The start of construction on law firm Bowman Gilfillan’s new building, as part of the Alice Lane project, in Sandton, was celebrated with a sod-turning ceremony last month. The event was hosted by South Africa-based property development company Abland and law firm Bowman Gilfillan.

Abland MD Richard Cotrill opened the ceremony, after which Bowman Gilfilan chairperson Robert Legh addressed attendees.

The Alice Lane project involves the demolition of the Standard Bank building, previously situated on the site, to make way for three new buildings totalling 70 000 m² of rentable space.

On completion, the Alice Lane precinct will be an iconic development that will change the Sandton skyline.

Phase one was completed in August last year and is currently occupied, while phases two and three, will be completed between November 2014 and September 2016. The third building will be the new 19-storey home of Bowman Gilfillan’s Johannesburg branch.

The building will offer 35 000 m² of rentable space, of which Bowman Gilfillan will occupy 22 000 m², with the remainder becoming available for occupation in early 2017.

The P Grade development is owned by Standard Bank Properties, Pivotal Property Fund and Abland. The style of the development is contemporary iconic, designed to suit the business environment and the location.

The precinct is proudly green, having been built according to environmentally friendly building principles. The first two buildings have been awarded four-star Green Star design ratings from the Green Building Council of South Africa.

The centrally situated Alice Lane is the prime business location in South Africa, opposite the Sandton City shopping centre. The precinct is easily accessible from the M1 highway and in close proximity to various amenities; it also offers access to public transport.

The Sandton City shopping centre, Sandton Convention Centre, the Sandton Towers Hotel and the Sandton Gautrain station are all within walking distance of Alice Lane. A Gautrain bus stop is located at Alice Lane, adjacent to the property.

The Alice Lane development will feature a central landscaped piazza, situated between the three buildings. This pedestrian-friendly public space will contain a naturally green environment and will provide amenities such as various service- related retailers, a Virgin Active Classic gym and a Standard Bank branch.

The piazza offers tenants a central point where they can relax or conduct meetings. The general public will have access to the piazza and its benefits, inviting them to the traditionally exclusive office precinct environment.