Africa’s tallest building commences hospitality business operations
Africa’s tallest building which also doubles as the most exclusive hotels in Sandton, ‘The Leonardo’ has commenced operation, with 240 suites and residences of the 234-meter tall building ready for occupation.
Legacy Hotels & Resorts CEO & Chairman Bart Dorrestein said that, prior to the completion of the tallest building, all the offices and apartments have been sold out.
“Our owners are scheduled to take occupation on a phased basis commencing March 2020,” he said.
The skyscraper fondly called “the Leonardo”, which is within walking distance of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and retail hubs of Sandton, was created by the Legacy Group, in partnership with the Nedbank Corporate and Investment Banking unit.
The R3-billion skyscraper project began in 2015, when the Legacy Group awarded the construction contract to Aveng, and actual construction began in January 2016 after terms and conditions were being agreed. Already, 50 of the 240 apartments had been sold off plan when construction began.
However, the project suffered several delays and denials, which have become a source of conflict between Aveng and The Legacy Group.
The hotel boasts various eateries, as well as nine state-of-the-art conferencing venues and meeting rooms. Apart from the usual hotel facilities, it also has a Montessori pre-school.
The president further states that there won’t be a reason to leave. The goal is to ensure that all the guests, whether they are staying with us, or just visiting, all they ever need souls be at one address, and that’s ours,” said Dorrestein.
He added that given the uncertain economic climate change in South Africa, The Leonardo served as the Legacy Group’s vote of confidence in the country’s future.
