Newly refurbished Gold Reef City launches

JOHANNESBURG SOUTH: Gold Reef City, a leisure attraction characterised by a unique combination of nostalgia and thrilling entertainment, was relaunched on November 19 following a multi-million rand refurbishment by Tsogo Sun.

The glittering launch event was attended by Jozi’s most glamorous celebrities, key media outlets and leaders of the gaming and hospitality industry.

The first phase of what will be a R630 million investment by Tsogo Sun into the refurbishment and expansion of one of South Africa’s national tourist treasures, has seen the property being elevated to a diverse, world-class entertainment destination. The CEO of Tsogo Sun, Marcel von Aulock said: “This investment is in line with the group’s corporate strategy to invest in and expand its operations in South Africa. We are committed to ensuring that our properties stay relevant, fresh and competitive in the leisure market. The selection of offerings at our properties are vitally important components in ensuring great experiences for all our guests.”

“For many South Africans, Gold Reef City conjures up images of carefree days spent exploring the Victorian buildings and gold mine that provided a perfect blend of educational and entertainment value. Today, Gold Reef City is, without doubt, the premier entertainment destination in southern Johannesburg. We applaud Tsogo Sun for its investment into ensuring that this attraction remains a significant contributor to the City of Johannesburg’s tourism industry, offering local and international visitors alike a truly unique experience,” explained the City of Johannesburg Executive Mayor, Parks Tau.

Operations director and complex general manager of Gold Reef City, Mike Page, said, “There is nowhere else in South Africa, if not the world, where one can experience a world-class theme park, the historical significance of the Apartheid Museum, enjoy the thrill of a casino, an opulent theatre, and the family-friendly entertainment value of movies, 10-pin bowling, a games arcade and a diverse selection of restaurants.”

Among the additions to the property are several new and upgraded restaurants, including the stylish Back o’ the Moon, which has undergone a total revamp and offers accessible upmarket dining. The property now also offers a Vigour and Verve restaurant, Spur Steak Ranch, Boston BBQ, Calisto’s Portuguese Restaurant, The Raj Indian Restaurant, Ocean Basket, Vida e Café, Col Cacchio Pizzeria as well as a food court.

In keeping with Tsogo Sun’s philosophy of establishing strategic partnerships with radio stations and leveraging the opportunity to bring radio alive within Tsogo Sun’s entertainment destinations, a Kaya FM satellite studio is now also housed in Gold Reef City.

Young Gold Reef City fans have not been forgotten, with the addition of a Magic Company and 12-lane bowling alley, not to mention cinemas. One of the most spectacular new additions to Gold Reef City is Tsogo Sun’s movie franchise, Movies@ Gold Reef City, featuring a cinema complex themed as a Victorian train station with six theatres, offering a total of 1 048 seats, four of which have 3D capability. The largest theatre is Platform 2, called Grand Central, which has 322 seats. Platform 3, which seats 84, boasts luxurious leather seats and a bar, making it an ideal venue for intimate corporate functions and exclusive VIP events.

The new Salon Privé features an opulent gaming ambience with its own private entrances, playing areas, baccarat room, internet and cash desk facilities, lobby and VIP desk, as well as an exclusive lounge.

“Gold Reef City has a long history of providing a unique combination of educational, historical and leisure attractions to the City of Johannesburg. This great heritage has been enhanced with the addition of the new facilities, offering visitors an even wider range of experiences than ever before. This is a place to connect with our history, to do business, to be entertained or to spend a day getting the adrenaline pumping,” said Page.