Sandton City is the retail destination known for introducing world-class firsts, and unparalleled retail concepts, to the market. This year, it is advancing its position as Africa’s leading shopping centre by making yet another move towards a sustainable retail environment, through the refurbishment of its food court.
The centre’s classic fast-food area is undergoing a complete revamp, which commenced in the first week of March, and is set to reveal an Instagram worthy, eco-fashionable Food District in November, 2018. Although, some facilities will not be accessible at all times while Sandton City continues to reinvent and revolutionize itself, the food court will remain operational throughout this exciting journey for the centre and its customers.
The commitment of Sandton City’s owners, Liberty Two Degrees, Liberty Group Limited and Pareto Limited, to enhance customer experiences, merged with their passion for the environment in this investment project.
On this project, Jonathan Sinden, Chief Operating Officer of Liberty Two Degrees, says:
“The investment in the Food Court has been meticulously planned, and was ultimately driven by the strategic desire and vision of continuously introducing and reinventing world-class retail standards at Sandton City. Liberty Two Degrees, as owners, are committed to innovation, and to creating experiential offerings that will differentiate Sandton City from other super regional shopping centres in the country by providing global experiences in South Africa. The food court
will unveil a sophisticated and sustainable design, setting it apart from industry norms, and taking fast-food experiences to new levels of comfort, convenience, and appeal”.
Close attention has been paid to special and sustainable initiatives for the refurbishment of the food court, and Tia Kanakakis, of MDS Architecture, described what can be expected from the design:
“The interior design concept was one that would make Sandton City’s food court unique to many, and was inspired by responding to the way food needs and wants have evolved over the years. The artisanal nature of food today has inspired the look and feel for the new food court, where natural elements such as landscaping, green features, and sustainable design have been included in the concept. This design inspiration is aligned to the idea of ‘artisanal food, green design and the juxtaposition of new and old’ to create a bespoke food district. Natural materials are being used as far as possible, natural and petrified landscaping is an integral part of this design”.
The food court will boast simple, yet effective elements that contribute to Sandton City’s sustainability efforts. As the home of many firsts, sustainable projects and improved customer experiences is nothing new for Sandton City. Recognised for delivering innovations of the highest quality since 1973, the centre has prioritized environmental initiatives since 2014, most notably with its award winning 4 Star Green Star rated offices, Atrium On 5th, and with its impressive water saving between 2015 and 2017 amounting to over 44,5 million litres and counting. The sustainable revamp of the food court is a welcomed addition to Sandton City’s dynamic retail landscape.