The R1.77 billion first phase of the Sandton City redevelopment, undertaken by Liberty Properties on behalf of the property's owners Liberty Group (75%) and Pareto Ltd (25%), will expand and improve the center to enhance its leading position in the retail sector. It involves interior refurbishments and the addition of 30 000m2 of new retail space.
The complex installation of a unique roof - essentially a texlon "bubble" - imported from the United Kingdom and used for the first time ever in South Africa, formed part of the scope of work. The 40 meter diameter steel roof structure comprises 250 tons of steelwork and has been designed to look like the profile of a protea flower. The design incorporates twelve bifurcated columns which support twelve curved trusses that span from the columns to a central core. This core is placed towards the back of the atrium so the trusses vary in length, with the longest spanning 17 meters. The core also provides the enclosure for two lifts.
Sandton City's entire retail space, including the extension, will total 143 690m2 on completion of this phase of its repositioning. This will take the complex, which includes the hotel and office component, to a massive 215 000m2.