The water began flowing in the Barlow Fountain in 1982 in front of the then-famous Sandton Civic Centre on the corner of Fifth Street and Rivonia Road.

The once prominent symbol of Sandton was a donation to the city by long-time resident Kay Brown in loving memory of her late husband Charles Sydney Barlow.

Charles, who passed away in 1979, was a well-known successful businessman who turned his father’s company, Barlow Rand, into one of the world’s largest enterprises, known today as Barloworld.

The fountain included two bronze fish eagles, created by sculptor Robin Lewis, which were placed in the centre of the fountain to signify Charles’ love for the species.

It was believed that Charles had a bird species named after him but it was never proven.

No one really knows what happened to the fountain or what led to its demise.

The site where the fountain once stood is  now empty.

The civic centre itself was demolished in 2015 and even by then, the fountain had already disappeared.

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Fact

Did you know that back in the day a room at The Balalaika cost R24.50?