Construction World

CONSTRUCTION WORLD

SEPTEMBER

2017

PROPERTY

This mixed-use precinct, will offer a quality office, retail, residential

and lifestyle environment on the doorstep of Sandton, with the

added benefits of highly convenient access, a vast choice of public

transport options and a secure precinct environment.

Abland and Tiber have joined forces to develop the Sandton Gate

precinct, combining their respective strengths to deliver a carefully

conceived, and ultimately well-executed, product.

The sizeable site on which the precinct will unfold, has been

assembled over several years by Tiber. Therefore, when Tiber’s CEO

Fernando Cardoso was approached by Abland’s MD Jurgens Prinsloo

to consider a JV approach for the development of a precinct,

incorporating properties that Abland had purchased in the same

area, discussions commenced and it was soon very evident that the

synergies and complementary experience and expertise could be

combined to create a world-class mixed-use precinct, to be known as

Sandton Gate.

“We believe that the strong complementary skills and expertise

within our two companies can be harnessed to deliver, execute and

manage a development of this magnitude,” comments Cardoso.

Prinsloo adds: “We have the opportunity to do something special

here. This is an exceptional site for a strong nodal development.”

Situated on William Nicol Drive between Sandton Drive and

Republic Road, Sandton Gate will be right on the doorstep of South

Africa’s economic business centre. The precinct is easily accessible

via a number of major arterial routes from Sandton, Hyde Park and

the N1 freeway as well as finding itself alongside the current S5

Sandton – Fourways Gautrain Bus Route. It is also located on one of

the planned routes for the extended Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system,

which in turn will link it conveniently to the Rosebank and Sandton

Gautrain stations.

The site provides 130 000 m

of developable floor area made

up of approximately 80 000 m

of offices, 400 residential units

and a variety of lifestyle and smaller retail amenities. This will

include a health club, restaurants or cafés, and other smaller format

convenience amenities which will contribute to the overall appeal

of the precinct.

The site is adjacent to the Braamfontein Spruit, which is a very

popular mountain biking route. The entire stretch of river ad-

joining the site will be rehabilitated and upgraded as part of the

project, thereby encouraging cyclists and local residents to

make use of this open space and the other amenities provided.

The concept of a mixed-use precinct is strongly aligned with the

new urbanist principles of creating pedestrian friendly, live-work-play

environments. Such environments are also more eco-friendly in that

they reduce people’s commutes and carbon footprints. Building

on these important sustainability goals, the intention is for every

commercial building in Sandton Gate to obtain a minimum Four Star

Green Star SA rating.

”We are also proud to say that the entire precinct will be Green

Star SA rated and that Sandton Gate is one of the sites being used

as a pilot in the development of the precinct rating tool by the Green

Building Council of South Africa,” Prinsloo notes.

Engagement with the City of Johannesburg and local residents

has been very positive to date. The first phase of Sandton Gate will

include all the necessary infrastructure, plus 10 000 to 15 000 m

of commercial office space, and a residential component which will

commence in the latter part of 2017. Thereafter, the development will

progress according to market demand.

The commercial buildings will be developed as high-end A-Grade

and P-Grade buildings offering maximum flexibility to accommodate

large, medium and smaller users. The residential units will be

available for sale and/or leasing while the commercial buildings will

be available for leasing.

The Abland/Tiber Joint Venture will manage all aspects of the

development, from the initial planning, design, construction, leasing

and ultimately the management of the entire precinct.

The joint venture’s ability to expertly manage the development

process from inception to completion is a major strength. Tiber’s

track record is evidenced by some of South Africa’s most iconic

buildings which can be seen dotted along the Sandton skyline. This,

blended with Abland’s pedigree in responsibly developing best-in-

class, innovative and sustainable developments across the country,

lays the foundation for the delivery of an inimitable world-class

precinct development.

“Having decades of experience in this environment and a solid

understanding of the process, will enable the Abland/Tiber JV to

control the delivery from the outset right through to the professional

management of the precinct. This lends great strength to our

partnership and will ensure that we can roll out a well-conceived,

value-engineered and efficiently managed product, ensuring the

delivery of high quality but competitive pricing to the market,”

comments Prinsloo.

Savings achieved through efficiencies in the development

process can be passed on to occupiers, who will benefit from highly

competitive rentals in a prime node. This factor, combined with

Sandton Gate’s safe, secure and attractive precinct nature, its easily

accessible location, and its focus on sustainability, are sure to make

it a highly desirable location to live and work in.



JOINING FORCES

Companies and residential buyers who are looking

for a prominent but convenient address, quality

office premises or state-of-the-art apartments that

still offer good value for money, need look no further

than Sandton Gate.