Scheduled for completion in late 2011, this first phase will effect an extensive refurbishment of the super-regional shopping centre, as well as bringing a further 30,000sqm of retail space on-stream, bringing total retail space to 131,000sqm.Demolition of the parkade situated off Rivonia Road was a major undertaking. Some 2,625sqm of post-tensioned car park slab was demolished weekly and more than 20,000 tons of building material was removed from the site.
"Demolition was achieved on time, taking over 39,000 man-hours and we're pleased that it was completed with no accidents or lost-time injuries," reports Michael Woodruff, director at project manager and principal agent GHC Africa Projects.
He adds that the bulk earthwork kicks off the construction of a new basement area, which will allow the expansion of the existing shopping malls. This stage of the project will take about six and a half months to complete and includes extensive lateral support to surrounding ground levels and existing adjacent structures.
Shoppers should note that the earthworks won't interfere with the day-to-day functioning of the mall, even though some 230,000m³ of soil and rock will be removed for the basement to be built.
Caswell Rampheri, chief operating officer of project developer Liberty Properties, says once the key retail stage is complete, later phases will focus on office, residential and hospitality uses. Plans include an estimated 65-storey office tower, a new residential component to enhance the strong mixed-use focus at Sandton City, and a re-alignment of the mall and the adjacent Southern Sun hotel. - Eugene Brink
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