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Sandton Central

Growthpoint’s new Sandton Drive Link Bridge

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Growthpoint’s new Sandton Drive Link Bridge connects assets, access and attractions in Sandton Central

Growthpoint Properties is proud to announce that construction has commenced on the Sandton Drive Link Bridge – a project set to significantly enhance safety, accessibility and connectivity in Sandton Central.

This landmark bridge, which will provide an easy and direct pedestrian route over busy Sandton Drive between Growthpoint’s The Place at 1 Sandton Drive office building and the iconic Sandton City shopping centre, is a game-changer for the precinct. It will provide a secure pedestrian crossing while seamlessly linking key locations within this dynamic hub. It also introduces an eye-catching new landmark.

Funded and driven by Growthpoint Properties, South Africa’s leading JSE-listed real estate investment trust (REIT), the R26 million bridge is more than just a safe crossing point. It is a statement of innovation, urban design and community commitment. The bridge physically and symbolically unites both sides of Sandton Drive, integrating offices, residences and retail spaces into a more cohesive precinct.

Designed for safety, built for the future

The Link Bridge is engineered to be safe, durable and maintenance-free. Its unique architectural design features an angular balustraded walkway clad in stainless steel making it both a functional and aesthetic enhancement to the area.

At its core, the bridge boasts a central covered glass viewing deck offering breathtaking views of both bustling Sandton and the city’s spectacular sunsets. The eco-friendly illuminated viewing deck is a dynamic feature that can change colour to mark seasons, celebrations and events taking place in the area.

The stainless-steel sections and glass box are currently being manufactured off-site in multiple parts while the concrete support columns and walkway are being constructed beside Sandton Drive between Rivonia Road and Alice Lane.  Then, the prefabricated parts of the bridge will be assembled on-site.

A strategic investment in Sandton’s growth

“We are thrilled that this long-held vision is now a reality,” says Neil Schloss, Head of Asset Management at Growthpoint. “This bridge delivers on Growthpoint’s promise to tenants of The Place at 1 Sandton Drive. Together with our partners on this journey – Sandton City, Sandton Central Management District and the City of Johannesburg, among others – we’ve overcome numerous obstacles to create a vital new link.”

Timothy Irvine, Growthpoint Head of Asset Management: Offices, says the new Link Bridge not only boosts the value and attractiveness of The Place at 1 Sandton Drive but enhances mobility and fosters greater connectivity of the entire area. “For tenants of The Place, the bridge adds an invaluable amenity to their prime location. The investment underscores Growthpoint’s commitment to providing exceptional business spaces with sought-after features that set our office properties apart in the South African market.”

Supporting Sandton’s key stakeholders

Sandton City has been a vital supporter of this project, recognising the bridge’s importance as a new link, giving their visitors open access to a spectacular vantage point with views of the vibrant hub that has grown around this exceptional shopping centre while also prioritising their pedestrian customers’ safety and convenience.

Dimitri Kokinos, Liberty Two Degrees Asset and General Manager for Sandton City and Nelson Mandela Square, says, “We welcome this new addition, as a transformative step towards enhancing urban connectivity.  We believe the bridge will provide a safe and efficient route for pedestrians, making access into Sandton City from Sandton Drive South side even easier. This is a great move for the overall Sandton Central precinct.”

Elaine Jack, City Improvement Manager for Sandton Central, adds, “Sandton Central welcomes this substantial enhancement to the precinct, as the Link Bridge will create direct, safe pedestrian access between Sandton City and The Place on Sandton Drive. Growthpoint has always been highly supportive of Sandton Central and the construction of the access bridge further highlights their on-going commitment to the value of the node.”

Public access and security

The Link Bridge will be open to the public from Sandton City during the day, with limited controlled access at night. On the east side of the road, it will be accessible from The Place’s balcony nearest Rivonia Road, leading pedestrians safely across the street and on Sandton City’s upper parking deck near the Woolworths entrance on the west side.

A key group of bridge users will be visitors to the US Consulate in Johannesburg, neighbour to The Place, who will now have a safer and more direct pathway across the road with direct street-level bridge access serving this building.

Investing in premier people-friendly places

Growthpoint Properties has long been a leader in shaping Sandton Central’s skyline, placemaking and public experiences, in addition to investing in real estate, infrastructure and green energy. It already owns a significant portfolio of office assets in Sandton’s core. The bridge is one of several major new investments Growthpoint is making in Sandton Central’s future, shaping a greater, connected and accessible precinct.

Growthpoint’s Link Bridge across Sandton Drive will stand as a testament to a business that goes beyond building structures — shaping stronger, safer, more accessible and sustainable places.

“Thanks to all involved in this initiative over the years, Sandton Central is set to become an even more integrated, convenient and people-friendly place for all who work, live, play and visit,” says Irvine.

Olympus Sandton achieves stratospheric sales success

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The landmark Olympus Sandton residential and retail development has achieved a phenomenal R940 million in sales just days after its luxury apartments were launched for public purchase on 27 February 2025, with 295 apartments sold by the close of the public sales launch weekend.

Olympus Sandton is being developed by Growthpoint Properties (JSE: GRT), South Africa’s leading real estate investment trust (REIT), in partnership with Tricolt, a premier developer specialising in high-end residential projects. It is the latest development in Sandton Summit, where Growthpoint is shaping its vision to create South Africa’s premier walkable mixed-use precinct. At the high-profile junction of Sandton/Katherine Drive and Rivonia Road, Sandton Summit is anchored by Discovery’s iconic head office building (co-owned by Growthpoint 55% and Zenprop 45%). Adjacent to this landmark, along Rivonia Road, the Olympus Sandton high-rise residential development will elevate fine living in vibrant Sandton, setting a new benchmark with 512 state-of-the-art apartments across its two towers.

The development’s first 24-storey residential tower, The Athena, is nearly sold out with 227 of its 288 apartments already secured by eager buyers.

Tim Kloeck, Chairman of Tricolt reports, “Olympus Sandton sales are exceeding all expectations. In response to the overwhelming demand, we are pleased to announce the immediate release of apartments for sale in the second tower, The Apollo. Tricolt brings its expertise in world-class residential living to this landmark project.”

The first 68 of The Apollo’s 224 apartments were snapped up swiftly on release.

Neil Schloss, Head of Asset Management: South Africa at Growthpoint Properties, adds, “The exceptional sales momentum has accelerated the Olympus Sandton development timeline, and we can confirm that construction of both towers should commence in the latter part of 2025 and early 2026. The development’s sales success exemplifies Growthpoint’s strategic approach to unlocking maximum value from prime real estate assets through strategic, market-aligned development and partnerships.”

Kent Gush from Kent Gush Properties states, “I have been selling property for 40 years in Sandton and Olympus has been the most incredible success story of my career.”

Olympus Sandton offers a variety of premium residences, with prices ranging from R1.49 million to R7.2 million for studios and one- and two-bedroom apartments. Penthouses are available from R14 million to R45 million.

The sales team notes that buyers report Olympus Sandton’s most compelling features are its prime position in vibrant Sandton Summit, offering effortless connectivity, premier amenities and a dynamic neighbourhood. Also enticing buyers is Olympus Sandton’s 360-degree skyline splendour with unmatched views across Johannesburg from the 24-storey tower, which will become the highest point in Sandton. Olympus Sandton’s elevated dining from Marble Hospitality Group, served with the breathtaking panoramas from around The Athena’s entire 18th floor, is a distinctive drawcard, as is the next-level ground-floor curated fancy foodie grocery experience from Pantry by Marble.

Beyond location and lifestyle, Olympus Sandton is a design icon — a landmark envisioned by award-winning Architects Clark Hopkins Clark. With cutting-edge, eco-friendly design, it redefines green luxury, offering smart, sustainable living at its finest.

Redefine comments on transformative potential of CID’s

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In Johannesburg, City Improvement Districts (CIDs) are playing a crucial role in urban development and management. These districts, driven by collaboration between property owners and tenants, are addressing critical urban challenges and enhancing the quality of our business environments.

As a stakeholder in South Africa’s property sector and a key player in several CIDs, I’ve observed first-hand the significant impact of these initiatives on our urban landscape.

Understanding CIDs

A CID is a defined area where property owners collaborate to provide supplementary services beyond those offered by local municipalities. In areas where municipal services struggle to meet the growing demands of our dynamic cities, CIDs step in to elevate the urban experience. CIDs provide a range of crucial additional services, including enhanced security measures, cleaning operations, and various urban management initiatives such as traffic management, landscaping, pothole and traffic light repairs that improve the overall business environment.

The funding model for CIDs involves property owners paying levies to support additional services. At Redefine Properties, we’ve been at the forefront of this urban evolution, taking an active role in shaping the governance and strategic direction of CIDs where our properties are located. In most instances where Redefine participates in CIDs, a member of our team is assigned as an active director on the CIDs’ board to ensure that the funds collected are well spent and that the necessary governance checks and balances are in place. Redefine ensures that we have clean audits on all CIDs that we participate in each year.

This collaborative approach between property owners allows CIDs to become powerful tools for this level of revitalisation. They not only maintain but actively improve the quality of our shared urban spaces, contributing significantly to the attractiveness and competitiveness of key business areas in Johannesburg.

The economic impact of CIDs

But why should this matter to you, whether you’re a Redefine tenant, business owner, property investor, or simply someone who cares about the future of our cities? The answer lies in the ripple effect of urban redevelopment. A well-managed CID doesn’t just improve the aesthetic appeal of an area; it becomes a catalyst for economic growth within and around the demarcated CID area.

Businesses thrive in environments where customers feel safe and comfortable. Property values stabilise and increase where there are successful CIDs in place. Employment opportunities multiply as the area attracts new investments. In essence, CIDs are not just about maintaining streets; they’re about nurturing the very ecosystem that allows our urban economies to grow.

Sandton Central: A success story

Take, for instance, Sandton Central, Johannesburg’s financial capital, which has maintained its status as a world-class urban centre thanks in large part to the tireless efforts of its CIDs which have been in place since 2003.

Driven by the commercial property owners, including Redefine, the Sandton Central Management District was founded to ensure the creation of an exceptional experience in this key node of Johannesburg. It was established for the employee, visitor, tourist, shopper, property owner and resident of Sandton Central and thus focuses on how this area can better serve these stakeholders. Their team of public safety ambassadors, dedicated JPMD cars with paramedic staff, and on the ground cleaning staff work around the clock, ensuring that Sandton remains a beacon of urban excellence.

As a significant property owner in Sandton, Redefine has played a key role in this CIDs preservation and further transformation. Recently, Redefine as well as other property owners and tenants within the precinct partnered with the City of Johannesburg’s road agency, Eskom and the Sandton Central Management District to power traffic lights at major intersections using generators from its buildings during loadshedding. This initiative has led to all but four intersections being powered by private owners in the event of load shedding or an electrical fault. This hands-on approach has allowed us to pioneer innovative solutions to urban challenges, contributing to Sandton’s success story.

Legal challenges and the need for reform

However, the road to urban revitalisation is not without its obstacles. In 2015, a Supreme Court of Appeal judgement in the Randburg Management District case sent shockwaves through the CID community. By questioning the legality of CID levies under the Gauteng City Improvement Districts Act, this ruling effectively rendered CID funding voluntary. This decision has significant practical implications: without a secure legal basis, CIDs face uncertainty in their operations and long-term planning, potentially undermining their ability to provide consistent, high-quality services.

This legal uncertainty has increased the difficulty of starting new CIDs and the ongoing sustainability of existing CIDs, but I believe it also presents an opportunity for meaningful reform. As industry leaders, we have a responsibility to advocate for a robust provincial and/or municipality legal framework that will secure the long-term sustainability of CIDs. Why? Because this isn’t just about protecting our investments; it’s about safeguarding the future of our cities.

The CID imperative

 CIDs have proven their worth in transforming urban spaces and driving economic growth, as evidenced by success stories like Sandton Central. However, their future hinges on establishing a recognised legal framework at the municipal level in Gauteng and potentially nationwide.

At Redefine, we’re actively working to strengthen and expand the CID model. We’re advocating for clear legislation, engaging with stakeholders, and investing in innovative urban management solutions. Our commitment stems from our belief in CIDs’ potential to drive urban revitalisation.

We invite all stakeholders – other property owners, our tenants, and city officials – to join us in recognising the value of well-managed CIDs and strengthening this crucial tool for urban development. Your active participation, from governance to advocacy, is essential.

Written by Scott Thorburn, National asset manager – Office at Redefine Properties