Grand old lady gets a facelift

Liberty Property Developments is expanding and improving Sandton City Shopping Centre to enhance its position as an excellent shopping and rendezvous destination for millions of local and international visitors, as well as leading global and South African retail brands. This is the first phase of a broader vision for the repositioning of the centre and is scheduled for completion in late 2011 at a cost of R1.77 billion.

It will include an extensive refurbishment of the interior of the shopping centre, as well as bringing a further 30,000 sqm of retail space on-stream, bringing total retail space to 131,000 sqm. All of this with minimal interruption to Sandton City's shopping experience.

“We are exited about the current developments underway at Sandton City,” says Sharon Swain, centre manager. “Although this is a major project, all measures have been taken to ensure that shoppers and visitors to Sandton City will not be inconvenienced by the construction.”

All major construction work is undertaken at night between 11pm and 6am and only minor work is undertaken during the day. Furthermore, the refurbishment of the existing malls has been planned in sections to ensure that the entire centre is not disturbed by the activity.

“As important as achieving the goals of the refurbishment is ensuring a viable environment for retailers and a seamless shopping experience for customers,” explains Swain. Because of the nocturnal work strategy, each morning brings with it the exciting progress of a new section being completed as the work is rolled-out throughout the centre.

The centre also has clearly demarcated areas of refurbishment activity with alternative parking and pedestrian entrances clearly identified with signage throughout the centre.

Liberty Group (75%) and Pareto Limited (25%) own the Sandton City complex. Liberty Properties manages the centre and Liberty Property Development manages the development. More details are available on www.sandtoncity.com. Follow Sandton City on Twitter at @SandtonCity.