WORDS: FRED FELTON
There is a huge amount of construction on the go at the moment and much more planned for the next 50 years in this area. The Cornubia Integrated Human Settlement Development is an integrated housing, industrial and retail development. It is being developed in partnership with eThekwini Municipality and Tongaat Hulett and various other private sector investors. Phase 1A and Phase 1B of the housing component have just been completed. Social facilities, amenities and community retail facilities are being implemented. It is situated north of Umhlanga. eThekwini Municipality Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda said these developments the city is implementing will have the potential of bringing in more than R14bn investment into the city of Durban. As one moves up the north coast you will find more activity in the Sibaya precinct. Development is expanding not only inland but also on the beachfront side.
North of Sibaya one will find the biggest development yet. The Dube TradePort Economic Zone is a property development that could take up to 50 years to complete. The main catalyst of this project is the construction of an aerotropolis, the first of its kind for KwaZulu-Natal. The whole economy of this area will be built around the airport. It features a vast array of projects including logistics and manufacturing infrastructure and support for a range of airport-related activities. The zone also offers cargo operations, warehousing, agriculture and commercial real estate for office, retail and hospitality. It’s owned by the KwaZulu-Natal provincial government. Dube TradePort is the province’s flagship infrastructural development and key priority, forming part of SA’s National Infrastructure Plan. It is linked to two of Africa’s major seaports and major national roads. The focal point of this development is King Shaka International Airport.
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It’s perfect for local and international transport routes. Dube TradePort is a 50-year master-planned airfreight and passenger hub, comprising five zones:
Dube TradeZone will be a prime fully serviced industrial precinct of 77ha growing to 300ha, for electronics, pharmaceuticals and aerospace manufacturing, assembling and distribution. Dube Cargo Terminal will deal with cargo handling. Dube AgriZone is an advanced agricultural precinct. Dube City will be a 12ha premium business and hospitality precinct, just three minutes from the passenger terminal. Dube iConnect features cutting edge telecommunications and cloud service options. It services the Dube TradePort precinct. When it’s completed the whole project aims to connect the Umhlanga, Sibaya and Dube TradePort area into one huge economic hub of activity.
Further north adjacent to the ultra-luxurious Zimbali Coastal Estate one finds the latest Zimbali development being built, namely Zimbali Lakes. Phase 1 of the development is more than 83% sold out and phase 2 has already achieved sales of 57% so it is clear there is much demand for these types of developments along the north coast. Zimbali Lakes is poised to meet the growing demand for homes and clusters in this epitome of refined coastal living. In May 2021 most of the construction for installation of services had been completed. Bulk earthworks is 90% complete, roads are at 70% complete, sewer pipelines are 85% complete, stormwater pipelines are 85% complete, water is 90% complete and ducting is 85% complete. Construction of the new intersection which will serve the Zimbali Lakes Resort and the Boulevard precinct is under way. Construction of the circle is expected to be completed by Q3 2021. Zimbali Lakes is uniquely situated close to the airport and also to holiday hotspots such as Ballito. This makes it the perfect work-from-home destination for buyers from Gauteng and elsewhere in SA.
Zimbali Lakes sales and marketing manager Dave McGregor said the north coast corridor around Ballito is experiencing an unprecedented level of interest with about 50 families a month semigrating from the inland provinces to their former holiday destinations. The onset of Covid-19 has proven that working from home and quality of family life in a safe and secure environment is top of mind. McGregor said they sold more than R120m worth of property over the past three months and demand was not easing off. McGregor anticipates that within the next five to 10 years the Zimbali node will experience rapid growth given its proximity to King Shaka International Airport. McGregor also shared what is on the cards for this multigenerational way of living. There will be a bustling retail piazza, family focused facilities, serene green spaces, a golf course and vast lakes with a waterfront development and Beach Club.
First transfers of property will take place in Q3 2021 and building activity of the next level of work-from-home residences incorporating all the features of smart living will commence before year end. Further up the north coast another sizeable development is on the go. Phase 1 of construction for the R200m titanium dioxide plant has begun in Richards Bay. This plant is part of the Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone (IDZ). Once the plant is fully developed it will provide R4.5bn in investment. More than 1,000 jobs are expected to be created in the initial stages. Future generations that reside, work and play in the area will certainly get to experience this rapid property boom on the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast.
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