Algoa FM is proud to announce that it is investing in its broadcast footprint by commencing a 15-month property development, which will become home to the future of the media company’s business in the Baakens Valley, Nelson Mandela Bay.
Algoa FM’s holding company, African Media Entertainment Ltd, is funding the project. The radio station has chosen to work with local businesses, including Studio D’ Arc who designed the building; Techni Construction who will build it and Synergy Quantity Surveyors and Project Managers, who will project manage the development.
“This will see an injection of millions of rand into the Nelson Mandela Bay economy over the next 15 months,” says Algoa FM managing director Dave Tiltmann.
Algoa FM’s future-proofed and purpose-built property in Upper Valley Road will serve as the company’s core facility for its growing business that includes a digital portfolio and operations in Buffalo City and the Garden Route.
Tiltmann says: “Whilst we explored various options in the city, none were as appealing to our brand as the Baakens Valley Precinct. The Mandela Bay Development Agency has done some extensive work in the area and we consider it a true privilege to plant our future roots in a beautiful urban river valley featuring a forest, scrubland and wildlife.”
Plans for the Baakens Valley include ongoing rehabilitation of the river and the redevelopment of the area as a creative and tourist hub that connects with the city’s harbour. “It is the perfect fit for our values and a wonderful opportunity for our team and business objectives,” says Tiltmann. On completion of the project, Algoa FM’s new home will be worth close to R60 million.
Operations director, Alfie Jay says: “Our vision to be the leading and most admired media brand may have been given a boost recently when we were crowned Commercial radio station of the year at the Liberty Radio Awards. However, this project takes our ambition to a whole new level.”
Situated on the corner of Brickmakers Kloof and Upper Valley Road, Algoa FM’s new home will stand three stories tall and accommodate all of its studios, broadcast facilities and staff.
“Our objective was to find the perfect location, design an efficient and modern building structure … and accommodate our strategic as well as operational needs for many years to come,” adds Tiltmann.
The development is expected to be completed by December 2019.
