From Creamer Media in Johannesburg, this is the Real Economy Report.

Sashnee Moodley:

JSE-listed real estate investment trust Growthpoint has launched the new R26-million Sandton Drive Link Bridge as part of a larger effort to enhance safety, accessibility and walkability for pedestrians moving through the busy intersection. Sabrina Jardim has the story.

Sabrina Jardim:

The bridge, which took about 18 years to complete from its initial conception in 2007, spans 106 m and provides a direct pedestrian route over Sandton drive between Growthpoint’s The Place office building, at 1 Sandton drive, and the Sandton City shopping centre.

Designed for safety, accessibility and visual impact, the bridge not only significantly improves convenience for tenants of The Place but also makes it safer for pedestrians to move through Sandton Central.

By directly linking the two buildings the bridge also connects commercial, retail, residential and public spaces in Sandton Central and Sandown. It also provides street-level pedestrian access, making it convenient for those accessing the services of the US Consulate, which neighbours The Place.

Growthpoint South Africa CEO Estienne de Klerk…

Sabrina Jardim:

The new bridge was developed in close partnership with Sandton City, the Sandton Central Management District and the City of Johannesburg and, during the opening in December last year, De Klerk highlighted the company’s partnership with Liberty Holdings and Pareto, the co-owners of Sandton City, in establishing the project.

Constructed with a focus on durability, safety and design, the bridge features stainless steel balustrades, a glass-covered viewing deck and lighting that adds a dynamic presence to the Sandton skyline.

The Link Bridge will be open to the public from Sandton City during the day, with limited controlled access at night.

Growthpoint South Africa CEO Estienne de Klerk…

Sashnee Moodley:

That’s Creamer Media’s Real Economy Report. Join us again next week for more news and insight into South Africa’s real economy. Don’t forget to listen to the audio version of our Engineering News daily email newsletter.