Name: Sandton Eye
Use: Mixed Use development that will include the second Radisson hotel in Sandton along with office and retail components
Floors: 30
Status: Under Construction
Location: Sandton




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http://us-cdn.creamermedia.co.za/assets/articles/images/resized/61539_resized_raddison_sandton_eye_8.jpg


PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT

Quantum seeks stake in R1,4bn Sandton Eye development

By: Creamer Media Reporter
6th April 2009
Updated 5 hours ago

South African property development company, the Quantum Property Group (QPG), was continuing its negotiations with the Savana Trust to acquire a 25% stake in the R1,4-billion Sandton Eye mixed-use property development, in which it could potentially invest R75-million.

If the deal goes ahead, the AltX-listed QPG would be appointed as the development manager for the project during the construction phase.

Executive chairperson Chaim Cohen said in a statement that the project was a logical progression in the group’s portfolio, and was of the same quality standard as its first project, 15 on Orange, in Cape Town.

The Sandton Eye would include 5 000 m2 of boutique retail space, 20 000 m2 of offices, a 200-roomed five-star Radisson Blu hotel and 12 penthouse suites.

“Sandton represents one of the highest socioeconomic profiles in the country with mainly LSM 10+ residents, and is the second-largest office node in South Africa,” said Cohen, adding that for some time the area had been growing at about 4% a year, while office space has increased by about 6% a year since 1993.

QPG noted that the development was strategically positioned opposite the Gautrain rapid-rail station, which would boost the development’s patronage.

Meanwhile, the group was also continuing to look for further expansions and acquisitions in South Africa and abroad and had appointed Grindrod Bank as corporate adviser for its capital-raising efforts.

The group was optimistic that it would be able to raise its targeted capital despite the tough economic conditions, said QPG CEO Gary Itzikowitz.

“Investor appetite for QPG’s shares was reflected in the immediate over-subscription of our private offer just before listing in October 2008. While adverse economic conditions have since intensified, the QPG directors’ longstanding track records in property development and asset management continue to offer comfort with the proven ability to deliver returns even in difficult markets,” he stated.

Meanwhile, the group’s R1-billion 15 on Orange development remained on track to be completed by the middle of this year.

Edited by: Mariaan Webb

From previous thread:

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p246/In3rti4/IMG00065.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g160/amgosai/Puzela/P1150380.jpg

Inertia,

Sandton Eye is already U/C?

It looks like WBHO is the contractor on this development.

It looks like the second photo is of the Barrow Properties development?

Yes Sandton Eye is already on the 8th floor I believe.

The 2nd pic is also of Sandton eye, from Katherine Street (90 degree angle to the first). The 114 West site is in the foreground

PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT[/I][/B]

Quantum seeks stake in R1,4bn Sandton Eye development

By: Creamer Media Reporter
6th April 2009
Updated 5 hours ago

South African property development company, the Quantum Property Group (QPG), was continuing its negotiations with the Savana Trust to acquire a 25% stake in the R1,4-billion Sandton Eye mixed-use property development, in which it could potentially invest R75-million.

Meanwhile, the group’s R1-billion 15 on Orange development remained on track to be completed by the middle of this year.

Edited by: Mariaan Webb

15 on Orange is in Cape Town. It looks like QPC is really make a good go on their project pipeline!

Nice, when complete will it be the tallest in Sandton?

Standing at 34 floors,I believe that the Michelangelo Towers is the tallest building in Sandton.

Standing at 34 floors,I believe that the Michelangelo Towers is the tallest building in Sandton.

There was another tower called The Sears on Maude that was to be 38 floors but it was cancelled last year.

Talk about a lot of Raddissons!

It actually looks similar architecturally to the new Radisson already built. But, hey, any decent height is good, but would've liked a more creative design and not a copy... unless, it is right next door and actually complements the current one, then the twin tower thing could actually maybe look pretty cool! :)

Talk about a lot of Raddissons!

seems they like Sandton, funny enough the guy thats incharge of all Telecoms, TV for them came to see me now. His been so busy, and was telling me about the Radisson in PE, But in general they are pushing like mad in SA, he said he has the plans for for the Umhlanga one with him at his offices.

^^ squeeze his arm DB, we need more info.

lol, this guy is best bud's with Sol Kerzner, he had to turn down the One & Only, and he was in Germany with GMP last week regarding the sound system for MM so he couldnt attend the party in Cape Town, his wife went and had a blast as usual...

It actually looks similar architecturally to the new Radisson already built. But, hey, any decent height is good, but would've liked a more creative design and not a copy... unless, it is right next door and actually complements the current one, then the twin tower thing could actually maybe look pretty cool! :)

The design isn't groundbreaking but it's attractive enough, IMO. Atleast it's not stubby like the other Radisson - which btw is my favourite building in Sandton.

^^ your favourite in Sandton? really??

I'm not much of a fan of the design, but density is density.

^^ your favourite in Sandton? really??

Yep. Have you ever seen it in person? It is very aesthetic and the concrete tones with clean lines work well IMO. 10 floors higher and it would of been a killer

QUANTUM PROPERTY GROUP SETS ITS EYE ON SANDTON
DEVELOPMENT

Furthering its strategy to accumulate a quality investment-grade portfolio, AltXlisted Quantum Property Group (“QPG”) has announced a potential R75 million investment in the prestigious Sandton Eye development. QPG will acquire a 25% stake in the mixed-use project located in the epicentre of the Sandton business hub.

The group will also be appointed development manager responsible for construction, leveraging its directors’ extensive development experience with more than R4 billion of landmark projects under their belt.

Executive Chairman Chaim Cohen says the Sandton Eye, which is estimated to be worth almost R1,4 billion on completion, is a logical progression in the QPG portfolio. “Sandton Eye is of the same exclusive genre and quality standard as the group’s first project – 15 on Orange in Cape Town.” Similarly to 15 on Orange, the Sandton development includes 5 000 m2 of prime boutique retail, 20 000m2 of offices, a 200-roomed 5-star Radisson Blu hotel and 12 luxury penthouse suites.

“Sandton represents one of the highest socio-economic profiles in the country with mainly LSM 10+ residents, and is the second largest office node in South Africa,” says Cohen, adding that for some time the area has been growing at roughly 4% annually while office space has increased around 6% a year since 1993. “The Sandton Eye is therefore ideally positioned to capitalise on affluent local residents and business-people, Gautrain and bus commuters and tourists.”

The development is strategically positioned opposite the Gautrain Station which is expected to see about 12 000 commuters an hour. “Our patronage will be further boosted by the rapid bus transit system – BRT – the main station being situated at the entrance to Sandton Eye.” In light of this Cohen is confident of strong interest in the commercial and retail aspects of the development.

The Sandton Eye transaction remains subject to a number of conditions precedent.

At the same time the group is also pursuing further expansion both locally and abroad.

Grindrod Bank has recently been appointed as corporate advisors in respect of capital raising to fund acquisitions. CEO Gary Itzikowitz says QPG is optimistic about raising the targeted capital despite tough economic conditions. He adds that Grindrod Bank’s optimism about a successful capital raising further underpins his confidence.

Itzikowitz says: “Investor appetite for QPG’s shares was reflected in the immediate over-subscription of our private offer just before listing in October 2008. While adverse economic conditions have since intensified, the QPG directors’ longstanding track records in property development and asset management continue to offer comfort with the proven ability to deliver returns even in difficult markets.”

The group’s 15 on Orange development is on schedule with funding still firmly secure despite the credit crisis. 15 on Orange will be valued at almost R1 billion on completion in June/July 2009. QPG is set to derive ongoing income from the leasing and operation of the 15 on Orange Hotel, the latter together with African Pride (the premier 5-star brand in the Protea Hotel Group’s stable), and from the parking bays and retail tenant rentals.

Cohen says: “We have a three-pronged strategy encompassing property
developments but extending also to investments and trading. This will build a quality, sustainable portfolio with diversified revenue streams.” He adds that further acquisitions and opportunities being considered by QPG are therefore intended to generate a mix of development and investment income for the group.

QPG’s board was recently bolstered by the appointment of Johann Opperman in February 2009. Leaving his former position as a Director of Standard Bank’s Property Finance Division, and with over 20 years’ experience, Opperman is expected to contribute strongly to QPG’s growth prospects. “His treasury experience, capital raising expertise, proven deal-making capability, financial markets knowledge and comprehensive network will play a large role in realising future growth initiatives,” concludes Cohen.

QPG shares closed Friday at R1,95.

Ends.
_______________________________________________________________
Issued by: Envisage Communications
Nicole Katz/Michèle Mackey
(011) 325 5944/082 497 9827
On behalf of: Quantum Property Group
Chaim Cohen, Executive Chairman
AND
Gary Itzikowitz, CEO
(011) 884 7342/ 082 444 9950
www.quantumprops.co.za

Issue date: 6 April 2009

Will this be another Radisson Blu like the one above BMW at Sandton Ilse, or a Radisson Park Inn hotel?

ie. will they both be the exact same? or just the same hotel group..

Will this be another Radisson Blu like the one above BMW at Sandton Ilse, or a Radisson Park Inn hotel?

ie. will they both be the exact same? or just the same hotel group..

Similar, not the same.

thanks

http://i436.photobucket.com/albums/qq89/diekapenaar/Snapshot2009-04-0817-01-05.jpg?t=1239228528

http://i436.photobucket.com/albums/qq89/diekapenaar/Snapshot2009-04-0816-52-13.jpg?t=1239228508

a nice surprise out of nowhere! Good for Sandton.

Yep. Have you ever seen it in person? It is very aesthetic and the concrete tones with clean lines work well IMO. 10 floors higher and it would of been a killer

yep i have seen it in person many many times, everytime i look at it i feel that something is missing from it, cos i just get a very blah feeling. I do wish it had followed the lines of the lower section more

^^ not really a surprise, we been chatting about this one for awhile, but as i said in the earlier thread, i much prefer the design of this one to the completed one

OK. Park Inn thread needs to be closed - and this is the new site. Construction is booming ahead, and staff at the Radisson Blu on Daisy Rd confirmed that some of them will be moving to the Radisson Blu on Rivonia once completed. Two 5 star Radisson Blu Hotels for Sandton.


Here you can see how close the Sandton Eye development is to the Sandton Isle development. Will make quite an impact on the Sandton skyline.
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa259/granova/DSC00135-2.jpg

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa259/granova/DSC00180-1.jpg

These are all on the "JHB city " side of Sandton on the way to Rasebank?
is that correct. I remember there was a cool italian resturant along that road and of course the Bar acadamy, eeesh too many night sthere

Sandton is growing in two directions at this stage - yes, this one is on rivonia towards rosebank. The Sandton Isle is lower down Rivonia, towards Morningside. But another cluster is developing in Morningside. More towards the North

so will mid rise development then span all down Rivonia rd to Rivonia its self?

Makes sence to string it out along the main atrerial route linking the Freeway to Rosebank. Will create nodes off it

^^ there's 2 high rises coming next to Sandton Eye. Old mutual will be developing their Southern African head office opposite Sandton eye and I hear that it willbe a 20+ story. Apartments with the red roof on the left hand-sideof the pic will be demolished either the beggining of 2010 or later in the year for a development which will be exercised by WBHO.

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa259/granova/DSC00135-2.jpg

There's actually a lot to come if the plans are still as I know them.

They currently working on the 11th floor.

Both will be 5star Radisson Blu Hotels. They decided that the market justified another 5star. The Park Inn is only 3 star.

Uh, so how many 5 stars are they in Sandton altogether?

Radisson Blu
Radisson Blu
Hilton
Sandton Sun
Intercontinental
Michaelangelo
Michaelgangelo Towers
Raphael Suites

Not sure if I missed any.

Ah, thanks.

Photobucket is disssapointing, I got an update but can't rotate it.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f119/Puleza/P1180312.jpg

Looking awesome! Jeesh this baby is rising fast!!

What's nice about this and the new Nedbank extension is that they both have street level shopping.. A nice addition to the Sandton shopping experience!

^^ that's a nice approach by developers in Sandton.

They could really have made this awesome with a few design changes. This is average version of the Metropolitan Building in the CT CBD.

guys any ideas on how close the height(with the massive spire) of this building will be to sandton city

oh sorry this should be the 2nd tallest building in sandton if i'm not mistaken "well its pretty obvious "

^^ yip it will be.

^^ yip it will be.

Bad news guys. The banner is taken down,and it seems to be topped out. I think the height has been reduced. Just a suspicion, but it could make sense. They were struggling with the office space.

Oh dear...this won't look too pretty as a shortie.

Whaaaat? Say it aint so :( :( :(

I did notice that they seemed to have halted on a floor.. But let's see

Ag no please... then they might as well just implode the fvcking thing. It will look horrible.:bash:

I do hope I am wrong... That piece of land is way to valuable to spoil with a smallish hotel.

^^ You can say that again!

Those are bad news, I hope you wrong Jakes.

Bad news, Im afraid. the 20 000m2 office component fell away. This means this building is now a little vile stump. It is topped out - at a mere 12 or so floors. The developer might look into increasing the height to 30floors in the future (whatever). They have zoning to go up to 30, but I think the crunch is crunching in. Vomit vomit.

Ah well. If they want to stick a vile little clump of a building on prime property - it is their bad. Iconic? I hope they change the name. This is more likely to be the Sandton Stump than the "eye." This building is about as iconic as a mcd's franchise.

Finished my rant. Brushing off all negative sentiments. hating people for getting my hopes up... Another one bites the dust.

So Dysan, reduce height to 12 or so (who cares, in any case). It is also topped out. Hoorah. I hate them so much at this stage.

In good news, the twin 18F alice lane towers are growing nicely.

Thats a pitty, but foundations are in place, but doubt having offices above a hotel would make much sense.

:badnews:

All is not lost boys, many buildings get a phase 2 when conditions are right. Foundations are in for a 30F tower and so is current structure so give it 4 years and then they will stick the next 18 floors on

Jakes, I think that a Macdonalds would have been more impressive. At least it wont look like a chopped down skyscraper.... eeuuwwww!

Please change the thread title to Sandton Shack.

My condolences. That's disgusting news.

sandton shack is to flattering. "Towering" (maybe cowering?) piece of sh*t would make me more happy.

Blugh.

All is not lost boys, many buildings get a phase 2 when conditions are right. Foundations are in for a 30F tower and so is current structure so give it 4 years and then they will stick the next 18 floors on

agreed but still what a waste :bash:

That good news why have a empty half of a building???Plus they shouldn't even be building offices in sandton cuz there are so many empty buildings in the CBD..The buildings wasn't even amazing..The second tallest should have been better anyways..

That good news why have a empty half of a building???Plus they shouldn't even be building offices in sandton cuz there are so many empty buildings in the CBD..The buildings wasn't even amazing..The second tallest should have been better anyways..

Your expert opinion never ceases to amaze me.

^^its very insightful :)

"That good news why have a empty half of a building???Plus they shouldn't even be building offices in sandton cuz there are so many empty buildings in the CBD..The buildings wasn't even amazing..The second tallest should have been better anyways.. "

Please re-phrase this sentence as I do not understand the last half

Man stfu you know what the hell I said. Why waste money building a 30fl building when u can only fill in 12fl of it??The office had no glass it was only average..

Drove past this one today. 13 floors. One big stump. Luckily it is not really iconic or visible. Good news?

Da Vinci will look incredible. And so will the twin buildings in Alice Lane (two sexy 18floor curvy structures). And the 21 floor building in Morningside is rising fast.

Drove past this one today. 13 floors. One big stump. Luckily it is not really iconic or visible. Good news?

Da Vinci will look incredible. And so will the twin buildings in Alice Lane (two sexy 18floor curvy structures). And the 21 floor building in Morningside is rising fast.

Maybe we can have some huge palmtrees planted on the top and make it look like a giant potplant. :banana:

The lift shaft sticks out like a moles head. Maybe it's in place for a future rise in height.

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p246/In3rti4/IMG00055.jpg

If not then we really got screwed on this one.

The plans are to add the 20Floors at a later stage. Developers confirmed this part.

^^ that's even better, I ccome from the site just now and they said when done it will be the tallest building in Sandton at about 37 floors. The sad part is that the completion might happen after the world cup even thought the hotel and the retail will lbe functioning by then.

Exactly how tall is this building?,I'm confused are they going to finish the building in phases?

It sounds good but how many times have we heard that before? I mean if this thing stands like that until 2012 or whenever it will be a huge pity.

Good news pule..Good news by the developers to, build some then finish the rest later..

Drove past this one today. 13 floors. One big stump. Luckily it is not really iconic or visible. Good news?

Da Vinci will look incredible. And so will the twin buildings in Alice Lane (two sexy 18floor curvy structures). And the 21 floor building in Morningside is rising fast.

I'm not surprised that they cut the office portion of the development as it would probably no longer be viable because of the economic crash which has seen the mining industry collapse by declining more than 20% in the first quarter.

They will more than likely not open the Rezidor hotel as a Radisson but a second Park Inn which would make better sense in these times as there are too many five-star hotels in Joburg like in CT and the WC 2010 is unlikely to address what will be a oversupply crisis of hotel rooms for the next 5-10 years.

^^ that's even better, I ccome from the site just now and they said when done it will be the tallest building in Sandton at about 37 floors. The sad part is that the completion might happen after the world cup even thought the hotel and the retail will lbe functioning by then.

I doubt we will see it go higher until the Eskom constraints in Sandton CBD are addressed. The good part is that the Sandton Eye won't be an unfinished eyesore that will become derelict. Developers were smart to cut and run because the economic malaise will more than likely mean that the tower will not be viable anytime soon.

Yes Die Kapenaar, we get it, the world is ending. :nuts:

Yes Die Kapenaar, we get it, the world is ending. :nuts:

Didn't say it was ending but the news is very sobering.

Drove past this one today. 13 floors. One big stump. Luckily it is not really iconic or visible. Good news?

Da Vinci will look incredible. And so will the twin buildings in Alice Lane (two sexy 18floor curvy structures). And the 21 floor building in Morningside is rising fast.

Since this tower is primarily an hotel with a small retail portion on the ground levels, the thread needs to be renamed and changed to:

#Radisson Blu Sandton Central - Mixed Use - 13F - Sandton

I just drove past here like 10 minutes ago, and it is really sad to think that it has topped out.... SHYTE!

Since this tower is primarily an hotel with a small retail portion on the ground levels, the thread needs to be renamed and changed to:

#Radisson Blu Sandton Central - Mixed Use - 13F - Sandton

I don't understand why it would not be renamed Radisson Blu Sandton Central as it is essentially an hotel without the offices and that is what it is called on the Rezidor website. You might want to rename it as Radisson Blu Sandton Eye and rename the first Radisson hotel in Sandton as Radisson Blu Sandton Isle.

I'm not surprised that they cut the office portion of the development as it would probably no longer be viable because of the economic crash which has seen the mining industry collapse by declining more than 20% in the first quarter.

They will more than likely not open the Rezidor hotel as a Radisson but a second Park Inn which would make better sense in these times as there are too many five-star hotels in Joburg like in CT and the WC 2010 is unlikely to address what will be a oversupply crisis of hotel rooms for the next 5-10 years.

It is still a Radisson Blu, and actually Jozi has an undersupply of 5star hotels - you can speak to any operator. And they are already building a Park Inn down the road. So it seems the two RAdisson Blus are staying at least.

if this is true why not increase the key count on this property and reduce the office component?

me I would have converted to half of offices into serviced appartments (by raddison but sold as sectional title units) and freehold appartments

Wrong post.

http://i436.photobucket.com/albums/qq89/diekapenaar/Snapshot2009-08-0316-49-21.jpg

Having shortage in hotel rooms for WC, they could have built all 30 floors. And have Rezidor let hotel rooms in the future Office floors, even if these had to be 2-3 stars hotel rooms. And if they are really thinking increasing the floors when the economical situation is better, I wouldn't like to be staying in that hotel when this occures, with all the noise and dust...

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii158/mandana_sa/IMG_2520.jpg

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii158/mandana_sa/IMG_2518.jpg

I fucking hate it. I can jump higher than that!

Pity it's so stubby :ohno: Oh well.

Ag nee man, it's almost embarresing!

Okay, you know what.... I drove past it this morning early, and it doesn't look that bad.... :)

Just wish that it could be higher...

Yah at least it's on a hill so if you're approaching it from Katherine Drive it looks rather tall :)

let's just hope those little stubs of columns on the top floor get a new lease on life sometime in the near future

this ones gonna be fun with the kitchens...

Welcome Richard333. don't forget to present yourself here http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=199868

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii158/mandana_sa/IMG_2854.jpg

i could not get pics from the sides. there is glass in the windows and the top of the elevator shaft has roof rafters over it. will try to get pics from a different angle in the week.

^^ pics are mine

Hasnt 114 West broken ground already?
This development was launched quite a while already

^^ sorry Marco, it hasn't.

this one doesnt look all bad in the flesh but ya the extra floors would have been nice.

The Sandton Steristump is Topped out. Yawn. They have to change the name. And oh, to "top" things off, they actually built a little kazebo on top, to make it look ever so posh.

Yes, this facade makes sense. Not.
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa259/granova/Santon%20Feb%2009/P2190270.jpg

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa259/granova/Santon%20Feb%2009/P2190274.jpg

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa259/granova/Santon%20Feb%2009/P2190275.jpg

^^ lovely photos Jakes, the developers said the completition of the building to between 24 and 36 floors will start in Sepetember.

Lets see if she grows after the WC
http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b443/goliath01/DSC02951-1.jpg

^^ lovely photos Jakes, the developers said the completition of the building to between 24 and 36 floors will start in Sepetember.

So 24 floors then

http://www5.picturepush.com/photo/a/3147648/640/3147648.jpg

http://www3.picturepush.com/photo/a/3147651/640/3147651.jpg

Looks nice from the angle of the second photo :)

With that roof top deck it does not look like it will up any more floors at all... also it is RIDICULOUSLY expensive to now carry on building many more floors above with the hotel portion operational. How certain are we that they mean this one will go up to 24+ floors? find it VERY hard to believe

hello,
open a new website of downland!
http://down2me.co.cc/
enjoy.

with the whole bottom part, looks very similar to the other Radison

The top bar has a three year lease, and after that they will probably look into the possible extension of the tower. For now, 12 floors it is.

^^ 3 years? sounds about right. If some of these massive developments go ahead there will be massive overdevelopment of commercial space in the area which will have serious impacts on returns and rentals

Confirmed as 25f phase two construction as of January 2010.

SA: Sandton Eye:Giving a View of what’s to come in Sandton

Hot on the heels of a previously successful development, the developers of Sandton Eye felt the property market was in need of a second round of upmarket schemes.
Recognising the opportunity in having a mixed-use development with hotel accommodation and retail options diagonally across from the future site of Gautrain station, which envisages 12 ,000 commuters an hour, as well as the imminent bus rapid transit (BRT) station, Sandton Eye is poised to reap immense patronage upon completion.

Sandton Eye
Design Plan

The development was structurally designed to reach 33 floors above ground. However, it will be limited to 25 floors, due to the developers recognition of the sway in the market as a result of the global economic woes. The structural lateral stability of the tower was achieved by designing the central core with 45mm thick concrete walls at 50MPa. The central core is capable of resisting all lateral forces. Perimeter columns thus resist the vertical loads.

Currently the plan includes two phases, with the first phase developing up to the 13th floor; thereafter the subsequent phase will carry the balance of floors. The top level of phase 1 is designed as a working platform which allows all future construction to start from the platform without back propping. “The design feature will conserve time and money”, states Stephan Lapage of Dippenaar & Lapage, consulting civil and structural engineers.


A burgeoning mixed use development in the epicentre of Sandton’s CBD; providing 5,000m2 of prime boutique retail, 20 000m2 of offices, a 200-room 5-star Radisson Blu hotel and 12 luxury penthouse suites will be opening in April 2010.

The building comprises three floors of retail space of approximately 5,000m2, a 5-star Radisson Blu 200-key hotel, which will greatly assist the growing demand for exclusive accommodation in Sandton generally, as well as in preparation for the 2010 World Cup. The balance of the mixed-use development will comprise 25,000m2 of offices over 13 floors and 12 penthouses on the top floors.

Desiring not to be too limited by the current economic crisis, the selection of building materials were a combination of economic considerations and selections that would represent the iconic status of Sandton Eye developers were striving for. To this end, the facade treatments reflect coated precast concrete cladding mixed with expansive glazing panels in the form of punched windows on the hotel bedroom levels, multiple–level curtain walling on the upper 3 floors, and generous shop fronts on the retail and hotel public levels. Though a relative straight-forward and basic construction platform, Sandton Eye did have some interesting features and challenges.
Challenges

“One point of interest is that all the suspended concrete floor slabs extending over the footprint of the tower block are post tensioned, which in a development required to be as flexible as this one, creates its own challenges, as we had to make a lot of post construction penetrations for services, stair and lift shafts,” says Jeff Ehrlich of SIP Project Managers.

A late request by the client for an additional lift to the retail area, forced it to be positioned in the same shaft directly below one of the hotel lifts, which according to the lift contractor is the first time this technique has been implemented in the country.

Another challenge mentioned by Ehrlich was that the client, to a large extent, tailored the development to provide optimum returns in the current difficult economic circumstances, ‘thus we have undergone many revisions and changes to enable the client to accommodate the requirements and complete the first phase of the development.”
The number of columns were also limited due to the underground parking areas needing trafficable clearances and the original brief’s design of 33 floors. Possibly a first in the country’s construction industry, the column’s concrete strength was specified at 90MPa.

Going through such challenges are worth the benefits Sandton Eye brings. Aside from providing much needed luxury accommodation and added retail options to the economic hub of Sandton, the development is viewed as a catalyst for other developments in the immediate area, which are currently occupied with townhouses and apartment complexes, which from a property developer’s view, the land can be much more profitable once developments such as Sandton Eye are built in their place.

PROJECT TEAM
Client Savana Property
Project Managers SIP Project Managers
Architect Tower Design Studio
Wet Services SJ Franklin Consulting
Tower Design Studio
Mechanical Engineers Spoormaker and Partners
Fire Consultant TWCE
Civil Engineer KVH
Safety Consultants Bitline SA
Facade Consultant Arup Consulting Engineers<
Electrical Engineer CKR Consulting Engineers
Quantity Surveyor CPS Quantity Surveyors
Structural Engineer Dippenaar & Lapage
Main Contractor WBHO

So the top construction site will serve a purpose.

Phase 1 is 13 F, phase 2 will be 25 F (dropped down from the inteded 33 F)

Thank you Lord!

^^I had said this before. Pity that it wont be its original height (38Fls). It was first scaled down to 33 now 25...
I just hope the other big boys waiting to start dont shrink also.

not bad

http://www2.picturepush.com/photo/a/3442615/640/3442615.jpg

http://www2.picturepush.com/photo/a/3442625/640/3442625.jpg

looking good

Nice! Love how its been integrated onto the street!

^^ yip but imagine a taxi driving at high speed hitting the pavement and driving straight into that glass.

Ah Pulz, always the optimist ;)

^^ yip but imagine a taxi driving at high speed hitting the pavement and driving straight into that glass.

Hahaha Puls it comes with the risk of streetside shopping I guess :lol:

Rococo will be opning soon here, does anybody know what it's going to be? May be an international arm of Rococo firniture store but I doubt that and think that it will rather be a restaurant.

http://www1.picturepush.com/photo/a/3480124/640/3480124.jpg

^^ By the way, Rococo is restaurant owned by Ninos.


Owners of Sandton Eye should be smiling all the way to the bank as retail shows that they are in desperate need of street leve trading in the CBD of Sandton. The retail part of this building is now fully let. I can quote the following that have moved in -

Cafe 41
Diva ~ Clothing
g+g ~ Clothing
OHG ~ Hand bags
"An Art gallery"
"woman's clothing boutique store"
Europ Car Rentals
Rococo

This might lead to more street level developments.

Did anyone notice the name that has been put on this hotel. It appears to be now called

GAUTRAIN HOTEL.

interesting.

^^ yip it is.

Did anyone notice the name that has been put on this hotel. It appears to be now called

GAUTRAIN HOTEL.

interesting.

saw it the other day can't miss it

Opening soon here.

http://srv-londonimages-2.londontown.com/2004/September/AO252503_429long.jpg

Came across this render for phase 2 of the building.. Wonder if it'll ever go thru

http://images.hotels-world.com/2//org/251/hotelPhoto/6740_Radisson_Blu_Gautrain.jpg

Poor stumpy.

They mentioned the fact that phase 2 will take place in years to come. They were not exact about the date.

What's the difference between the two phases?

No of floors.

So ZAR (Kunene's bar on the roof of this one) is closing down. Some say Kunene is losing money. He says he is looking for a new venue because the developers want to continue. I don't see phase 2 commencing soon, but at least there is still talk of it. And ZAR is not a loss. I hope it moves to Fourways.

To be honest I'm enjoying this more than I probably should, but I just can't stand this guy

Rumour mill in overdrive before ZAR shuts down

Business tycoon Kenny Kunene’s popular ZAR nightspot in Joburg is closing down. The club, which rose to notoriety when Kunene ate sushi off a model’s body during his birthday celebration, will move to other premises in less than six weeks.

According to one source, Kunene and his business partner, Gayton McKenzie, were allegedly not able to pay the rent for their luxurious rooftop club because the pair had blown their money “giving free drinks to clients all the time”.

Speaking to City Press, ex-con Kunene laughed off allegations of outstanding rental fees, stating that his move to shut up shop was “based purely on the property owners wanting to extend the building”.

“How can I spend R20 million on a project – leasing the place and furnishing it – only to be kicked out? I even installed a private lift last year so that my clientele could go straight from the parking to the club,” said Kunene.

“We are moving our business elsewhere to a bigger space,” he said.

A former ZAR employee told City Press that the Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel, where ZAR occupies the rooftop, was not on good terms with the club owners because the club had “cost” them their clients.

“The hotel suffered. No one wanted to go there because their wives would suspect them of going to the club. People also could not hang out in peace with their mistresses for fear that they’ll be caught on camera,” said the source.

But the Radisson’s general manager, Erica Olivier, vehemently denied the allegations. “No, no, no! There is nothing like that. ZAR is a tenant on the premises like we are. These rumours are totally not true. All we know is that the club wanted more space and the property owners could not give it the club,” she said.

Hendrik Breitenbach, spokesperson for property owners Savannah Properties, also dismissed the rumours of rental woes.

Kunene says he plans to “throw a shit party” for the closing.

“We are going out with a bang of a party. We will have the finest of everything for all our guests. And we will be back, just in a different space.” City Press

http://m.news24.com/citypress/Entertainment/News/Rumour-mill-in-overdrive-before-ZAR-shuts-down-20120121

All is not lost boys, many buildings get a phase 2 when conditions are right. Foundations are in for a 30F tower and so is current structure so give it 4 years and then they will stick the next 18 floors on


As you said buddy...things might me starting to happen...

The very cool HD signboards at Sandton Eye

hwsuTyW928Q

Seems that they are planning to start building on top of this again early next year.

:banana:

http://tracker1.co.za/weblink/ff562d64-f85b-4267-be5a-ef75bbce565a.htm

Was this the original design though. Looks a bit funny...

It does look strange. Although its better than just keeping the current facade all the way to the top. How many extra floors will this building get?

How weird. District9 style

Don't know yet.

Planning to see the guy on Monday.

About R38,000 per square for those who are wondering.

6 floors extra and hardly worth the effort. hotel gonna suffer when adding on. guests dont like noise

And now it looks like two stumpy buildings stacked on top of each other. And hotel will def suffer. Keeping in mind we have construction right next door too!

Looks very very odd.

I like the top section...it'd be nice if the whole thing looked like that. But together it's a very strange combination.

I can't imagine it'd be the same architects?

I don't like that addition...

This could go both ways in determining whether the building will be "finished" or not

http://us-cdn.creamermedia.co.za/template/en.v2/en_logo.gif (http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/)

Hospitality to buy 100% stake in Radisson Blu Gautrain hotel for R443m

Hospitality Property Fund’s (HPH’s) wholly owned subsidiary HPF Properties (Propco) has entered into a new sales agreement with Savana to acquire 100% of the Radisson Blu Gautrain hotel and conference centre, in Sandton, for about R443.39-million.

Propco had cancelled the initial sale agreement, announced in December, wherein it agreed to acquire a 78.2% share in the hotel and 53 parking bays for about R346.75-million.

HPH indicated that it expected the property to be earnings enhancing, based on its anticipated trading performance and cost of funding. The property was projected to yield growth of about 8.15% in year one, with growth in rentals for year two expected to be about 15%. This growth is underpinned by a limited rental guarantee from Savana for the first two years of trading following the registration of transfer.

The company further noted that the total purchase consideration would be funded by a R275-million vendor consideration placement, the issuance of R150-million secured notes and the private placement of R18.4-million unsecured notes.

HPH would issue 12.48-million A-linked units (HPA) and 12.48-million B-linked units (HPB) as a vendor consideration placement. The linked units would be issued at a discount of 3% to the thirty-day volume-weighted average price up to and including March 28, resulting in an issue price of R16.65 and R5.39 per HPA and HPB linked units, respectively.

Further, subject to the necessary bank guarantees being issued, the conditions precedent to the revised acquisition had all been fulfilled and registration of the property was expected during May. (http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/hospitality-to-buy-100-stake-in-radisson-blu-gautrain-hotel-for-r443m-2013-04-17)