Growthpoint Properties has broken ground on a new R26m pedestrian bridge linking its flagship office development, The Place at 1 Sandton Drive, with Sandton City.
The project forms part of Growthpoint’s broader investment in Sandton Central, where it holds a significant office portfolio and continues to focus on urban connectivity and infrastructure development.
The Sandton Drive link bridge will run over Sandton Drive, between Rivonia Road and Alice Lane, and provide pedestrians with a direct and secure crossing while introducing a striking new architectural landmark to Joburg’s skyline, the group said.
“We are thrilled that this long-held vision is now a reality. 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,” said Growthpoint head of asset management Neil Schloss.
According to Growthpoint, the bridge would be open to the public from Sandton City during the day, with controlled access at night. It will also provide a safer crossing for visitors to the nearby US consulate.
It is being hailed as a major urban development milestone, aimed at boosting safety, accessibility and connectivity across one of SA’s busiest business districts.
A key element of the bridge is a covered glass viewing deck, designed to provide views across Sandton and the surrounding cityscape. The deck includes energy-efficient lighting that can change colour to coincide with seasonal events and local occasions.
Growthpoint’s head of office asset management, Timothy Irvine, said the bridge would enhance the value and appeal of The Place at Sandton Drive, while also improving mobility and connectivity across the wider Sandton area.
He said for tenants, the bridge would serve as a valuable amenity and reflected Growthpoint’s broader commitment to delivering high-quality office spaces with distinctive features in the SA market.
Liberty Two Degrees executive asset manager and general manager for Sandton City, Dimitri Kokinos, said Sandton City and Nelson Mandela Square welcomed this new addition “as a transformative step towards enhancing urban connectivity”.
Kokinos said Liberty believed the bridge would provide a safe and efficient route for pedestrians while also giving the overall Sandton Central precinct a boost.
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