EPG brings 3,071 student beds to its development of a R1.3bn mixed precinct at Cape Station
Eris Property Group's latest world-class offering, Units on Cape Station (UOCS), has done so much more for the Cape Station Precinct than simply add 3,000 plus beds to the already dire student accommodation numbers in the country; it has reimagined the modelling of mixed-use Public Transit Interchanges in South Africa. With these impressive numbers, this makes it Africa's largest single-phase Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) project. In addition, Eris' extensive redevelopment of the R1.3bn mixed-use precinct, which has both this student accommodation and retail offerings all in the same space, has had a massive positive impact on both the city of Cape Town and the province as a whole.
The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) partnered with Eris Property Group (EPG) to completely reimagine the landmark location into a vibrant new precinct spanning 2.4 hectares; it provides accommodation for more than 3,000 students in Cape Town, making it Africa's largest single-phase Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) project. , South African Student Accommodation Impact Investments (SASAII), an investment platform managed by Eris Property Group, owns 75% of the development ― and the extensive development has turned it into a first-class R1.3bn mixed-use precinct. The location is unbeatable, situated on the forecourt of Cape Town Station, close to 30 tertiary education institutions, including CPUT's District 6 Campus, just one kilometre away - giving students access to the city and the wider Western Cape.
"The Cape Station Precinct is the largest public transit interchange in Cape Town, providing commuters with access to the bus, rail and minibus taxi networks throughout the province. This signifies advancement in public private partnerships whilst also activating critical infrastructure for both Cape Town and the Western Cape," says Aadil Moosa, Property Manager of the Cape Station Precinct at Eris Property Group. "Prior to the development, Cape Station was already a key landmark in the city being the main gateway into the city for commuters."
Since Eris completed the development in December 2023, the landscape has only improved for the better, attracting crowds of students, tourists and young professionals," he adds. The multifaceted, one-of-a-kind precinct has also brought new life to nearby tertiary education facilities, residential towers and more. With such an enviable location, it is easy to understand why Units on Cape Station has a 90% occupancy and continues to track well.
The retail portion of the precinct is an impressive 7,000 square metres anchored by Spar, Clicks and Adidas. The food precinct is made up of fast-food favourites such as McDonalds, KFC, Debonairs, Pedros, Hungry Lion and Chicken Licken, amongst others. The public square is open to all, and the element of private management has ensured that it is safe and secure. "It is a massive contribution to the City of Cape Town. In addition, the retail component of the precinct adds both convenience and practicality for students, as they have access to all their needs in one destination," adds Moosa.
Eris' Student Accommodation is called Units on Cape Station (UOCS) - and there are an impressive 3,071 beds spread across 4-bed single room apartments, 3-bed single room apartments, 2-bed single room apartments and bachelor apartments. With privacy at the top of the list, each 4-bedroom apartment comprises of four separate lockable bedrooms with shared kitchen and bathroom/s. Apartment bathrooms feature toilets, basins, showers and mirrors for added convenience. Exceptional amenities at UOCS include laundry facilities, study and computer labs, games labs, TV rooms, Co-Lab lounges, a cinema, indoor gym, action soccer/netball/basketball courts, a braai area, on-site café and tranquil landscaped courtyards.
The green design principles that are applied are per the EDGE green building certification system, which is focused on cost-effective strategies to reduce energy use, water use and embodied carbon in materials. These strategies were initiated at a project design level stage through to completion and the project is in process of being awarded an IFC EDGE Advanced rating.
With tech at the forefront of everything that Eris does, Units on Cape Station is no different. The account management process is system-driven and audited from start to finish. Everything from the application stage to leasing, communications, billing and more are all done electronically, creating efficiency for both students and management.
The building features a state-of-the-art building management system that also branches out into smart-meter platforms, WI-FI platforms and vending platforms for the laundry rooms, games room, and computer labs. Everything from laundry to WI-FI usage is monitored and tracked for each student - accessed by a username and password protected - which allows the Eris team to monitor consumption accordingly. These stats and reports help the team to address student queries in real-time and drive efficiencies for future student accommodation projects for the company.
For Eris, Cape Station is not just a development; it's a symbol of progress, partnership and a commitment to the future. The space that has been created will impact the fabric of Cape Town's CBD and thousands of students' lives for decades to come. Concludes Moosa: "With the public transport aspect - and massive tertiary education institutions just minutes away ― Cape Station is a perfect pilot project for the city and for the rest of South Africa. At Eris, we are excited to have a massive pipeline of development projects being rolled in the next 5 to 10 years within the student accommodation sector."
For more information, visit www.risestudentliving.com
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