August 2013
CONSTRUCTION WORLD
21
One of South Africa’s most
recognisable office locations,
the Sandton City Office Tower,
is to receive a significant
facelift to its façade. Co-
owned by Liberty Holdings
and Pareto, the upgrade
will be managed by Liberty
Properties. The Sandton City
Office Tower has been a
focal point in Sandton from
its location on 5
th
Street
since it opened for business
in 1973. Visible from vantage
points across the greater
Johannesburg area, the 22
storey high-rise is one of the
most recognisable landmark
buildings in the Sandton node.
property
“DURING ITS 40 YEAR
tenure, the build-
ing has undergone routine maintenance
and safety checks. The building remains
structurally sound but, given the age of the
building, routine restorative and preventa-
tivemaintenance needs to be undertaken,”
says Graham Kusano, divisional director:
property development, Liberty Properties.
Two independent firms of structural engi-
neers completed recent audits of the build-
ing to assist in developing the programme.
Kusano says a decision to launch a
simultaneous aesthetics and security up-
grade of the building coincides with the
maintenance works. He adds that the ex-
terior of the building will be revived in line
with current development in the broader
Sandton complex. “A new glass façade will
ensure it remains relevant in the presti-
gious Sandton Central node. In addition to
the refurbishment of the façade, routine
maintenance work will be conducted and
we anticipate the project to be completed
in approximately 18 months. Existing ten-
ants are fully apprised of the situation and
can rest assure that all occupational, health
and safety regulations will be adhered to at
all times during the course of the project.”
Amelia Beattie, chief investment officer,
STANLIB Direct Property Investments, the
asset manager on behalf of Liberty and
Marius Muller, chief executive of Pareto
Limited in a joint statement say: “The in-
vestment is in line with both Liberty and
Pareto’s strategy to ensure the properties
Sandton City office tower facelift
are kept well-maintained and pertinent to
their surroundings, and coincides with the
current multi-million rand rejuvenation of
the Sandton Twin Towers complex to create
the prestigious Atrium on 5
th
commercial
development. As co-owners, we are proud
to be working on another project which
will enhance the value of the property and
over time the refurbishment will make the
building more appealing to tenants.”
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