of office space. It was also the first of its kind in Johannesburg. Upon opening, the scale and depth of the centre revolutionized South African and Johannesburg retail. The outer plaza to the east housed offices, branches of Nedbank and Barclays (later to become First National Bank), medical suites and a steak house. A bridge connected the outer plaza to what was then Sandton Library, a medical clinic and the Sandton Council building. In its early stages in the 1970s, the small lower floor housed a post office and a Ster-Kinekor cinema complex that is still there today. 1980s According to the Sandton City website, by 1983 there were 240 stores and 8000 parking bays while the five-star towers were launched, and 44000 square metres of space added. The 564 room Sandton Sun Hotel was built in 1984 as part of the complex. 1990s During this time, Sandton City underwent major refurbishment of common areas. The area in front of the Sandton Library was developed into a new shopping centre, Sandton Square, connected by a sky-bridge. A pyramid-shaped roof was added in the 1990s and provides the distinguishing architectural feature of Sandton City. 2000s In 2001, stores were increased to 295 while parking bays were boosted to 10,000. A new food court and giant video wall were also constructed. The Home Living retail level was developed in 2002, and the cinema complex received a refurbishment in the same year. 2010s In 2013, the Twin Towers office section of Sandton City was completely re-clad with a contemporary glass shell (these are now called Atrium on 5th). In 2014, the office tower received a complete external revamp, with new cladding applied over the original concrete structure. A new wing was also added to the mall, joining the Edgars and Woolworths Courts. A major refurbishment of the entertainment areas and adjoining stores commenced in 2017 and will be completed in 2018. 2020s On 26 March 2020, the worldwide pandemic, COVID-19, forced Sandton City among other malls across Johannesburg, to shut the majority of its stores down during South Africa's lockdown. Supermarkets, pharmacies, and other essential stores such as banks and mobile operating stores were allowed to remain open during this phase. The stores reopened after the lockdown restrictions eased. See also List of upscale shopping districts References External links www.sandtoncity.co.za Shopping centres in Johannesburg