New R26 million bridge coming to major South African mall

Growthpoint Properties is building a R26 million pedestrian bridge over Sandton Drive to safely connect The Place at 1 Sandton Drive with Sandton City.

Not only will this project link key locations within Sandton’s hub, but it will also introduce a new landmark to the city.

Growthpoint Properties, the JSE-listed real estate investment trust (REIT) that is funding and driving the project, 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. Growthpoint explained that the new Link Bridge is engineered to be safe, durable and maintenance-free.

Its architectural design features an angular balustraded walkway clad in stainless steel, enhancing the area functionally and aesthetically. The bridge boasts a central covered glass viewing deck at its core, offering a view of Sandton.

The eco-friendly illuminated viewing deck can change colour to mark seasons, celebrations, and events in the area. The stainless-steel sections and glass box are currently being manufactured off-site in multiple parts.

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.

“We are thrilled that this long-held vision is now a reality,” said Growthpoint’s Head of Asset Management, Neil Schloss. “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, said the new Link Bridge will boost the value and attractiveness of The Place at 1 Sandton Drive.

The project will enhance mobility and foster greater connectivity throughout the area. “For tenants of The Place, the bridge adds an invaluable amenity to their prime location,” Irvine explained.

Growth for Sandton

Sandton City has been a supporter of this project, and it stands to benefit greatly from the construction. The bridge will give its visitors access to views of the city and a safe and convenient pedestrian crossing.

“We welcome this new addition as a transformative step towards enhancing urban connectivity,” said Dimitri Kokinos, Liberty Two Degrees Asset and General Manager for Sandton City and Nelson Mandela Square.

“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.”

Sandton Central improvement manager Elaine Jack said Sandton Central welcomes this enhancement to the precinct.

“The Link Bridge will create direct, safe pedestrian access between Sandton City and The Place on Sandton Drive,” Jack said.

“Growthpoint has always been highly supportive of Sandton Central, and the construction of the access bridge further highlights their ongoing commitment to the value of the node.”

The Link Bridge will be open to the public from Sandton City during the day and will have limited controlled access at night.

It will be accessible from The Place’s balcony nearest Rivonia Road on the east side of the road, leading pedestrians across the street to 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 United States Consulate in Johannesburg, a neighbour to The Place. They will now have a safer and more direct pathway across the road with direct street-level bridge access serving this building.