Property

New R1 billion shopping precinct opening in South Africa’s richest area

Kirsten Minnaar • 13 March 2026

Construction is well underway on the new R1 billion Sandton Gate Central retail development, which is opening on 26 March 2026.

Developed by Abcon, this retail centre forms part of Sandton Gate, which is among the most complete mixed-use precincts in Johannesburg.

Phase one of this development introduced 14,000 m² of offices, with approximately 26 established commercial tenants, including Planet Fitness, The Baron (then trading as 011 Restaurant), Seattle Coffee, Sandton Optometrists and Solo Tu Salon, into operation.

It also introduced The Terrace, a residential apartment development by Craft Home in partnership with Tiber. It comprises 136 two- and three-bedroom apartments, priced from R1.87 million to R6.95 million.

Now, Abcon is busy with phase two of the development, the Sandton Gate Central retail development, which will open on 26 March 2026.

This development will add 12,000 m² of retail space across two levels to the precinct, and feature national traders, line shops, and bespoke restaurants.

At an event hosted by Abcon on 12 March 2026, the team emphasised that they focused heavily on tenant mix. “It’s about research and about strategy,” said Abcon’s head of leasing, Julie Hillary.

This meant the team exercised great care in selecting retailers, rather than simply trying to fill lettable area.

Currently, the group is 99% complete in finding retail tenants, and assured that this will be completed by the opening on 26 March 2026.

The shopping centre will be anchored by a Checkers, Woolworths and Dis-Chem. Bespoke restaurant brands will also be opening later in the year, around May and June 2026.

This includes Tortellino D’Oro, Ukko, which has been reimagined for this site as Vlamo, and Tightline, which will be making its Johannesburg debut.

The broader retail mix includes carefully selected tenants, Cobouchon, Just Cruizin, Stride Haus, and Bryanston Jewellers. The coffee shop offerings include Bootleggers, Kauai, and Luigi Coffee Co.

There will also be several beauty destinations, such as Kreme Beauty Lounge, Rain and Gary Rom Heat, making their flagship store debut at the precinct. Other convenience stores feature PNA, Milky Lane and Fix Tech.

Creating a R1 billion Sandton hotspot

An enormous investment has gone into making this precinct a reality, not only from developers but also from retailers.

Abcon development manager Kelly Applewhite confirmed that the development is valued at R1 billion. Notably, this investment excludes the costs individual retailers pay to fit their shops.

These retailers have also made significant investments in the development, with Applewhite confirming that the restaurants, in particular, are investing R20 million to R50 million to fit their shops.

One of Sandton Gate’s biggest appeals is its central location. Sandton Gate Central sits on Winnie Mandela Drive, the key north-south route connecting the Sandton CBD to Randburg, Bryanston and Fourways.

Thousands of professionals pass through this corridor daily, with close to 2,000 workers and corporates anchored within the precinct alone.

Being in the heart of Johannesburg, the development is close to all major business nodes. The following key destinations are all nearby –

Sandton CBD – 3.9 km
Sandton City Shopping Centre – 3.8 km
Gautrain Station – 4 km
Hyde Park Shopping Centre – 4.3 km
Pick n Pay on William Nicol – 950 m
Sandhurst Preparatory College – 1 km
Rosebank Union Church – 1.2 km
George Lea Park – 1.2 km

“Sandton Gate is built around how people actually live their day,” said Abcon managing director Bryce O’Donnell.

“Our vision is to create a vibrant, interconnected community where convenience and sustainability converge to enhance urban living and working.”

“Phase 2 represents the next chapter in that journey, and the restaurants we’ve secured are a cornerstone of that. Great dining becomes the heartbeat of a precinct, drawing people in and giving them a reason to stay.”