Owned by Growthpoint Properties Limited, the largest JSE-listed South African property holding and investment company, The Place at 1 Sandton Drive was developed at a cost of R450 million by Investec Property Projects, a division of Investec Property Group. The Place comprises 30,000m2 of premium grade office space located at Gauteng’s most sought after address, 1 Sandton Drive, which is shared with the American Consulate and the Core Group.

“The Place at 1 Sandton Drive met Aon’s tenancy criteria in terms of pricing, position and quality and our relocation to this premier address is in line with the future goals and growth of our business,” says Aon South Africa CEO Anton Roux.

Aon Corporation (www.aon.com) is a leading provider of risk management services, insurance and reinsurance brokerage, human capital and management consulting, and specialty insurance underwriting.  There are 45,000 employees working in Aon’s 500 offices in more than 120 countries. 

Aon is the African market leader, with offices in 13 African countries. Aon entered the South African market in 1996 and with over 10 years experience in the country is aiming for the top market position in South Africa. . It is strongly focused on the development of its infrastructure in Africa and Aon’s offices at The Place at 1 Sandton Drive will be the company’s Africa Head Quarters.

Aon’s tenancy at The Place at 1 Sandton Drive was brokered by Cynthia Holmes of Cadogan Hall Properties and Marie-Louise Willys of Investec Property Group.

Roux explains that Aon’s growth resulted in the company outgrowing its current premises in Illovo. Roux is clear about the company’s intention for continued growth, which has been a major consideration in selecting its new offices.

When considering new premises Aon’s main criteria included competitive pricing, forming a relationship with an institutional landlord, access for clients, access for employees and providing a safe, vibrant and quality environment for staff.

“We specifically sought a relationship with an institutional landlord as, in our experience as a growing company, it is essential to affiliate with a landlord that can easily and effectively accommodate the growth and changing needs of our business. Growthpoint is able to do this,” says Roux.

While the new offices represent a move of only 3km, it locates Aon in a vibrant corporate network at the gateway to the global hub of the Sandton CBD and creates a more comfortable environment for employees.

Aon will occupy the top two floors of the building with, as Roux describes it, the best view in Johannesburg -- 360degree panoramic views of Sandton, Sandhurst and surrounds. Roux explains that the move is more than relocation for Aon, “it reflects our market positioning and represents the opportunity to reinforce our brand”.

Construction of The Place at 1 Sandton Drive began in May 2006, and completion is expected on 1 November 2007. This five-storey office building has been designed to be flexible with innovative design elements and features. Parking is provided in 1,500 parking bays at a ratio of 5bays/100m2 of undercover parking on basement levels. “Ample parking is key for any company hiring a high number of skilled individuals,” says Roux. Aon will be relocating to The Place at 1 Sandton Drive on 7 December 2007.

Growthpoint, owner of The Place, has also announced its intention to occupy approximately 4,000m2 of its flagship office property at 1 Sandton Drive.

“The Place at 1 Sandton Drive will be one of South Africa’s premier office locations offering exceptional exposure for its tenants and an array of superior facilities which we would like our own employees to enjoy,” says Growthpoint CEO Norbert Sasse.  “As landlord and tenant, we are delighted to share the building with Aon South Africa and we welcome them to this prestigious building and address”, commented Sasse.

The entrance to The Place at 1 Sandton Drive will be identified by its iconic cutting-edge water feature. The building takes advantage of its natural ‘viewsite’ to project a powerful and memorable architectural statement and is able to incorporate the branding of tenant logos on specially designed panels on the building’s exterior.

The building is designed with state of the art services and materials which will allow it to remain the premier office space for decades to come. It includes a thermally efficient building envelope, standby power for all essential services and networks and centralised air-conditioning.

The high tech facilities inside The Place will be contrasted by the soft features outside the building with window boxes of blooming indigenous plants softening the Western façade with floor upon floor of hanging gardens. There will also be landscaped berms to Sandton Drive and a landscaped communal piazza and coffee shop.

The Place at 1 Sandton Drive has the ability to accommodate a variety of tenancies, from 400m2 up to 12,000m2. Due to its specific design, it creates a sense of individual identity for all its tenants. Each office is self-contained, allowing the tenant to select their preferred interior features and manage internal infrastructure.

The space within the building offers a variety of wing widths and fit-out options for different styles of occupancy. The office wings are designed as self-contained units which allow secure and internalized toilets, tea kitchens, communication staircases and services rooms. Useable bridge-links between office wings can be incorporated into the premises or remain as common area.

The Place at 1 Standton Drive is arranged around twin atriums which bring light into the interior as well as allowing a great degree of flexibility with respect to access and ground floor amenity. All this is contained within an attractive façade and supported by convenient infrastructure and an energetic commercial business hub.