Residents move into inner CT highrise

NEW OWNERS are moving into apartments in the revamped former Safmarine House ( once also called Triangle House).

The former landmark office building in the heart of the city, easily recognised by its flamed and polished granite exterior, is now the Radisson Blu Hotel and Residence Cape Town (22 Riebeek Street).

Construction started on the apartments on the upper floors in 2015.

The apartments formed part of the R1 billion residential and hotel development for the building. “The new owners are moving into the revitalised building – all 166 sectional title apartments have been sold,” says David Cohen, managing director of the developer, Signatura.

The upper floors were transformed by Signatura and land owner, Stonehill Property Fund, into one of Cape Town’s tallest residential developments.

Stonehill also commissioned the development of the lower 11 floors into a five-star hotel which will be operated by Swedish group Carlson Rezidor as its flagship Radisson Blu hotel.

The hotel is being finalised at the moment.

Situated in Riebeek Street in the Waterside precinct, the financial and legal centre of Cape Town, the apartments were snapped up.

The development comes at the right time as the move to inner city lock-up-and-go type living is growing exponentially.

In fact, in the past decade the demand for inner- city residential accommodation increased eightfold.

“Many buyers no longer want big houses and gardens, with the attendant security and staffing requirements, plus a long commute to the office,” says Cohen.

“Instead, they want well-appointed smaller spaces, with the luxuries and attractions of an exclusive home.” He says the units can be rented out under the Radisson Blu brand.