The Innovation Hub, the innovation agency of the Gauteng province and an agency of the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency (GGDA), has officially launched the Enterprise Building 3 (EB3) public-private partnership (PPP) project, with a sod-turning ceremony on June 4.

The R83.1-million project will expand The Innovation Hub infrastructure through a 45-year PPP, with R71-million funded by Absa and the remaining R12.1-million funded by Notre Dame Developments.

This project is part of a broader R2.5-billion infrastructure development plan for The Innovation Hub to attain full development of bulk development rights granted by the City of Tshwane to The Innovation Hub Management Company (TIHMC) for the science and technology park.

The strategic partner and anchor tenant is the Water Research Commission (WRC), a State institution in climate innovation, with a specific focus on water resources and ecosystems, water use and waste management.

This project will see the WRC relocate to EB3, which will house a research centre for the WRC, as well as its main offices.

“This project is designed to deliver a new commercial building that will accelerate the growth of climate innovation ecosystems and advance the establishment of a global water knowledge node anchored at The Innovation Hub precinct,” said CEO Bangani Mpangalasane in a media release.

Partners in the project include TIHMC, the Gauteng Department of Economic Development, the GGDA, the Gauteng Infrastructure Financing Agency, Utho Capital as transaction advisers, Ledwaba Mazwai Attorneys as legal advisers, Notre Dame Developments, Crowie Holdings, Enza Construction as the main contractor, the WRC and Absa as the senior funder. 

“As we prepare to establish a dedicated resource centre within the precinct, we foresee a significant reduction in procurement and event costs, particularly during stakeholder engagements.

“Beyond that, we are excited to implement sustainable infrastructure innovations, including water-efficient toilets, interim water storage systems and hybrid energy solutions powered by both solar and [power generated by] Eskom.

“This is not just about building infrastructure, it’s about building a future that is resilient, efficient and deeply aligned with our climate and water security goals,” said WRC CEO Dr Jennifer Molwantwa in a media release.

The project is fully compliant with National Treasury PPP regulations, ensuring optimal risk transfer and value for money for the State. 

The project also catalyses job creation, enhanced innovation ecosystems and long-term private-sector investment in Gauteng’s economic infrastructure. 

“This event today is an expression of the critical juncture in the journey of the Innovation Hub for it is not just a development project, but a vision of what Gauteng can become when innovation, investment and inclusion come together with purpose,” said Gauteng Finance and Economic Development MEC Lebogang Maile during the event.

He described The Innovation Hub as a dynamic living ecosystem for research, enterprise development and innovation, highlighting the launch of EB3 and the development of BioPark Phase 2 as steps toward realising that vision.

He expressed that these developments positioned the Innovation Hub as a fully developed “world class” science and technology park.

“This ceremony, beyond sod turning, is a call to the private sector, academia and civil society broadly, to collaborate, to drive innovation and create value.

“Together, we can position Gauteng as a global leader in innovation, not just in infrastructure, but in ideas that matter, in solutions that work and in progress that is inclusive and sustainable,” he said.

“Today is a pivotal moment in our journey, the beginning of a new era for innovation in Gauteng. Together, we are not just building infrastructure, we are shaping the future of innovation, driving meaningful impact and positioning Gauteng as a global leader in economic development.

“The road ahead is full of promise, and with the strength of our partnerships, we will continue to break new ground together,” said Mpangalasane.