Menlyn Maine set to become Sun International's flagship property

As the development gets under way, this new venture will create as many as 10,000 jobs during construction, and a further 2,200 jobs when the project is complete.

"We have worked extremely hard on this project and are particularly proud of it," said Sun International CEO, Graeme Stephens. "After a wave of change and development in the late 1990s, this is the most exciting development in our industry in years. The design was finalised after drawing on the experience of not only South Africa's urban casino complexes but a study of the latest trends internationally."

Entertainment hub

Architecturally, the building has been wrapped in glass so that it has a contemporary feel. There will be a large number of restaurants and bars as well as nightclubs, making it the entertainment hub of the city. An indoor 8,000-seater arena means that Tshwane can now host major concerts and exhibitions, and the iconic five star hotel and conference centre will cater to the needs of the diplomatic travel market, recognising Pretoria's positioning as the diplomatic hub of South Africa and home to embassies from around the world.

"Sun International will be investing billions into Tshwane and Gauteng's tourism infrastructure and we believe that this unique project links well with the provincial government and the City of Tshwane's vision for quality urban renewal and sustainable development," said Stephens.