Harare’s urban development is on a significant stride, following the successful erection of a new andworld-class footbridge across the ED Mnangagwa Road section at Highland Park Mall, making this a pivotal project that has fundamentally reshaped the landscape of the city’s premier commercial hub.
The ambitious civils and engineering work, spearheaded by Zimbabwean construction specialists Pat Dunn Zimbabwe, marks a new chapter in the Highland Park Precinct masterplan, creating a seamless connection between the iconic Highland Park Mall and the burgeoning Design Quarter development.
The project culminated in a thoroughly planned operation on the weekend of September 13 and 14, which saw a temporary closure of a section of ED Mnangagwa Road. This strategic decision was
made to ensure public safety and facilitate the critical installation of the footbridge. While the closure was in effect, great care and planning by the developers ensured that Highland Park Mall
remained fully accessible from Arcturus Road and its eastern entrance on ED Mnangagwa Road.
The intersection of Arcturus and ED Mnangagwa Road was also partially open, allowing for a smooth flow of traffic and minimizing disruption to the public. The installation of the footbridge was the cornerstone of this weekend’s work, signifying the efficient execution and high-level collaboration between all parties involved. Pat Dunn Zimbabwe has a rich history dating back to 1969. Known for their specialisation in steel, civils, and engineering, the company has built a sterling reputation for delivering quality projects on time and within budget, particularly in the industrial, mining, and agricultural sectors.
The Highland Park footbridge project now stands as a powerful addition to their portfolio, showcasing their versatility and expertise in modern urban infrastructure. The team, composed of highly trained professional mechanical and structural engineers, tirelessly and professionally handled every aspect of the project, from the initial design to the final, high-stakes installation. The crane used for lifting the massive elevated walkway sections even bore the company’s name, “Pat Dunn & Mark Rutter,” a proud signature on a landmark achievement.
True to the Pat Dunn Zimbabwe work ethic and principle, the detailed, behind-the-scenes workinvolved in the project was a showcase of precision and global-standard engineering. A casual walk during construction highlighted the robust foundational work. White, flared metal columns were securely bolted to square concrete footings using thick anchor bolts, ensuring the long-term stability and integrity of the structure.
Workers in blue uniforms and hard hats were seen perched on the towering steel beams, using wrenches to tighten each crucial connection. This hands-on approach and attention to detail underscored the commitment to quality controls that Pat Dunn Zimbabwe is renowned for. The elevated white walkway, a large beam, was expertly hoisted into place by a crane, a sight that spoke
volumes about the scale and complexity of the operation.
With workers on the raised structure wearing harnesses, the project demonstrated a paramount focus on safety protocols. The footbridge is a vital link in the grand vision of the Highland Park Precinct. Developed by Terrace Africa, a property development company with a strong focus on convenience and lifestyle retail across Sub-Saharan Africa, the precinct is a master-planned community. It is designed to be an”international standard” hub that will redefine urban living and commerce in Harare.
The pedestrian-friendly design is a core element of the precinct, and this footbridge seamlessly connects the two main components: the existing Highland Park Mall, which is a prime shopping location with over 40 household brands, and the new Design Quarter. The Design Quarter, the second phase of the precinct, will provide an additional 200,000 square metres of mixed-use commercial and residential space, including showrooms, offices, and lifestyle amenities.
This new walkway will allow shoppers and residents to move effortlessly between the two sites, transforming the precinct into a cohesive and unified destination. The final result of the work is
a new and refreshing scenic experience for those who travel along ED Mnangagwa Road.
The once-separate entities of Highland Park Mall and the emerging Design Quarter are now physically and symbolically linked by an elegant, functional bridge. The project’s success, from
the strategic road closure to the precise installation, reinforces the capability of local companies like Pat Dunn Zimbabwe to handle large-scale, complex civil engineering projects. It stands as a powerful symbol of confidence in Harare’s industrial and commercial future.
This new footbridge, an essential piece of urban infrastructure, will not only facilitate easier access for thousands of shoppers and visitors but will also serve as a landmark, highlighting the city’s continuous growth and the commitment of developers like Terrace Africa to creating modern, sustainable, and integrated spaces.
