The Sanctuary opens in Somerset West

Designed by SVA International Cape Town, The Sanctuary features a formalised restaurant node for Somerset West, bringing with it Gauteng steakhouse franchise, Turn ‘n Tender. Other restaurants include Java and Craft, set to open before the end of the year, Casa Bella, Cape Town Fish Market, Crème De Levain artisan bakery and patisserie, and Simply Greek (opening in January 2017).

Abacus managing director Gavin Blows explains that a fibre optic backbone means high-speed connectivity for stores and office tenants alike, with 100Mbps speed and 250MB of free wifi data available to shoppers daily.

“This is a continuation of our national partnership with Vodacom which has resulted in cost-effective connectivity not only for office and retail tenants, but also for surrounding developments,” he says.

Scenic setting

Adding to the centre’s appeal, says its developers, is The Sanctuary’s scenic setting. Restaurants spill onto an outdoor deck, which overlooks a rehabilitated water body. Designed to be sensitive to the water body that borders the centre, the wooden decks and re-tractable shopfronts allow restaurants to trade internally or externally, depending on the weather.

The water body, which serves as a storm water retention facility, has been rehabilitated, with the developers having removed polluted soil and implemented a water and landscaping maintenance programme to ensure the natural environment can propagate and provide a sanctuary for birdlife in the area. A built path that meanders around the edge allows bird watchers access to all sides and includes rest areas and benches.

“There will be ongoing monitoring of fauna – specifically birds – in partnership with local stakeholders,” says Blows.