Accra’s Kotoka International Airport (KIA) enclave has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past two decades, aligning with the growth in the aviation and hospitality sub-sectors. Indeed, the successful execution of the Airport City 1 project by the Ghana Airports Company transformed the skyline of the national capital.
The Airport City 1 is now home to major architectural masterpieces and is one of the most sought-after business districts in the capital. The Atlantic Towers, Nester Square, Holiday Inn Hotel, SSNIT Emporium, the Marina Mall, the National Communications Authority (NCA) building, Vodafone and UT towers, Silver Star Towers, and the One Airport Square among others, are some of the major developments in the Airport City One Project.
Kotoka International Airport Terminal 3
One Airport Square: A Green Landmark
Our appointment to One Airport Square marked the completion of the first Green Star-rated commercial building in West Africa, establishing Accra's premier corporate address. One Airport Square, located in Accra, Ghana, is an eco-friendly building featuring sustainable design elements. As an eco-friendly building, One Airport Square is designed to use 30% less energy than its peers in Accra - hereby making it one of the only green buildings in the city.
Awarded 4-stars by the Green Building Council of South Africa, it uses 30% less energy than peers, making it one of the city's only green buildings. The mixed-use project is 17,000sqm in size, comprising of 2,000sqm of retail space and 15,000sqm of office space. The 9-floor development, completed in 2015, boasts mixed-use spaces and received a joint venture development from Actis and Myma Belo Osagie.
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The One Airport Square is an excellent example of architecture and engineering integration because of its sustainable features.
One Airport Square, Accra
Project Management and Collaboration
Initially, Laurus Development Partners planned to manage the project themselves, but due to its complexity, they appointed us to oversee the project from design through to construction and final handover. We began with a thorough audit of the project, contracts, and programme to clarify roles, processes, and deliverables. We collaborated closely with the client, bringing a high level of expertise and attention to detail. By uniting numerous contractors, partners, and the client, we ensured the delivery of an exemplar development that was both safe and sustainable.
Throughout the project, we maintained a focus on quality by employing design mock-ups, fostering close team collaboration, and conducting frequent inspections. Executed a complex and innovative design successfully, featuring a striking façade and intricate geometric patterns, requiring advanced engineering and meticulous planning. Many materials had to be imported, requiring careful planning and synchronisation with procurement to manage long lead times.
One Airport Square video
Sustainability and Environmental Expertise
Our environmental expertise ensured that One Airport Square met the highest sustainability standards, incorporating cutting-edge technology to save power and water.
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Airport City 2 Project
The Airport City 2 Project (AC2) was conceived in 2015 as a sequel to the Airport City 1. The AC2 is supposed to be a dynamic and sustainable mixed-use development which will feature world-class urban districts to accommodate modern office complexes, residences, budget and high-end hotels, recreational facilities among others; an improvement of the Airport City 1.
The limited scope of the initial master development plan necessitated the engagement of a consultant. In 2018, an advertisement was placed in the national newspaper (Daily Graphic) calling for Expression of Interest (EOI) from companies with property development and engineering backgrounds. An internal evaluation team was set up to evaluate the responses obtained and recommend the most responsive submissions for further engagement with Management.
Following the appointment of the Consultant (BPI), the scope of the assignment was agreed upon, which included the required engineering surveys; a new Land Use Plan and Urban Design with the accompanying development controls; the engineering design of roads, stormwater drains, bulk water supply and reticulation, engineering design for sewer reticulation systems and liquid waste processing plant, bulk power supply and distribution system, internet and telecommunication infrastructure backbone, electronic security and surveillance backbone and installation system; the construction of a bridge and an underpass at the railway crossing, provision of a modern fire infrastructure system including fire tender capable of reaching a 12-storey building, and a management centre building from which all services would be managed.
Project Approvals and Stakeholder Engagement
All the engineering and technical designs were submitted to the LaDMA for approval. The other stakeholders engaged for discussion and approval were the Department of Urban Roads, Ghana Water Company, the Electricity Company of Ghana, The Railway Development Authority, The Environmental Protection Agency, etc.
On receipt of the approval from the LaDMA, the Consultant, with his team of Quantity Surveyors and Engineers, drew up the Bills of quantities, costed the work, and prepared the necessary documentation for the project to proceed to the tender stage.
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Investment Opportunities
On approval by the Board, a public advert was placed inviting companies and individuals interested in investing in the AC2 project to express interest.
The approved technical and financial details, including the Bills of Quantities and the costing, were submitted to the Management and the Board for approval to enable the implementation of the project to proceed.
Investors can participate in the project through various scenarios:
- An investor will provide the requisite funding to GACL for the infrastructure works in return for an agreed size of land.
- An investor will undertake the construction/ installation of the required infrastructure at their own cost in return for an agreed size of land.
- An investor who will partner GACL to construct/ install the infrastructure and develop some of the strategic projects in the enclave.
The investor will provide the financial capability, the technical know-how, the network to draw in the required anchor tenants, and brand for the properties that would be developed. Such an investor should also have the skill to be able to analyze the structuring of various real estate deals not only for the properties to be developed in partnership with GACL but also development by individual investors. The partnership will share proceeds from the entire project.
Evaluation and Selection Process
Several investors responded to the Expression of Interest (EoI). Evaluation and shortlisting of EoI applicants was conducted on 21st July 2021. Heaven Builders qualified for scenario 2 based on the stated criteria including proof of funding and staff capacity/capability.
The Prestige Project: Redefining Luxury Living
The expected construction of a new development, christened Prestige, on 2.88 acres of land adjacent to the Airport Shell Fuel Station and directly opposite the Marina Mall by a private developer is also set to add to the beauty of the Airport skyline and redefine luxury living in Ghana’s capital and play a key role in increasing the country’s tourism receipts. Youssef Aitour, Co-Founder and Managing Director of i2 Development Ghana Limited, developer of the project, confirmed that an official launch of the project is slated for December 13, 2023.
The importance of modern, sustainable, plush offices, residential properties, and hotels within the Kotoka International Airport vicinity, and indeed in major airports in Africa, cannot be overstated when it comes to the growth of tourism, aviation, and allied businesses. These properties play a crucial role in supporting and attracting visitors, facilitating travel, and fostering economic development.
Placing plush residential properties and hotels near airports provides convenient and easy access for travelers. This accessibility allows tourists, business travelers, and aviation professionals to conveniently stay close to the airport, saving time and reducing travel-related stress. This proximity encourages more visitors to explore Ghana, as they can easily reach their accommodations upon arrival, resulting in increased tourism and economic growth. Modern and plush properties, like what is planned with Prestige, offer a wide range of amenities and services, ensuring a pleasant and memorable experience for visitors. This positive experience can encourage tourists to return and recommend the destination to others, boosting the growth of the tourism industry.
The project is expected to cater to the ultimate luxury living whether one opts for a studio, one or two-bedroom, or a penthouse. The lush green spaces on the ground, on each of the levels, and the incorporation of sustainable open spaces as part of the Prestige, will create a luxury sanctuary within the city for residents and pleasure the eyes of beholders. With the strong choice of renowned Michelleti and Co. as the general contractors, the quality of the project is never in doubt. Casa Trasacco is a preferred partner for the project and will add a touch of elegance, as they have come to be known for, for each apartment curated within the Prestige.
Prestige project
Economic Impact and Tourism
These developments are in sync with the investment in on-ground airport infrastructure at the Kotoka International Airport. The flagship Terminal 3 can handle five (5) million passengers a year. Last year, passenger throughput was a little over 1.8 million and is expected to increase this year.
In 2022, Ghana realized US$2billon in tourism revenue, with a projected end-year 2023 tourism revenue of US$ 3.4 billion. Over half a million visitors have been recorded for the first half of this year by the tourism sector regulator, the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA). The Authority projects a total arrival of 1.2 million by the end of the year.
| Year | Tourism Revenue (USD) | Visitor Count (First Half) |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2 billion | N/A |
| 2023 (Projected) | 3.4 billion | 500,000+ |
The availability of sustainable accommodations near airports can attract environmentally conscious travelers. As sustainability becomes an increasingly important consideration for travelers, the presence of eco-friendly hotels and residences can provide a competitive advantage for airports and their associated travel markets.
Moreover, the construction of sustainable residences and hotels can stimulate economic growth by creating job opportunities in the construction, hospitality, and service sectors.
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