Just 50 years ago, sandy horse trails and grassy estates snaked their way along the land which is now home to one of Johannesburg’s best shopping centres. The creation of Sandton City helped transform Sandton from a farming community into a bustling business district.

Constructed by Rapp and Maister during the early 1970s, Sandton City opened its doors to eager shoppers on 12 September 1973 and soon went on to become one of the most prestigious shopping centres in Africa.

Sandton City was “born” in 1973, and has continued to grow and develop since then. Just imagine, when the shopping centre was first launched, it covered only 50 000m2 and when our refurbishments are complete in late 2011, it will be 115,000m2 (215,000m2 –retail, office space and the Sandton Sun Hotel). That means that you’ll be able to fit the original centre into the new centre over four times!

We take a glance into the Sandton City’s star studded past:

Sandton City Timeline

1973

• Sandton City had a GLA (Gross Letable Area) of 50 000m2
• 120 stores over four levels
• 2500 parking bays
• The Sandton City Office Towers consisted of 21 levels and 25 000 m2 GLA

1983

• An additional 44 000m2 of space was added, making the total area 94 000m2
• 250 stores
• The 5-star Sandton Sun and Intercontinental Towers were launched
• 8 000 parking bays

Between 1992 and 1995

• Sandton City underwent a major refurbishment of the common areas in the centre.

2001

• Sandton City underwent a R35-million development
• 295 retail stores
• GLA was increased to 128 000m2
• 10 000 parking bays
• The new Food Court was completed
• Giant video wall was constructed
• 6-meter sheer water wall constructed

2002

• A new level was developed, the Home Living retail level (level 2)
• The cinema complex received a refurbishment

Did you know?

• Sandton City was nearly called Knoppieslaagte City Shopping Centre.
• Together, Sandton City and Nelson Mandela Square comprise the largest retail complex in Africa.

Making history
Sandton City is currently embarking on a R1.77 billion refurbishment and expansion project that includes an additional 30,000m2 retail space and an interior upgrade of the centre.

In just over 30 years, Sandton City has established itself as South Africa’s premier destination of international glamour, top fashion and lifestyle outlets and world-class service. So what does the future hold for Sandton City? Nothing but the very best of everything.