Recent sales at 1 300-hectare Renishaw Coastal Precinct have set off a chain reaction of development that will benefit local businesses, surrounding communities and outside investors, further igniting the economic reawakening of the KZN Mid-South Coast.
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On the morning of 7 August 2024, stakeholders gathered at the Scottburgh-based site to celebrate milestone developments, and showcase how they will drive community growth and unity.
Considered one of the country’s biggest developments underway, the first of the precinct’s five interconnected nodes has already seen the successful development of Renishaw Hills, a mature lifestyle village with around 350 residents and R400m in sales, where property values have surged by 60% since 2016. The first six phases have already been constructed and are occupied, with only 7 of the 210 remaining.
Once fully developed, Renishaw Hills will have more than 500 units. The significant investment made to the area through Renishaw Hills was also recognised by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the 5th SA Investment Conference last year.
Kennett Sinclair (CEO of Crookes Brothers Limited), Andre von Bulow (Cubisol Group), Gareth Hampson (Owner of Hampsons) and Barto van der Merwe (MD of Renishaw Coastal Precinct). Picture: Justin Klusener
Infrastructure investment
“The finalisation of further deals within Renishaw Coastal Precinct indicates that we’re showing value for investors, and realising our vision for the economic revival of the KZN Mid-South Coast that aligns with the President’s call to increase infrastructure investment in South Africa,” comments Barto van der Merwe, MD of Renishaw Coastal Precinct.
“We consciously chose to work with local businesses because we want to supplement and enhance the existing structures to attract even further interest in the region. We don’t want to be in direct competition but are rather taking a holistic approach, working together to build the KZN Mid-South Coast. This means more job opportunities for local residents and more customers for local businesses.”
Van der Merwe explains that it is a well-known fact that there are capacity constraints within the municipal grid in the area. While Renishaw Property Developments work closely with both the Umdoni and eThekwini municipalities, the drive is for the Renishaw Coastal Precinct to be self-reliant with respect to the provision of water and sanitation, as well as refuse removal. Renishaw Property Developments is currently in the process of installing bulk services before the registration of any separate sub-divisions.
Growth drivers at Renishaw Coastal Precinct
Shopping centre
Two deals have been already finalised with local businesses. The first is for the construction of an upmarket shopping centre, roughly 10 000m2, backed by Cubisol Property Fund, with mixed-use zoning allowing for potential apartment blocks. This is the precinct’s first commercial development, and with the local Scottburgh Mall one of Cubisol’s assets, the company understands the local market and recognises the potential for its future growth.
“Cubisol has a good sense of the region’s history and a strong understanding of the retail potential in the area through its current shopping centre,” said Andre von Bulow from the Cubisol Group, which owns developments around South Africa. “When we saw the plans, we immediately recognised the positive impact of the Renishaw mixed-use initiative and are excited to be a part of the ongoing expansion and growth of the node. The site is magnificent, with stunning views, and we envisage an upmarket convenience shopping centre which will complement the existing retail offerings in the area.”
Petrol filling station
The second deal is for a petrol filling station, convenience store, and fast-food drive-through located at the main Renishaw entrance circle on Dududu Road. This will be developed by well-known local business owners, Hampsons, which started and still runs the first petrol station in Scottburgh.
Owner, Gareth Hampson, explained: “We see the area as certainly very dynamic, upcoming and progressive and we are sure there are going to be some fantastic things happening in the future. We’ve got full faith in Barto and his team at Renishaw Property Developments, as well as the backing of Crookes Brothers Limited – there was never any hesitation from our side.”
The location and zoning of both these sites were carefully considered. Found at the entrance to the precinct just off one of the main arterial routes in and out of Scottburgh, they are easily accessible to travellers and local communities. Furthermore, they are located only about 100m from the N2 Interchange, a full diamond intersection that allows one to get on and off the N2 north and south, giving both developments great exposure to the N2.
Potential developments for Renishaw Coastal Precinct
A church
Developers are currently in negotiations around the establishment of a new church which will provide spiritual support and a sense of community, enhancing the area’s appeal and fostering a more vibrant, cohesive neighbourhood alongside retail and convenience amenities.
A school
Developers are also in advanced discussions that will see the area welcome a new school. Starting with Early Childhood Development and building up to high school, this will significantly influence the area and impact potential property buyers’ decisions when considering Renishaw Coastal Precinct.
Padel courts
A further two investors are currently bidding on an opportunity to develop two Padel courts within Node 1. If successful, these in-demand recreational facilities will be ready for use within the next six months.
A hotel
Node 4, located close to the well-known Crocworld Conservation Centre, has been earmarked for Leisure developments with all forms of holiday accommodation. There is already an international hotel group showing strong interest in establishing a hotel in this space.
More investment opportunities await
The spark has been lit for further developmental opportunities within the precinct, among them two further residential developments in Nodes 1F both of which have zoning approval for around 30 and 150 residential units respectively. The opportunities that exist range from free-standing erfs to medium-density developments, like Renishaw Hills, as well as high-density opportunities ideal for more affordable housing.
Renishaw Coastal Precinct is the only development dedicating 20% of its land to development, with 80% set aside for conservation, making a model of modern sustainable living. There are already 40km of trails on the farm being used by bikers, runners, hikers, and birdwatchers – with plans for more in future.
There is also zoning for a light industrial node alongside the N2. Node 3G also includes sites that will accommodate office space ideally suited to the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector. South Africa, and KZN in particular, is one of the globe’s fastest-growing BPO hubs contributing to economic growth. Developers have cited the nearby Amandawe community – set to benefit from the precinct’s 142-hectare land donation and 10% stake in the development company – as prime candidates for such white-collar employment. Targeting the youth who are supported by ongoing training and career advancement opportunities, the BPO sector holds massive potential for bridging the wealth gap.
The Department of Trade Industry and Competition (DTIC), through Thami Klassen the Director of Regional Industrial Development, has included Renishaw Coastal Precinct into the Eastern Seaboard Initiative and set up a steering committee to aid with the removal of governmental red tape. This will further promote investment into the region, with a total anticipated spend of around R15 billion upon completion, creating thousands of jobs in the area.
The DTIC has further committed to the establishment and management of a hub where community members can register their trade skills. Through this hub, contractors and sub-contractors can easily access local these skills, ensuring maximum use of local workers to fill construction and other job opportunities, further driving the local economy.
Renishaw Coastal Precinct is backed by Renishaw Property Developments, a subsidiary of the JSE-listed Crookes Brothers Limited, and its property development partner, Crocker Properties. Developers are committed to continuing the legacy established by Crookes Brothers Limited in the region which is one of community upliftment, inclusivity, and sustainability.
To find out more, visit https://renishaw.co.za/or call Barto van der Merwe on 087 135 5555.
Top picture: Renishaw Coastal Precinct. Picture: Justin Klusener. Render images Supplied by Renishaw Coastal Precinct.
