Name and Location
Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital (NMCH), Gauteng, South Africa.

Client
NMCH Trust.

Project Description
The NMCH will be located in Parktown, Johannesburg, on property donated to the NMCH Trust by the University of the Witwatersrand.

It will incorporate several green building aspects, including the recycling and storage of rainwater and the use of natural light and ventilation. The four-storey hospital will comprise 200 beds, with the capacity to expand to 300 beds, and eight operating theatres with diagnostics capabilities. There will also be accommodation for parents.

The NMCH will be South Africa’s second children hospital after the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital in Cape Town, in the Western Cape.

Value
R1-billion.

Duration
Construction started in 2014.

Latest Developments
Construction of the hospital has been completed, with contractors having handed over the keys of the building to the NMCH Trust in June. The building is being equipped, ahead of the hospital’s official opening in December.

The weakening rand has eaten into the finances needed for the NMCH. The project was planned at an exchange rate that was below R10 to the dollar.

The NMCH Trust has raised R850-million of the planned R1-billion to complete construction and cover equipment purchases, training and skills development, as well as family accommodation.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
Sheppard Robson International, John Cooper Architecture, GAPP Architects & Urban Designers and Reuben Reddy Architects (hospital design) and Group Five (construction contract).

On Budget and on Time?
Not stated.

Contact Details for Project Information
NMCH Trust, Pat van der Merwe, tel +27 11 274 5600 or email pat@nmch.co.za  or Vuyo Lutseke, tel +27 11 274 5656 or email vuyo@nmch.co.za.
Sheppard Robson International, tel +44 20 7504 1700, fax +44 20 7504 1701 or email london@sheppardrobson.com.
John Cooper Architecture, tel +44 20 3170 0820 or email info@johncooperarchitecture.com.
GAPP Architects & Urban Designers, tel +27 11 482 1648, fax +27 11 482 1216 or email office@jhb.gapp.net.
Reuben Reddy Architects, tel +27 31 301 6122, fax +27 31 301 6548 or email info@rubenreddyarch.co.za.