Share

R1bn Sun City revamp to attract more visitors

Sun City - A five-year refurbishment project at Sun City in North West has now been completed.

“Sun City has remained popular since its opening, but we felt it needed a complete overhaul and took the decision to invest over a billion rand to do just that," said Michael Farr, group general manager for brand and communications.

He said investment's aim was to make the resort even more attractive to families, gamblers, convention visitors and a host of new, niche-tourists such as adrenalin-seekers, eco-tourists and millennials.

“We are confident that with this massive refurbishment and upgrade, Sun City will not only retain its status as South Africa’s favourite leisure destination, but will also recapture its place as the premier convention venue in the country.”

In addition to the newly styled rooms and refreshed decor at The Cabanas and the self-catering Sun Vacation Club apartments, visitors will find a brand new Entertainment Centre boasting a suite of new family experiences, as well as a South African Hall of Fame honouring South Africa’s outstanding sportspeople and performing artists.

The original Entertainment Centre was built at a cost of R30m and inaugurated on 24 July 1981 by Frank Sinatra.

The new, highly flexible Sun Park indoor events area and outdoor space, is capable of hosting a range of lifestyle events, music festivals and corporate launches.

There is also a 24-hour Las Vegas-styled party zone at the Soho Hotel (formerly the Sun City Hotel), with night clubs, burlesque clubs and restaurants. The new 190-seat Legends restaurant boasts a stage for live entertainment, while the open-plan layout gives diners an interactive experience of the chefs in action. The Sun City Casino was the first in South Africa to introduce the concept of million rand jackpots.

The Luma Bar and the new Bocado Mediterranean restaurant at The Cascades replace the Santorini restaurant. The Cascades Hotel was constructed in 1984 at a cost of R50m. Today, its lush botanical gardens cover an area of 55 000m². The waterscape covers 7 740m² and includes three swimming pools, 12 waterfalls and cataracts and 1 050m of low weirs. Water is circulated at 8 314 cubic meters per hour by 45 pumps.

READ: Sun City revamp shows Sun International's focus

There are now a sophisticated new VIP gaming experience at The Palace Villa and Salon and an upgraded breakfast buffet. The popular Grill Room has also been upgraded with a new lakeside terrace. A new spa will be completed by 2017. During the construction in 1992, nearly everything in The Palace was custom-made, and 85% of all requirements were sourced within Southern Africa. This includes the 8m high doors at the entrance.

The Cabanas got a fresh new look as well as a new restaurant and upgrades to the children’s play areas and the pool bar.

For adrenalin seekers there is Adrenalin Extreme, the new adventure hub, while the entire family can enjoy the two brand new rides at the Valley of the Waves water park. The adventure hub comprises a range of outdoor activities including Drift Trikes, Hovercrafts, the Accelerator and the Grizzly 4x4 Quad Challenge.

For those who would prefer to observe the action, the new Brew Monkey microbrewery-themed gastro pub and the Food Factory fresh food eatery offer this opportunity.

Furthermore, there is core action packed watersports at The Watersports and Recreation Hub. The venue now offers the new Kazooma Raceway and Rock Venture Golf with its Grand-Prix-styled racing go-karts and an adventure golf course that will appeal to all ages.

For “smaller visitors” there was a colourful refurbishment at Kamp Kwena.

Read Fin24's top stories trending on Twitter:

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Rand - Dollar
19.00
-0.5%
Rand - Pound
23.95
-0.2%
Rand - Euro
20.50
-0.2%
Rand - Aus dollar
12.34
+0.1%
Rand - Yen
0.13
-0.5%
Platinum
895.30
-0.2%
Palladium
991.47
-1.0%
Gold
2,194.13
-0.0%
Silver
24.44
-0.8%
Brent-ruolie
86.09
-0.2%
Top 40
67,910
+0.3%
All Share
74,134
+0.3%
Resource 10
56,271
+1.1%
Industrial 25
103,558
+0.3%
Financial 15
16,498
-0.2%
All JSE data delayed by at least 15 minutes Iress logo
Company Snapshot
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE
Government tenders

Find public sector tender opportunities in South Africa here.

Government tenders
This portal provides access to information on all tenders made by all public sector organisations in all spheres of government.
Browse tenders