The building was constructed to Shoprite's exacting specifications to include 15m to the underside of eaves to capitalise on the volume capacity of the facility, special flooring - one-third at a tolerance of DM1 and the remainder at FM2 Special - to facilitate the effective storage and movement of goods, battery-charging areas, large canopies in the yards over the receiving and dispatch zones, staff canteens and administration offices.
Security, too, was customised with extra guardhouses and an extensive secure access area, given that goods are received and dispatched on opposite sides of the building.
According to Lewington, Shoprite opted for The Green Precinct at Gosforth Business Park just outside Germiston because of its close proximity to its existing warehouse and easy access to the N3/N12 highway. It also wanted a long-term lease, he said, because it views the secure industrial park as strategic hub for future distribution in Gauteng.
In developing The Green Precinct, Improvon incorporated sustainable practices across the entire supply chain. All excavated material was crushed and reused, and buildings have a rain water attenuation system that harvests rain water and recycles the water for use in toilet cisterns.
To reduce high energy requirements and reliance on traditional power sources, every building is equipped with a Photovoltaic System and complemented by insulation to walls, floors and ceilings as well as double glazing on windows to help to regulate temperature. This is important because air-conditioning systems can account for up to 60% of energy consumption.
When Improvon acquired the land to develop The Green Precinct in Gosforth Business Park about two years ago, it anticipated developing about 80,000m2 of warehousing in total. To date, 40,000m² has been completed, and a further 18,000m2 should become available in June this year. This 18,000m2 warehouse will be subdivided to accommodate smaller tenants. While it is not fully let yet, interest has been high.
