Accra, Sept 8, GNA - Actis, a leading private equity investor, and Laurus Development Partners, on Thursday broke ground for the commencement of its 60 million dollar One Airport Square multi-storey project in Accra. The One Airport Square, an office and retail development, is designed to become the number one corporate address in Ghana and the most environmentally friendly complex of its kind in the country. Expected to be completed in May 2013, the One Airport Square would house retail facilities, restaurants, bars and a landscaped plaza on the parking floor, office space above and parking in the basement. The approximately 17, 000 sq metre area, was designed by internationally acclaimed Italian Architect Mario Cucinella , with a very strong eco-friendly focus.

It would also bring along shops, services and jobs to the local community, boosting the supply chain both locally and nationally. Minister for Trade and Industry Hannah Tetteh, who spoke on behalf of the Vice President, said, the beautifully designed environmentally friendly building sets the standard for future developments in Ghana and shows the world what the country can achieve and noted that government would support investors who can showcase the country internationally.

Mr Alban Bagbin, Minister of Water Resources, Works and Housing, said the project had come at an opportune time when the nation was grappling wit= h a number of challenges in the construction industry.

He said government was committed to contributing towards the attainment of sustainable environment coming up with programmes and polices to address them adding, construction of energy efficient and environment friendly building like the One Airport Square project was therefore highly commendable.

David Morley, Head of Real Estate at Actis, said, 93We are excited t= o break ground on a building which, when it is complete, could hold its own i= n Munich or Singapore. It will enable Ghanaians to work and relax in the hear= t of the city and follow in the footsteps of Accra Mall which Actis developed in 2006." One Airport Square which will be developed by Laurus Development Partners, is made up of a team of international and local experts in design= , project management, construction and Leasing, said Carlo Matta, CEO at Laurus.

"One Airport Square is a great example of how mixing Ghanaian expertise and international best practices can achieve outstanding results. We hope this project will set a new standard in the Country's real estate industry", he added In a speech read for him, Local Government and Rural Development Minister, Mr Samual Ofosu Ampofo, welcomed the local and international blen= d of human resources and materials adding, this has become possible due to Ghana's economic and political stability.