The West Rand’s popular Silverstar Casino is gearing up for a R480m upgrade as the area shows signs of becoming Johannesburg’s next major growth node. Extending from Randfontein to Roodepoort, the West Rand comprises a diverse mix of realistically priced residential properties which are attracting new residents in their droves despite the fact that a West Rand address typically entails a fair commute to central Johannesburg say local estate agents.
Such is the spike in the area’s performance and potential for inflation beating capital growth that the West Rand is being touted as the “undiscovered jewel in Gauteng’s crown”. At the time of publication, West Rand properties were selling within 30 days of being listed for approximately R1.5 million on average. Urban sprawl and the area’s close proximity to the Krugersdorp highway can also be credited with fuelling demand.
And development is on the rise. New developments include ‘Belenois’, a retirement village located just above Silverstar at the foothills of the Roodekrans Ridge and Cradlestone Mall, a major 75 000sqm shopping centre which will be open for business in October 2013. A new Medicross and Curro Krugersdorp have set up shop, and Key West, a local Krugersdorp mall is being upgraded.
Shane Collinson, Director of Operations & Complex GM of Silverstar explains that the casino is ideally positioned to take advantage of the West Rand’s burgeoning growth and is set to become the entertainment capital of the West Rand.
Owned by Tsogo Sun, Silverstar will be redeveloped to take the form of an open air village square surrounded by leisure and entertainment facilities. Once complete, Silverstar will boast six high-tech cinemas, a 12 lane bowling alley, six new restaurants, a large outdoor screen and a beer garden, laser games, a refurbished casino, a large outdoor domed events arena, an upmarket indoor multipurpose events venue and additional parking.
Collinson explains that construction has already begun and that visitors will start noticing big changes soon. One of the most noticeable elements to be affected by the revamp will be Silverstar’s large fountain area which has already been drained and filled in to accommodate the new amenities.
The development will be undertaken as a single-phase project and is being fast-tracked for completion by August 2014. As for the existing facilities such as the Soulstice Spa, Silverstar Hotel, Steak restaurant, Ciao Baby Cucina, Centre Star Buffet, Black Cherry coffee shop and the Magic Company, its “business as usual” says Collinson who explains that Silverstar will remain open throughout construction, with little or no impact to its operations.
Marcel von Aulock, group CEO of Tsogo Sun commented on the revamp: “Tsogo Sun prides itself on pushing the envelope, constantly reinventing ourselves and creating great experiences. We are extremely excited about the opportunity to bring a true family entertainment destination to the West Rand and significantly enhancing our guests experience at Silverstar.”
