Artist’s impression showing the exterior of Grant Thornton Johannesburg’s refurbished head office in Illovo.
Turner & Townsend, the global programme management and construction consultancy, has been appointed by Grant Thornton Johannesburg to provide project and cost management services for the refurbishment of ‘The Willows’ – the international accountancy firm’s new office premises in the Wanderers Office Park, on Corlett Drive in Illovo, Johannesburg. The offices will be renamed within the next couple of months. Scheduled for completion in March this year (2015), the capital investment in the refurbishment project is in excess of R26 million.
Set to be the Johannesburg office’s solely-owned premises, the development will bring Grant Thornton’s 500 Johannesburg-based employees under one roof for the first time since Grant Thornton & PKF’s Johannesburg operations merged in July 2013. The office space of 11000sqm is located over three floors, creating new parameters for a modern working environment.
Turner & Townsend will support renovations to the existing building, including an upgrade to the exterior. The consultancy has also been appointed to oversee the rollout of the interiors fit-out.
On completion staff and tenants – including Grant Thornton investee companies, ORCA and Prism – will benefit from two lifts, open plan office space, large communal atrium areas and greenery, with a touch of purple throughout – this being the corporate colour of Grant Thornton.
Keith Skinner, director at Turner & Townsend comments: “We are proud to be playing such a pivotal role in this major project.
“Our global expertise in this sector will ensure the office accommodation meets the ambitions of Grant Thornton – to enhance productivity, ensuring the firm is an employer of choice and providing distinctive client service.
“Throughout the project, both teams will work hand-in-hand to ensure completion on time, within budget, and to specification.”
Other major refurbishment projects completed by Turner & Townsend in South Africa include refurbishment of the facade of Pretoria Tower, a 37-storey multi-tenanted office block in Pretoria CBD on behalf of Zenprop, and refurbishment and fit-out of two office buildings on the Barloworld Campus in Sandton.
Andrew Hannington, CEO at Grant Thornton adds: “The new office will be a milestone in the history of the firm, as we expand our business and help our clients grow. The partners and directors of our firm will become proud owners of their premises for the very first time.
“Turner & Townsend’s is an established name in the industry which made them a natural choice for such a significant development.”
