Mr. Bashi Gaetsaloe, CEO of BDC
Batswana have been encouraged to up the ante when it comes to showcasing the architectural and developmental potential of the country. Speaking at a pre-launch stakeholder engagement of Fairscape Precinct, Managing Director of Botswana Development Corporation (BDC), Bashi Gaetsaloe said the new HQ is really the product of collaboration brought to life through passion, two things that are central to the way BDC does business.
Gaetsaloe added that the new P400 million building is more than just a place to exercise their daily duties, but rather a momentous occasion in which we celebrate something that is truly Botswana.
“The central aim of the Fairscape Precinct development is to create an environment which promotes economic opportunities. This is a standing monument that serves as a daily reminder of the potential and promise of our nation and of our ability as a country, an economy and indeed a community, to grow and to prosper,” said the MD.
The Fairscape Precinct, which is located at the heart of Showground Office Park, is a mixed development tower standing at 15 storeys and comprising of rental office space, retail space, penthouses and 884 car parking bays in the basement.
The project was initiated to revitalise Fairgrounds by offering prospective commercial and retail tenants with a world-class mixed-use property. Fairgrounds had since transformed into a major office hub in Gaborone but lacked a development that truly placed it as an office location of international stature.
The Phase 1 construction of the project started in June 2011 and comprises of 4 buildings; building 1A, building 1B, building 2 (The 15 storey tower with penthouses and a roof garden occupying the uppermost floors), and building 3. The Phase 1 development reached completion in Sep. 2014.
The development is unique and trend setting as it is a mixed-use development i.e. It comprises of retail, office, and residential units in one development, where restaurants, offices and penthouses, and shops mix.
This mixed-use concept is the first of its kind to be implemented within the borders of Botswana and brings modern and high-class working and living environment into the country. The core concept is to integrate the corporate and private culture into one domain – where business meets with pleasure. The design and structure of the building is to accommodate pedestrian movements and accessibility to the amenities of the precinct with a piazza forming the central (focal point of the precinct) having an array of shops and open cafes, hence providing a vibrant “street architecture” where locals and visitors can mingle.
“The core concept is to integrate the corporate and private culture into one domain – where business meets with pleasure,” said Gaetsaloe.
The development boasts a number of environmentally conscious features including but not limited to the reinforcing steel being manufactured from recycled materials, energy efficient mechanical and electrical installation and performance glass to all buildings to increase the efficiency of the HVAC system. Moreover, Fairscape also appeases those with a penchant for architectural splendour. This has been recognised through the receipt of such prestigious and coveted accolades as the Fulton Award, received earlier in the year. Fairscape Precinct was awarded two Fulton Awards by the Concrete Society of South Africa in recognition of excellence and innovation in the use of concrete.
“Fairscape is really the product of collaboration brought to life through passion, two things that are central to the way BDC does business. This is the labour of thousands of men and women, of architects, contractors, labourers and indeed financiers. Not only is this a desirable and indeed attainable business address, but it is a testament to the truly global standard we can drive on our own soil, and a symbol of potential. We are humbled by the positive reception of such a development to date, and excited for what the future further holds as we leverage off the great work already begun,” said BDC MD.
