Pareto Limited

According to Mel Urdang, director of Liberty Properties retail and business development, they timed the expansion well to coincide with property cycles. He says the Gautrain station has a huge impact on the property.

“Existing retailers also needed to expand and up their offerings and so it was necessary to expand,” says Urdang.

He explains that Liberty Properties has a duty to look after the interests of stakeholders and policy holders whose income depends on the success of Sandton City as a commercially viable property.

“Our vision is to ensure that Sandton City Shopping Centre retains its position as a key commercial node in Sandton.”

He explains that the shopping centre attracts local and international shoppers. He describes the feel of shopping at Sandton City as a special experience and outing that people indulge in.

Urdang says almost 90 percent of retail leases have been signed. Tenants include leading retail brands from the UK, Spain and Australia. Almost 33 existing tenants in Sandton City are currently upgrading to enhance their offerings.

In some ways, he says through this expansion, they hope to offer shoppers the ability to dream and be transported to a place where they would like to be. Shoppers will also be able to connect with the new extension via the areas between Woolworths and Edgars thus optimising shopper flow.

The shopping centre will now have a new entrance 12 facing onto Rivonia Road and Protea Court. This entrance is within walking distance of the new Gautrain station and the area will include a Piazza for those who enjoy the atmosphere of bustling street cafes.

Technology of the highest level has been employed in the construction of this new expansion phase. According to Tia Kanakakis, MDS architect, the Protea Court roof has been created with a product called Texlon. This is the first time Texlon has been used in South Africa and at Sandton City.

“It was selected as a suitable roofing material as it lightweight and an environmentally-friendly climatic envelope,” says Kanakakis.

Made by UK company, Vector Foiltec, Texlon combines exceptional light transmission with high insulation. Each layer can incorporate different types of solar shading enabling the design to optimise the aesthetic and environmental performance of the building envelope.

The outlook for future phases includes the construction of a new office tower approximately 65 storeys on the existing complex footprint, a significant residential component and an outdoor dining and socialising experience to further enhance the Sandton City mixed use offering. Source: Denise Mhlanga / Property24