| New Pedestrian Bridge over Maude Street completed |
Thursday, June 17, 2010 |
The Legacy Group, developers of the Michelangelo complex and Legacy Corner, have installed the bridge to enhance the aesthetics, connectivity and functionality of the Sandton CBD – important attributes in the heart of Sandton's commercial and civic area.
"The weatherproof bridge links the Convention Centre and the Michelangelo Towers Mall, which in turn, completes the link through to Nelson Mandela Square, Legacy Corner, Sandton City and back through to the Intercontinental Hotel and the Convention Centre," says Franc Brugman, principal architect from Bentel Associates International (BAI) who were also responsible for the Michelangelo Towers, Legacy Corner and the recently opened DaVinci Hotel. "You can now walk right the way around internally from Sandton Square across to the Convention Centre, across to the Intercontinental across to Sandton City and back to Nelson Mandela Square without having to leave the safety and security of the various Sandton CBD developments.”
The bridge is a steel, aluminium and glass structure, which was pre-manufactured off site. The architects say that it is a modern design that enhances the overall aesthetics of the Sandton CBD, especially Maude Street, which is now one of the most attractive urban streets in the Sandton CBD. The finishes of the bridge compliment the modern aesthetics of the Convention Centre and the more classical finishes of the Michelangelo Towers.
The installation of the bridge was given the go-ahead from the council in April this year and was installed in May over a weekend when Maude Street was closed during the structure's integration with the buildings. The 24-metre bridge was installed by connecting the second level of the Michelangelo Towers Mall with the upper level of the Sandton Convention Centre.
The bridge was officially opened by FIFA President Mr Sepp Blatter and the Legacy Holdings chairman Mr Bart Dorrestein on Friday 4th June 2010 in time for the FIFA World Cup. The Legacy Hotel and suites opened in May 2010 and together with other Legacy properties around the country are the official host venues for FIFA delegates and event sponsors.
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