THE well-known Rex Trueform building in Salt River is being converted into a sophisticated office park available for lease to office users. The Queenspark head office will remain in the building as anchor tenant and just over 7 000 square metres, which can be subdivided, is available for tenants.

“Careful consideration has been given to the needs of office users and the Rex Trueform Office Park has been positioned as a more affordable alternative to less appealing A-grade offices in the CBD. It offers a secure environment with a good parking ratio, modern air-conditioning and a generous tenant installation allowance,” says Max McLaughlin of Maxigroup, the agents.

Built in 1948 for light industrial use the building is being restored with a new reception and lift lobby, featuring a voluminous atrium spanning five floors with glass facades to the north and south.

The refurbishment of the building has a strong focus on sustainability with the installation of thermal reduction glazing on elevations with high heat load, the retention of a number of shading interventions on the building and the installation of VRV air conditioning the output of which is accurately matched to the required heating or cooling loads of the building reducing electricity consumption.

The building will also be fitted with energy efficient lighting. McLaughlin notes that perhaps the most environmentally friendly building is one which has been recycled and therefore has a significantly lower carbon footprint of a newly constructed building that would meet the same needs.

Whilst there remains a high level of vacancy in the Cape Town CBD the majority of the space available is compromised by lack of parking, older inefficient air-conditioning with restricted operating times, awkward floor plates, slow lifts and unappealing finishes and architecture. Rex Trueform Office Park is being positioned as a competitively priced and appealing choice for companies requiring quality office accommodation, says McLaughlin.

Suites from 250 sq m in size can be created and rentals start from R85 per sq m with under cover parking bays at R750 per month.