Wave Pool, residents will also look over the mall's concert area and skateboard park.

The northern and western face of the hotel will boast a striking, iconic façade, Bowen adds.