Stellenbosch University’s (SU) new Jan Mouton Learning Centre will be ready for students from the middle of January 2021.
This is according to Martin Viljoen, SU spokesperson.
The new building, located just outside the Neelsie Student Centre, is 95% complete, said Viljoen.
“The principal agents and PMO [Project Management Office] project manager are still doing regular site inspections to monitor progress on a daily basis,” said Viljoen.
After starting construction close to three years ago, the new Jan Mouton Learning Centre is almost complete and will be ready for students from January 2021, said Stellenbosch University spokesperson, Martin Viljoen. PHOTO: Facebook/Stellenbosch University.
Unforeseen delays
The construction of the learning centre, that began in November 2017, has a completion date of 28 August 2020, Viljoen said.
However, the project has experienced a few unforeseen delays, Viljoen said. This included the main contractor, Group Five Construction, having to submit a revised programme for completion due to the Covid-19 pandemic, which is currently being evaluated, said Viljoen.
According to Viljoen, the period from September 2020 to December 2020 will be utilised to complete all items excluded from the main contract, including specialised toilet screens, heating, ventilation and air conditioning, and staff facilities.
According to Martin Viljoen, the infrastructure of the building will also be ready for a future photovoltaic roof panel installation, while rain and groundwater will be harvested and stored. PHOTO: Facebook/Stellenbosch University
Amenities
The building will house two large auditoriums on the second floor, as well as two large lecture halls on the ground level, said Viljoen. This will address the need for additional large lecture hall capacity, he said.
“The additional computer user areas, on the first floor, will be available for all students, and will provide a safe and central venue to work – especially after hours,” added Viljoen.
The learning centre will also house a restaurant to “keep students sustained and eager to learn”, Viljoen said,
Moreover, an undercover walkway will link the centre with other campus buildings, said Viljoen.
According to Viljoen, 130 parking spots will be available to replace the original parking area at the Neelsie, with 99 of the spaces being in the basement and the remaining 30 outside.
“This includes delivery parking for ground level and basement deliveries,” said Viljoen.
“Group-work classrooms respectively seating 350, 270 and 150 will provide the flexibility for lecturers and students to adapt their environment to facilitate discussion and teamwork,” said Martin Viljoen, SU spokesperson. PHOTO: Supplied/Stellenbosch University
Excitement builds for the opening
The trustees of the Jannie Mouton Foundation are excited about the opening of the learning centre, said Pieter du Plessis, manager at the Jannie Mouton Foundation.
“[B]ut even more so of the young men and women who will study at the centre, graduate and then positively contribute to South African society and beyond through their future careers,” said Du Plessis.
One SU student studying BCom (Logistics Management), James Budge, said that he is eagerly awaiting the opening of the new building.
“I am very excited for [the building] to be completed and I’m looking forward to all the new facilities it’s going to provide,” said Budge.