Perched along the N1 Western Bypass, Johannesburg’s busiest stretch of highway, stands a monument to South Africa’s commercial and business acuity. The Wesbank/FNB Head Office Building, currently the home of FNB Home Loans and Wesbank, is a commercial office complex unlike any other in Southern Africa. There are several reasons why this building is so special, other than being a crowning jewel in Royal Coat Africa’s portfolio. Take a look.
International Award-Winning Development
The Wesbank/FNB Fairlands building is one of the world’s most outstanding developments. This project was awarded the International Commercial Property Award for the European and African region.
The year 2008 marked the completion of the development, co-developed by FirstRand Group and the Johannesburg Property Company, and loaned to FirstRand Group for 50 years. With the involvement of some of South Africa’s most profitable organisations, the development was to become an architectural marvel.
South African Construction Triumph!
The main contractor on this R1 Billion development was a Joint Venture between Grinaker-LTA (Aveng) and WBHO. Both established giants in the South African construction industry with a track record for mega developments.
Royal Coat Africa has completed painting and specialised coatings works with both companies over the last 30 years including the mega projects of Soccer City, Silverstar Casino, various facets of Monte Casino as well as Emperors Palace to name just a few. 3 companies with some serious Big Match Temperament!
The entire FNB Head Office complex comprises over 82 000m², and houses over 5000 employees. The complex can also accommodate 1500 vehicles in its covered parking bays. The facilities enjoyed by the staff includes a cafeteria and numerous food preparation areas, a gymnasium, a 5-a-side soccer field, indoor and outdoor relaxation areas, as well as a hobby room which houses a pool table and televisions. There is also a state-of-the-art server complex, an HVAC plant, service zones, a recycling plant and a security complex. All-in-all, one of the most impressive business complexes on the continent.
Royal Coat Africa’s Proud Achievement
Royal Coat Africa was awarded the tender for the specialised coatings application for the entire Wesbank/FNB Head Office Building. The building has been finished in a vast array of Marmoran Specialised Coatings. From Sandstone, Mali Spray and Permaplast on the exterior to Marmoran Combed Plaster and other specialised coatings inside the building.
Concurrently to these projects Royal Coat Africa was involved with Grinaker at Silverstar Casino (Which was also completed using Marmoran Specialised Coatings) as well as Soccer City (Where we completed facets of the interior painting works).
3 Mega projects on the go – all at the same time!
So how did we do it? Royal Coat Africa has built a name for Uncompromising Quality and BMT over the last 30 years through experienced on-site management that has been with the company in excess of 20 years, and most importantly, excellent directorship from its founder and current owner – Mike Victor.
What sets us apart from competitors is our management, extremely high skills levels, as well as continual development. Which has allowed us to build highly specialised teams made up of quantity as well as Uncompromising Quality! An unusual mix, but one which has been achieved through excellent management, planning and a “straight talk” approach.
It was a combination of all these attributes that allowed us to complete 3 Mega Projects concurrently, with FNB Fairlands being the Crown Jewel in the “hat trick”. We have also performed maintenance work to the coatings, as well as painting work to the building over the last 10 years in conjunction with FNB.
There is a planned revamp to the FNB Head Office building later this year (2017), and naturally we are hoping to give this icon a fresh coat! It will take BMT, excellent planning and the mustering of highly specialised skills once again to give this building the treatment it deserves. They don’t have to look any further than the original coatings contractor – Royal Coat Africa!
Take a look at our other projects by clicking this link to our Gallery Page!
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