Rare Sandton site above Gautrain could reshape Johannesburg’s skyline
A 3.9-hectare piece of land above the Sandton Gautrain Station is back on the market.
Image: Supplied
A 3.9-hectare piece of land above the Sandton Gautrain Station is back on the market.
To put that in perspective, it’s roughly the size of 78 average Johannesburg home stands, which are about 500m² each.
The property sits next to Nelson Mandela Square and is surrounded by major corporate offices.
Companies with headquarters near Sandton City include a variety of major financial, corporate, and technology firms such as the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, Nedbank, Investec, Discovery Limited, Sasol, and IBM.
The site is considered one of the most centrally connected development sites in South Africa. Its location above the Gautrain adds a rare layer of accessibility.
The Gautrain project began with feasibility studies in the 1990s. Official approval and legislation followed in 2006, and construction began the same year.
The first public service started in June 2010 between Sandton and OR Tambo International Airport, just in time for the FIFA World Cup.
Later phases extended the line to Pretoria, Hatfield, and Johannesburg Park Station by 2012.
Today, the 80km network allows trains to reach 160 km/h, linking Sandton to key parts of Johannesburg quickly.
“This site offers an institutional-grade investment opportunity for developers, Real Estate Investment Trusts (REIT) and private capital investors seeking high land-value appreciation,” said Norman Raad, CEO of Broll Auctions and Sales, which is handling the sale.
REITs own, manage, or finance income-generating real estate. They allow people to invest in a portfolio of properties by buying shares.
The 39,112m² site is zoned for multiple uses, including business, retail, residential, hospitality, and transport facilities.
Developers can build about 195,000m² of floor space, with 50% site coverage.
Higher coverage can be applied for, and there are no height restrictions. The property is fully serviced by Sandton’s municipal infrastructure.
The site has direct access to the Gautrain, pedestrian concourses, Sandton City, Nelson Mandela Square, and nearby offices.
The M1 freeway links it to Johannesburg North, Rosebank, and Bryanston, while the train reaches OR Tambo in 20 minutes.
“This opportunity offers an unrepeatable location above the region’s busiest transport hub and is ideal for a transit-oriented development that maximises exposure, footfall and accessibility,” said Raad.
Raad said “with flexible zoning and bulk rights, it is well suited to a flagship commercial or mixed-use development”.
Conceptual studies suggest it could accommodate a high-end mixed-use precinct, combining offices, retail, housing, and hotels.
Information packs were released at the end of last month.
Bids close mid-morning on 27 November.
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