Steel roof crowns Sandton City extension

The futuristic steel roof structure has been completed at the new entrance court to the south east extension the Sandton City Shopping Centre. The super-regional shopping centre’s expansion and refurbishment project includes interior refurbishments and 30 000 m2 of new retail space. “Within nine months the development will be complete,” says Julie Hillary, Liberty Properties’ general manager for the Sandton region. The 40 metre diameter steel roof structure used 250 tonnes of steel. It mimics the profile of a protea flower and will be clad with energy efficient material in the next few months. The design consists of 12 bifurcated columns supporting 12 curved trusses that extend from the columns to a central core towards the back of the atrium. The trusses vary in length, with the longest spanning 17 metres. The core also accommodates two lifts. Construction of the roof started in November last year, and the contractors worked through the traditional ‘builders break’ and battled severe weather conditions to complete the structure at the end of January. The new extension will provide space for national flagship stores and the remaining spaces are reserved for international fashion retailers. Hillary says extensive leasing deals are being confirmed and secured with leading national and international brands. “Sandton City’s entire retail space will total 143 690 m2 on completion of this phase, which will take the entire complex, including the hotel and office component, to 215 000 m2. At the moment, the Fountain Court in the existing centre being refurbished and renovation of the Mugg & Bean court will start in mid-year.” The R1.77 billion first phase of the Sandton City redevelopment was undertaken by Liberty Properties on behalf of the property’s owners Liberty Group (75%) and Pareto Ltd (25%). The centre’s refurbishment and development are managed by Liberty Property Development.

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