Leading black-owned contractor Concor is hard at work on the latest student accommodation project in Braamfontein, Johannesburg - a much-needed contribution to the national shortage of these facilities.

The Groove, a substantial 13-storey development, will provide space for 899 students, and is conveniently located just opposite the South Gate of Wits University. Concor is working with developer Growthpoint Properties, who in turn is operating on behalf of Durban-based fund manager Vulindlela.

In addition to the new build, the project is also repurposing some of the existing buildings on the site where the old Doves & Kloppers funeral parlour became a familiar landmark on the busy Enoch Sontonga Avenue. These existing buildings will provide additional services and utilities for student residents.

The fast track venture is scheduled for completion in just 12 months, according to Concor site agent MacDonald Ngobese, and began in November 2021.

“Concor has a well-established reputation for delivering complex projects speedily and on budget, while still being highly competitive in terms of costing,” says Ngobese, “This places us in a strong position to win projects like this.”

He notes that the successful completion of fast track projects relies on having a highly skilled and experienced core team on site, to closely manage subcontractors and to keep strictly to the construction programme. This also requires constant and in-depth communication with all stakeholders, from the client to operational partners and local authorities.

“The scope of the work includes full fit-out, right through to joinery,” he says. “Among the challenges is the very constricted work environment, as the site borders busy urban roads and the M1 highway.”

Two of Concor’s tower cranes have been erected on site to help deal with space constraints and to expedite the movement of materials in the interests of a fast pace of construction. While one crane is working 13 hours a day on production work, the second is speeding up the off-loading and placement of material deliveries.