The continued evolution of Sibaya Coastal City reached another important milestone this week with the official groundbreaking of HQ Sibaya, a R250 million commercial development that will anchor the city’s emerging business node. Hosted by Devmco Group on Tuesday, 10 November, the event brought together representatives from Devmco Group, eThekwini Municipality and key stakeholders to mark the beginning of the development’s next construction phase.
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More broadly, the groundbreaking provides another visible indication of the pace at which Sibaya Coastal City is taking shape, as residential, retail, lifestyle, infrastructure and now commercial development increasingly come together within the wider masterplan.
Schalk Theunissen, Managing Director of Devmco Group, master developer of the Sibaya region, says HQ Sibaya represents an important next step in establishing a more complete coastal city. “HQ Sibaya marks the start of the commercial node and creates further opportunities for people to work and live within one coastal city. As Sibaya continues to develop, each new component strengthens the wider vision of creating an integrated environment where residential, commercial, retail and lifestyle uses work together,” says Theunissen.
The Ethekwini City Manager, Musa Mbhele echoed Theunissen’s enthusiasm about the commencement of the HQ Sibaya commercial development saying in his address, “As we mark this milestone, let us recognise that the value of HQ Sibaya will extend far beyond its physical structure. It represents confidence in our region, commitment to economic growth and a shared investment in the future of this city.”
Schalk Theunissen, Lindokuhle Mkhize (Executive Director: Municipal Operations Management), Musa Mbhele (City Manager, eThekwini Municipality), Russell Hampson, Brian Kennedy and George Mohlakoana (Director: Catalytic Projects).
Commercial development follows wider investment in the city
The five-storey HQ Sibaya will comprise 48 office units across approximately 7,300m² of gross lettable area. Already 75% sold, the development has attracted corporate buyers seeking a commercial offering that combines workspace with access to the broader lifestyle environment emerging at Sibaya Coastal City.
Offices range from approximately 130m² to 250m², with modular configurations allowing adjoining units to be combined for larger requirements and pricing starting from R22,500 per square metre. HQ Sibaya will also include a coffee shop, business centre and boardroom facilities, together with a sheltered rooftop venue offering sea views and space for functions and corporate gatherings.
“The market response reinforces the demand we are seeing for a different kind of commercial proposition,” says Theunissen. “Businesses are increasingly looking for quality office environments that are connected to the places where people live and spend their time.”
Mbhele further explained to his captive audience how this milestone also contributes to eThekwini’s journey towards strengthening its position as a leading investment destination, attracting businesses, creating opportunities and driving sustainable economic growth.
Construction is already advancing with earthworks and services having already been completed. According to the Devmco team, the site has been brought to road level and piling is currently under way, ahead of construction of the above-ground structure. Completion is anticipated in the fourth quarter of 2027.
A milestone in Sibaya Coastal City’s broader evolution
The groundbreaking follows the completion of important surrounding infrastructure, including Heleza Boulevard, and comes shortly after the opening of Reefside Lifestyle & Leisure. Together, these milestones demonstrate the transition of Sibaya Coastal City from individual developments into a more established, connected urban environment.
“Beyond the direct employment opportunities, the investment is expected to generate approximately R500 million in total economic output for the regional economy, based on the National Treasury multiplier of 1 to 2.05. The development will also strengthen the City’s revenue base, with an estimated additional R8 million annually in municipal rates revenue,“ adds Mbhele.
HQ Sibaya is expected to support approximately 750 temporary employment opportunities during construction, while projects across Sibaya Coastal City continue to support the Inkanyiso Programme, which promotes local labour participation and skills development.
The development will also sit close to the planned Sibaya Park, which will introduce sporting amenities, children’s play areas, restaurants and cafés and access to the surrounding forest trail network. The Sibaya Mile will further connect the city internally, enabling residents and visitors to move between destinations on foot, by bicycle and by golf cart.
Future phases of Sibaya Coastal City are expected to introduce further commercial, residential and retail development, together with hospitality, medical facilities and Sibaya Park. “The significance of this groundbreaking extends beyond a single building,” concludes Theunissen. “It is another tangible marker of Sibaya Coastal City moving forward and of the commercial component of the city now becoming a reality.”
Top picture: Schalk Theunissen, Lindokuhle Mkhize (Executive Director: Municipal Operations Management), and Musa Mbhele (City Manager, eThekwini Municipality).
