Club Med reaches peak construction capacity ahead of 2026 opening
The much-anticipated Club Med development in Tinley Manor is currently operating at peak construction capacity, with more than 1 400 workers on site each day.
Working towards a grand opening next year, construction has been divided between seven contracting teams to ensure workflow continues and to avoid potential delays. That is how such a large workforce can be managed at once.
'Instead of going the traditional route and appointing the whole development to one or two contractors, we've divided the project into multiple packages, allowing us to maintain control, adapt to conditions on the ground, and focus on the skills that each contractor excels at, building stronger relationships with teams on site,' said Chris du Toit, project lead of Tinley Leisure Pty Ltd, the owners of the resort.
'Our model allows us to adapt, pivot and hold each contractor accountable in real-time. While it's a more involved approach from our side, it's how we believe we can best protect the integrity of this project.'
Club Med is expected to open its global reservations in September, ten months ahead of the scheduled opening date.
'If you imagine 1 000 foreign guests arriving on opening day, we can't very well send them packing back to Europe because the resort isn't ready. We simply have to be ready,' said Du Toit.
Significant progress has so far been made, with all bulk services including the roads, dam, water pipework and permanent electrical supply (with 3km of cabling) near completion. Most of the accommodation has already been built to roof height with the first layers of paint applied. Internal fittings will soon begin. Resort amenities and staff accommodation are also underway and on track, as is the first visible landscaping with large scale planting initiated.
Local labour has been integrated throughout and a formal community forum with ward councillors, traditional leaders and project representatives has been includes in the process.
'We're investing in the local economy and people,' said Collins Residential CEO Murray Collins
'Our contractor teams are supported by strong local labour with many of the labourers sourced from within 10km from site, and every package has clear targets for community involvement.' Construction began in March last year and the resort is scheduled to open next July.
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