Growthpoint Properties has refurbished its landmark office property at The Place at 1 Sandton Drive in Sandton Central, and its own Gauteng head office, located in the building. The upgrades provide a glimpse into what the future of working looks like, reflecting the changing work environment, and are designed to be conducive to the new way of working.

Flexibility is becoming increasingly important for office spaces as companies are uncertain what they way of work and the workforce requirements would be in the short, medium and long term.
Office spaces are also highly competitive. Companies need to offer a great environment to attract and retain top talent.

“We want our offices to reflect our values and embody a healthy working environment, where our staff enjoy spending their time in a workplace that supports them to be their best. This upgrade ensures that Growthpoint’s offices have adapted to the new world of working,” says the chief executive officer of Growthpoint South Africa, Estienne de Klerk.

New amenities

The refurbishment adds a wealth of sought-after shared amenities for businesses and their staff, which reduces private office space needs. A regular programme of amenities, activities and events in the lobby is planned, with services ranging from nail technicians and hairdressers to drycleaning, stationery and health checks. While meeting the personal needs of tenants’ staff, these amenities also support various small businesses.

The bathrooms on level B1 will also be upgraded to accommodate people who cycle or run to work.

Responsible sustainability

Growthpoint sought sustainable ways for this project to contribute to corporate social responsibility. Old furniture was either reused in satellite offices, donated to non-profit organisations or sold to staff to raise R100 000 for Impilo Child Protection and Adoption Services, Genesis Safe Place, Meals on Wheels, Door of Hope, Home of Hope, She Stands Tall, Action Development Agency, and education support of Botshabelo and Thandanani.

Growthpoint’s new reception also introduces an easily updatable installation showcasing the impacts of its long-running corporate environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives. “Growthpoint is best known for our property investments, but we also invest extensively in communities and the environment. The stories featured on our walls show the human side of our business, and we are incredibly proud to share them,” says Nadine Briers, head of marketing and communication at Growthpoint.

Creating flexible new spaces

Working with Paragon Interiors for the new lobby design at The Place, and with Thinkspace for its new reception, meeting area and office interiors, Growthpoint wanted to remove the hard divides between spaces to create an atmosphere that is more energised and connected.

The open areas create different work and meeting spaces, while adhering to the acoustic requirements of tenants and visitors.

The concierge point includes a waiting area and meeting pods, before moving to the new lobby area where a new coffee shop for the building is slated to open.

Instead of featuring Growthpoint’s signature “Midnight Cherry”, the unexpected colour palette in the public areas was carefully selected to set a nuanced tone. The result is an inviting space without being overly formal.

Open to collaboration

A major change in the ground-floor meeting areas is the visibility of the vertical access. Exposed staircases create opportunities for friendly nooks to pause and connect. The area is designed with the ability to see into meeting rooms, making it more energised.

Behind the scenes, Growthpoint’s renovated offices include small private rooms from which to conduct online meetings, lounge areas, desks, hot desks, stand-up desks, meeting pods and pause areas. “These spaces encourage the strategic thinking, brainstorming and discussion essential to advance the innovative and sustainable solutions we offer our clients and the value we create for our stakeholders,” says De Klerk.

WorkAgility

Growthpoint recently launched its agile ready-to-occupy office concept, WorkAgility, which has garnered significant interest from businesses that want office strategies that support their performance, and not detract from it. A WorkAgility show unit will be introduced at the iconic Sandton address, ready for plug-and-play occupation in April 2023.

The upgraded building and offices highlight Growthpoint’s purpose of creating sustainable and innovative property solutions.

For more information, contact Growthpoint Properties:
Tel: +27 11 944 6000
Email: info@growthpoint.co.za
Website: www.growthpoint.co.za

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