ABLAND: Inspirational, Connected, the Rubik is a new Flagship Address for Cape Town

In December 2021, leading property development business – Abland – was busy with the bold and ambitious Rubik development in Cape Town’s CBD. The city bowl has been neglected for decades. Just a few multi storey buildings stand in the centre, and then there is a web of streets that require upgrade and development. The spaces which have received attention have been welcomed with open arms by locals and investors. New, modern, fresh spaces for business and lifestyle are much needed. Thankfully, Abland knows a thing or two about beautifying and delighting clients.

The Rubik is a great example of what will be a jewel in the crown of Cape Town’s skyline, standing – with Table Mountain as the backdrop – sparkling in the strong sunshine. Abland is building a symbol of the future and what is possible in South Africa with the right investment, planning, structure, and ambition.

Demolition work began in 2019, and then construction kicked off in June 2022. The space on Loop Street – close to the train station, convention centre, Company’s Gardens, and V&A Waterfront – will soon become a dazzling, towering display of glass, with floor to ceiling windows arranged in a tiered design, almost like four cubes sitting one atop the other.

Expected to be completed by March 2024, the Rubik will be home to 389m² retail and 5,080m² office space to let or purchase, as well as 89 residential apartments to purchase. The target market is broad, designed to be inspirational and connected, but also accessible. One bedroom apartments start from R2.3 million and come with mountain views, modern fittings, and a number of benefits that you would expect from a building looking to be the city’s premier mixed-use hub.

Abland and investment partner, Giflo, have invested more than R500 million into the Rubik, and young professionals and millennial buyers are attracted to the space. Simply, the strategy of strong partnerships, clear communication, ambition and innovation, and the sale of Cape Town as much as the sale of the building have resulted in a robust order pipeline and strong interest from top to bottom.

CAPE TOWN BUZZ

Cape Town was highlighted by UK newspaper, The Telegraph, as the Best City in the World in 2019; and then in 2022, by Condé Nast Traveller, as the ninth best globally. Travellers love the mix of creativity, food and culture, nature, and entertainment, and this makes it easy to attract people to the Rubik as a best-in-class property.

Designed by famed dhk Architects (known for a number of Cape Town and Johannesburg’s most prominent developments), the luxury delivered within the Rubik is only matched by the joy presented by its enchanting exterior. 24/7 security, modern technology, open space, strong windows, basement parking, and a range of luxury fittings and fixtures are proving to be popular among the range of interested parties.

“These features – coupled with the prime location and spectacular views over Table Mountain, Lion’s Head, and the ocean – offer highly desirable inner-city living,” said Lesley Rensburg, Dogon Group Sales agent for The Rubik.

“Buyers who have an eye for contemporary design and premium architecture are drawn to this exceptional building in the heart of one of the most beautiful cities in the world, that offers all of the benefits of a centrally situated mixed-use development, coupled with luxurious finishes and spectacular views,” said Leah Sleigh, Sales Agent for The Rubik. 

Importantly, Abland has not opted for ostentatious scale. While there is an element of grandeur about the building, this is not a ‘squeeze as many apartments out of the space as possible’ approach. Like some of the other sustainable developments in the city, the Rubik is marketed as boutique and tasteful at the same time as being towering and bold.

“Developers have embraced this trend and are building more boutique luxury property developments – and the demand for these homes has increased as people are becoming more and more focused on exclusivity, as well as interior design and architecture,” commented Alexa Horne, MD at Dogon Group.

CONSTRUCTION UNDERWAY

Construction on site has been positive in challenging conditions, right on the corner of a very busy block at the heart of the city. Safety and disruption are key issues and, of course, Abland has been successful. Demolition, excavation, and foundations are complete, and work continues on the superstructure with engineering excellence supplied by Kantey & Templer Consulting Engineers.

“With excavation and foundations completed, we will be moving onto the next phase of construction – the superstructure. In the coming weeks and months, the floors will be cast and The Rubik will rise high,” Abland states.

“The basement, ground floor and first floor slabs have been completed and preparations for the second floor slab pour are underway. The lift shaft leads the way skywards, reaching to the fifth floor already.

“It’s been incredibly inspiring to see this development take shape. There are still apartments and penthouses available,” the company adds, encouraging potential buyers to visit the website to find out more and “buy into the finest lifestyle the city that Cape Town has to offer.”

Adding to the excitement, the Rubik’s official sales office is now open. Welcoming in person visits to talk through floor plans and specs, as well as take a look at progress on site, the opening of the sales office will further enhance progress towards Abland’s targets.

“We’re extremely excited to announce that The Rubik’s sales office is officially open and ready to welcome potential tenants. Not only will you get a feel for what living it up in the Mother City will be, you’ll also meet our highly experienced sales team, get a glimpse into the apartments and penthouses, plus receive exclusive views into the development’s future plans,” the company highlights.

“Boasting spectacular designs inside and out, unrivalled views of the surrounds, all within one of the city’s most prominent locations, make The Rubik a sound choice for investors and those looking for the best address in town.”

GROUNDBREAKING APPROACH

Abland as a company is busy with several large developments beyond the Rubik. In Pretoria, the Irene Link will be a green-star rated smart precinct, home to commercial, office, hospitality, medical, and educational offerings. In Johannesburg, the Hill on Empire development in Parktown – which is fully let – has been a major success for Abland, with some of the country’s biggest organisations taking advantage of the ideal location on the edge of the city but with direct access via the Gautrain or Reya Vaya Rapid Transit. Recently completed projects in and around the new Waterfall City development have also been greeted with open arms as many national and international companies search for quality office space, and many African businesses look for easily accessible, high-spec, well-managed property, from a provider with a reputation for delivery.

For Abland, the ongoing desire to shape South Africa for the better “with prestigious mixed-use precincts and premium office, retail, industrial and motor spaces” will not relent. Despite economic headwinds and political uncertainty, this is a business with three decades behind it, and a growing portfolio of state-of-the-art property.

At the Rubik, progress will be quick with the looming H1 2024 deadline, and sales will continue to boom as the small number of apartments available quickly garner interest.

“The décor features a modern and sophisticated palette making use of natural materials, whilst keeping spaces open and allowing one to experience the surrounding views.

“There are exceptional entertainment experiences in the neighbourhood – from casual to fine dining across differing cuisines, art galleries, excellent cafés and plenty of other activities no matter your tastes,” the company promotes. 

With more demand for luxury property in Cape Town, both from locals looking to embrace the Mother City’s laid-back lifestyle as well as international buyers looking for a lock and go investment, the Rubik will be one of the city’s preeminent addresses, and will hopefully be proof of what is possible, followed by more regeneration for Cape Town and beyond.