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Kyalami racetrack restoration project, South Africa

31st July 2015

By: Sheila Barradas

Creamer Media Research Coordinator & Senior Deputy Editor

  

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Name and Location
Kyalami racetrack restoration project, Gauteng, South Africa.

Client
Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit, a subsidiary of LSM Distributors, which operates as Porsche Centre South Africa.

Project Description
The project involves the restoration of the 54-year-old Kyalami racetrack, in Midrand, Gauteng.

The scope of the project includes the refurbishment of the existing racetrack, which encompasses the realignment of three corners of the track, thereby also improving safety; improving access to the venue; and developing engineering solutions for a friendlier track-day experience.

Further, to enhance the racing day experience for drivers and spectators, the spacing of the bleachers will be increased and the pit-lane exit for drivers will be extended to enable vehicles to exit the racetrack quicker.

The restoration will assist in re-establishing the racetrack as a venue for international sporting events.

Value
R100-million.

Duration
Work on the project started on May 12, 2015, and is expected to reopen towards the end of October this year.

Latest Developments
Two months after the start of a R100-million-plus upgrade to the 54-year-old Kyalami race track, the project is running according to plan, says Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit spokesperson Christo Kruger.

The new circuit layout has become visible and the extent of the work undertaken is evident all around the 73 ha site.

The tar has been stripped from the circuit and construction of the new service roads is well under way.

Work continues on the new curbs as surface preparation work is done on the base layers for the track.

“It is exciting to see that the spectator areas will offer fantastic viewing opportunities for race fans, with the boma demolition project almost complete,” says Kruger.

During the initial construction phase it became evident that the remaining part of the circuit required more attention with respect to driver and spectator safety.

After close inspection, the decision was taken to replace all debris fencing, safety barriers, as well as tyre and belting safety systems around the entire circuit. All gravel in the arrestor beds was also replaced.

After consultation with motor-racing governing body FIA, tarred run-off areas have been added at the Sunset and Ingwe corners.

More than 60 km of additional cable has been ordered for the new specification debris fencing that will be erected around the circuit.

Owing to the increase in the scope of work the completion date for the track project is expected to be towards the end of October this year.

After months of discussion and consultation with various industry experts, plans for the refurbishment and upgrade of the Kyalami Pit Building have been finalised, says Kruger.

Apart from its use for motorsport and motoring events, the building will also cater for conferencing, activation events and exhibitions. The upgrade, estimated at R50-million, aims to increase the appeal of the conference facility as a preferred exhibition venue in the growing Kyalami area.

Apart from substantial upgrades to the ablution facilities, food preparation areas upstairs will be equipped to deal with large events.

The first floor of the building will be widened, increasing available space, especially in The Paddock area, to accommodate larger events.

“A new viewing deck and welcome area will be constructed at the end of the building, providing spectacular 270 ° views of the Ingwe corner and Gauteng skyline,” says Kruger.

The new façade with enclosed staircases will give the new pit building a fresh appearance, in line with international standards, with adjoining parking areas also on offer.

The Pit Building project, which will start in early August, should be completed in early 2016.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
WSP|Parsons Brinckerhoff Africa (restoration contract).

On Budget and on Time?
The project is running according to plan.

Contact Details for Project Information
Porsche Centre South Africa, tel 27 11 686 9000 or fax 27 11 787 9283.
WSP divisional director Francois van Rensburg, tel +27 12 762 1206 or email francois.vanrensburg@wspgroup.co.za.
Parsons Brinckerhoff, tel +27 11 514 7200 or fax +27 11 463 4346.

Edited by Creamer Media Reporter

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