Global Construction Review
Wednesday June 27, 2018
Image: The building is being built for a relatively modest $200m (Hass)
Construction work has begun on a mixed-use twin tower development in Nairobi’s central business district that is set to become the tallest building in Africa.
When complete in December 2019, the taller, 320m-high tower will
offer office space while its 201m-high neighbour will contain a 45-floor
Hilton Hotel, as well as 200 one, two and three-bed luxury apartments.
As well as the usual commercial amenities there will be a “gaming
zone”, an “infinity room” and a helipad to allow guests to avoid
Nairobi’s congested streets.
The concrete building is being developed by Hass Petroleum and the White Lotus Group for the relatively modest cost of $200m.
Hass is a privately owned Somali company that is based in Nairobi,
which recently raised development capital by selling 40% of its shares
to state-owned oil broker Oman Trading International for an undisclosed
sum.
The relatively low cost was partly the result of an unusually lengthy
tendering process, which resulted in a win for the China State
Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC).
Speaking in March 2017, Abdinassir Ali Hassan, chairman of Hass Petroleum, said:
“It has not been an easy road. CSCEC went through a rigorous tender
system which they won over 10 international companies including
European, Turkish as well as other Chinese competitors.
“Hass Group awarding the contract to CSCEC demonstrates a stronger
growing economic partnership between the Chinese Government and the
Kenyan Government, and is a testament to Kenya’s economic and political
stability. This project will give CSCEC a majestic entry point into
Africa.”
Meinhardt Group is handling the structural and M&E engineering
and Archgroup Consultants of Dubai was the principal designer.
When completed, the Pinnacle Towers will surpass the 223m Carlton
Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa, as the tallest building in Africa.