Thread related to all construction projects in the greater Durban area:

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Posted by Dysan1:

Just thought i'd fill you all in on some of the other projects thats are on the go at the point at the moment.

Heritage Square

Heritage Square is situated at the entrance to Durban harbour with unimpeded views across the bay.
The site is on the corner of Point Road and Browns Road, the main access to the Point Waterfront, and occupies a block 106 m x 48 m (the approximate size of a rugby field).
The block of seven utilitarian Victorian warehouses, constructed from 1895 to 1901 includes three “A” category
listed warehouses, (52/54, 56/58 and 60 Point Road) and three buildings (36, 42/44 Point Road) surveyed for their architectural merit but not listed.
The only building not noted for its architectural merit has been altered previously to have a contemporary facade; this will be remodeled.

Dominant features on both the Point Road elevation and the Albert Road elevation will be the retention of and restoration of two towers.

The ground floor of the development will be retained as retail but the central interior area will be converted to a secure parking area.

The canal which links back to the Point canal system will terminate in the food court with a double volume connecting the area to the level above.

A separate vehicular entrance from the unnamed lane provides a ramped access to the upper levels, which will be used for residential accommodation.
The first floor will consist of 24 simplex units each with their own parking at their front doors. As this
level has been converted from the warehouses to units, some of units will have balconies and decks while others will have the base of towers.

The second and third floors will be 17 completely new duplex units set back from the historic facades allowing the units all to have generous decks.

In contrast to the rich modulation of the Victorian facades, the duplexes will be constructed of steel frames and glass, the roofs emulating the sails of passing yachts.

RETAIL
Part of the retail area will be large open spaces, characterised by the original oregon posts and beams.
This area will be unique in that it is hoped that the canal from the Point canal system will terminate in this space.
Being perfectly suitable for restaurants with high ceilings and double volumes, this space can also open out to the pavements on Point Road, The Boulevard (linking through to the Point Development area) and Albert Road.
The remaining retail areas although housed in historic buildings, can be modified to suit retailers' requirements.

RESIDENTIAL
First floor living at Heritage Square will offer owners contemporary interiors housed in historic buildings.
Many units will have balconies, some even cast iron verandas while the units on Point Road will have views across to the bay.
The roof level is being reconstructed to allow the construction of duplex units with the facades in steel and glass, constrasting with the rich modulation and detailing of the historic buildings.

The duplexes will be set back five metres from the historic facades to form decks with views towards the bay and the Bluff.
All owners will be able to park at their front doors (two parking bays per unit).

For all the pictures related to this historical precinct that will be developing across the road from san raphael go to www.heritagesquare.co.za

http://www.heritagesquare.co.za/images/det7.jpg

http://www.heritagesquare.co.za/images/det8.jpg

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http://www.heritagesquare.co.za/images/locality.jpg

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http://www.heritagesquare.co.za/images/point_elev.jpg

http://www.heritagesquare.co.za/images/albert_elev.jpg

http://www.heritagesquare.co.za/images/p_cnr.jpg

Briefs (not jocks) posted by Dysan1:

The street life seems to be coming with the plan. If i had a scanner big enough to fit the master blueprint for the whole of point road in, i'd put it up here, but alas i dont, but will keep trying to find away to show you all. Needless to say the plan entails a complete rejuvenation for the back of the beach area's in conjunction with the modernisation of the beachfront proper. The council has already given the contract to a BEE company and the master plan has been drawn up.

It entails scrapping buildings with no architectural merit and renonvating those that have importance. It is broken into 5 phases over a 8 year period, starting in Feb 2005. Phase one involves improving signage, the road network and a general clean up of the area. Phase 2, which starts in may 2005, involves the buildings and their renonvation.

So far there has been alot of interest to the plan, with developers wanting to jump on board, but only when the crime, grime and drug-related problems are clearly dealt with. then that area will start to fly like the point is.


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Thought I’d point out some of the finer details regarding some of the buildings that are going up in the point precinct as well as some of the terrific renovations that are going on at the moment of the historic Victorian houses that are going to go on the market at R5million a pop.

DOCKPOINT – Victorian Row Houses

A Royal Restoration

Developers of over 25 Edwardian terrace houses a stone’s throw from the R750-million uShaka Marine World in Durban are hoping the houses will fetch about R5-million each later this year. The restoration project, led by award-winning heritage architect Patricia Enjmett, is believed to be the largest of its kind under-taken in the city. The historic buildings, dating back to 1907, will be the only residential houses for sale in the first phase of the Point area’s redevelopment, which has already secured land sales of more than R60-million for retail, commercial, leisure and residential use. Many of the residential developers have already sold out off-plan. One-bedroom apartments have sold for R500000 and penthouses from R3.5-million upwards. Despite `huge interest` from local and international buyers, Durban developers Sage Wise 31 will launch their sales only in April, when uShaka opens. By then, at least two of the Edwardian houses are expected to be complete. `We just can’t put a final price to them now,` said Sage Wise 31 director Alan Burke. `Market forces will have to determine that closer to the time.’ Four of the homes will have four bedrooms, the remainder three. Each will have basement parking for two cars, a landscaped garden and a pool. The interior will be modern, but the facades will stay Edwardian.

Terry Labuscagne, an independent valuer, said there was evidence in the market that the prices were not unrealistic. `In fact, if the Point area blossoms like we think it will, these prices could probably turn out to be at the lower end of the range.` Labuscagne said prices were starting to reach levels achieved in Cape Town not long ago, but it was uncertain whether prices would continue to climb at the rate of the past year. Absa Bank senior economist Jacques du Toil said KwaZulu-Natal was experiencing a strong upsurge in prices. Nominal growth in prices was about 30% last year while growth in the country as a whole was almost 20%. `KwaZulu-Natal has a beautiful coast and good weather. And developers know it,’ Du Toil said. `There will always be people who will invest in unique, up market developments and such demand will be reflected in price. It’s quite possible developers in these areas will get what they’re asking for and maybe even more.’

Burke, along with businessman Michael Shannon and former African National Congress operative-turned-businessman S`bu Ncube, bought the terrace houses for R12.5-million last year. Sage Wise 31 is also developing 7 000m2 of floor area with views over uShaka and another 3000m2 nearby for residential, retail or hotel use. The area’s resale value is at least R295-million. `This is the hottest property in KwaZulu-Natal at the moment,’ said Shannon. `We’re selling a lifestyle here.’ He said Durban had been in a `cocoon state` and city prices were going to follow those of Cape Town. The houses are alongside a canal, which links uShaka with the land owned by the Durban Point Development Company. A deep canal to the ocean will be completed in phase two of the development. `Owners will eventually be able to put their paddle skis or rubber-ducks into the canal outside their homes and get out to sea,’ said Shannon. The Point project would put Durban back on the map as the country’s premier holiday destination, he said. `The aquarium at uShaka is the fifth-biggest in the world; this development will eventually make the V&A Waterfront look like a joke.’


QUAYSIDE

http://www.keyprojects.co.za/assets/quayside/001.pop.jpg


http://www.keyprojects.co.za/assets/quays/TheQuays28Oct04.jpg

STUNNING QUAYSIDE APARTMENTS FOR DURBAN POINT

Following the success of the first phase of “The Quays” on Timeball Square, Key Projects in association with Rick Wilson are excited to announce the launch of our new development - Quayside. In this rapidly developing area, Quayside is our largest development to date, and is located in the heart of the Durban Point’s waterfront development. This 10 storey, prime real estate development has already proven to be extremely popular. Construction of Quayside is scheduled to commence in March 2005 with occupation set for early 2006.

Quayside will have deep-water canal frontage, small craft harbour views, sea views and harbour mouth views. The canals will be accessible to small crafts and in terms of the longer term planning proposals for Durban Point, will link to the ocean via a series of locks. The construction of the shallow water canal is already complete and work on the deep-water canal is due to start mid 2005. On completion the canals will link to form a labyrinth connecting the Residential and Commercial developments to the U-Shaka Marine world and the proposed Small Craft Harbour.

Once again the developer of this project will be a joint venture between well known businessman, Rick Wilson and Project facilitation company Key Projects.

The apartment block will have double volume ground floor apartments with mooring facilities right outside their front door. This luxurious development boasts one, two and three bedroom apartments which all have balconies with wonderful canal and sea views. Clients will have a choice of carefully selected fittings, carpeting, wood, or tiled floors. A selection of kitchen & bathroom fittings and granite tops. All apartments will be air-conditioned.

The “Quayside” apartments are selling off plan, therefore no transfer duties are applicable. A single level super basement will serve both buildings parking requirements and a comprehensive electronic access and surveillance systems are planned.

This is a unique opportunity to live in a world class environment. With a significant mix of apartments, retail shops, restaurants, amazing beaches and the brilliant uShaka Marine Park close at hand, investing in this prime retail location opportunity, will no doubt prove to offer an exciting lifestyle together with a fantastic return on your investment.

December 15th, 2004, 12:29 AM

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Posted by Dysan1:

Counting all the buildings that start in jan at the point and the fact that most will take a year to build, there should be at least 15 cranes in the area next year at the same time! brings a tear to my eye...

Don't forget there is, in terms of hotels, 8 going up in the point -

Quay-WEST - part of the quays development 40 suite boutique hotel - 5star
The Sails Hotel (not official name) - to be run by the group that manages the michaelangelo in sandton. 5 star
City Lodge and Courtyard Suite complex - 154 room city lodge and 56 suite courtyard.
San Raphael Hotel (3 star)
The Bastille - 50 rooms - boutique 4 star
Dockland Suites - 50 room - Boutique - 4 star
And an unnamed hotel that is costing R250million to build on its own island jetty - 5star+ 150 rooms

So the future looks very very bright, there may even be more than 15 cranes!

Dysan1 's briefs again ;) ...

Exciting times i must say! there are also all apartments going up in umhlanga rocks drive near the water tower - Ilala Ridge -

The Bay - 50 aparts - 7F
Grand Floridian - 50 aparts - 5F
La Palma Terraces - 175 aparts - 6 buildings
Crowdon Crest - townhouses
Kiara Cove - townhouses

Then more in the planned executive village which is above Crawford College and surrounded by the little forest, views forever ....

A city on the ascent -

Durban is booming. Voted South Africa’s most globally competitive city, the CBD is under going extensive regeneration, with major projects like the Point Waterfront development and uShaka Marine World maintaining strong interest in the city centre. Durban is vibrantly South African; diverse, confident and flourishing, still far and away the countries leading domestic tourist destination. The city council has shown leadership in facilitating joint ventures with the private sector in several key development projects, the results of which are the explosive levels of construction across the city. New opportunities with exceptional potential are being created to the north of Durban, in and around Umhlanga. The launch of the nearby Riverhorse Valley business estate is an invaluable addition to the continuity of the northern region, opening a substantial industrial component to complement those already in Briardene and Glen Anil. These developments open the opportunity for a complete and modern business and living environment, with opportunities for offices, factories, warehouses and homes set minutes away from Umhlanga’s beaches and with every possible amenity available. The region sets precedents in design locally, nationally and internationally. An ongoing, holistic plan that is continually being assessed and integrated, the venture is pitting Durban favourably against the finest urban areas in the world.



Putting Durban on the global map

The Umhlanga Ridge New Town Centre forms the hub of the fastest growing urban development on the African continent. Surrounded by the finest residential neighbourhoods in Durban, and bordering the peerless La Lucia Ridge Office Estate, the Town Centre has seen a year of unprecedented growth, driven by Moreland’s coordinated development vision. The Gateway Theatre of Shopping has been extended by 16000m2 to accommodated additional national tenants, thereby bringing the total size of the centre to 147 000m2 and undeniably the largest on the continent and probably the largest in the Southern Hemisphere.

City Lodge’s flagship hotel is complete and open for business, with occupancies sitting at 78%. Major buildings in various stages of construction will deliver 2000 residential units within walking distance of Gateway over the next 12 months.

The Town Centre has been conceived on a Philosophy of ‘new urbanism’. Through a study of the most successful examples globally, the timeless principles found in Boston, Paris and London have formed the basis for the urban vision, reinterpreted for the South African business environment and the local climate. This philosophy incorporates a grid layout, with coordinated precincts integrating up-to-the-sidewalk building, tall trees and the finest street furniture and design detailing available. The result is a domain with a vibrant pedestrian culture; integrating landscaping, free-flowing traffic, ample on-street parking, and a density that promotes continual renewal and combats decay.

Pictures of the Ridge:

http://www.moreland.co.za/web3/imglib.nsf/CA9011E64E71290442256D6B0050B5F0/$FILE/urntc_logo2.jpg

http://www.moreland.co.za/web3/imglib.nsf/967B2F154409621642256D6B0050A802/$FILE/urntc_004.jpg

http://www.moreland.co.za/web3/imglib.nsf/2136D87D3A2446AE42256D6B005092CE/$FILE/llroe_004.jpg

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Dysan1 said -

Boys get excited.

The Durban inner city is in line for further construction. The only remaining plot on the esplanade has been bought up by a consortium of developers from Durban, London and India. They presently have two plans for the site, both very pleasing to hear.

The first is a 40story mixed-use building, consisting of 15 floors of office space and the remaining floors becoming apartments.

The second option is a 34story mixed use building, consisting of 15 floors of office space and the remaining floors becoming apartments.

So either way, Durban will finally be getting a new high rise in the city centre.

More details when they come.


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Will get more details promise!

but here's some more on the ICC

CONSTRUCTION of a R395m expansion project at Durban's International Convention Centre (ICC) is under way, and is scheduled to be completed by May 2006.

The expansion will double the centre's capacity and make it the biggest facility in the country.
The ICC began 2004 on a high note, having recently been voted Africa's leading conference centre for the third consecutive year by World Travel Awards.
CEO Alec Gilbert says that on completion of Phase 2 the final phase of the expansion ICC Durban will be the only venue in the country able to accommodate events for more than 10000 people and will cover an area of 32000m².
"The worldwide trend is for bigger conferences, and this project will enable us to meet the requirements of the most valuable end of the international meetings industry."
He says the centre will be able to seat 13000 people and will have a new 6000-seater auditorium, the Durban Arena, to be used for indoor sports events and concerts, opening up new revenue streams.
"It will mark the beginning of a new era for ICC as the building becomes accessible to the public," says Gilbert.
The development site, to the south of the existing building, will house a 200-room hotel, and restaurants, exhibition facilities, a museum and an entertainment area capable of accommodating 15000 people at music concerts.
Obed Mlaba, mayor of eThekwini, says that with the building of an indoor sports arena the ICC will entrench Durban as Africa's leading "indaba city" and will assist it in its bid for major international sporting events, such as the Soccer World Cup.
Construction of the arena is expected to create 23000 permanent jobs within its first 10 years of operation.
"We will continue to set ICC Durban apart from other convention centres by marketing our centre as the most African experience. The expansion and the April 2004 opening of the uShaka Marine World will add impetus to our campaign," says Gilbert.

As an addition, the ICC was recently voted as one of the top 10 convention centres worldwide and the best centre in africa for the 3rd year in a row.


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since you all wanna know if there is anymore development going on in the city centre, i've spent some time scouring the net and have come up with some, but i'll just tell you about one of them now.

ABSA have bought a building in the banking district that is near to the city hall. They intend totally renovating the building both inside and out and adding 6 additional floors to the existing 20. Thereby making this new building the regional head office of ABSA.

Sorry, no graphics, but will contact the design team and see if i can sort something out.

Will tell you about the others in due time ...

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hey there gandalf matey, thanx for doing all the moving for me, thought i'd have to take a break from my trip to the wonderful maldives to alter the site before all was lost, but u did it, so thanx.

oh some new info that appeared in the Daily news today. From the lips of city manager Mike Sutcliffe: "Durban will have 3 new hotels under construction in the city centre area in 2005..". Presume they'll all be around the icc... but sounds promising for the city centre's rejuvenation. Plus they all should be multi-story, given the area's space constraints... look forward to more info

dysan1 - what are they doing to clean up the city centre from litter? I gather it is pristinely cleaned every morning, but is a pigsty by lunch time. I was appalled when I was last there. It wasnt just tin cans and wrappers, but was even large cardboard boxes. And this wasnt on a taxi rank, it was on the City Hall Square and outside the Playhouse / Royal hotel!

It makes what should be one of the most attractive CBD's look like Lagos.

i've had to go into the cbd alot lately, and have actually found the area around the city hall on the royal spotless. there was a whole team of cleaners roaming the streets, and a man driving one of those cleaner machines. then there were many parks dept people planting, weeding and trimming. Even the bus terminus looked spotless when i drove past. the streets seem cleaner than i remembered them, but i hadnt been in the city for ages, so have no point of comparrisson. the area near the workshop did however look a bit tatty and in need of sprucing up.

but iTrumps murals and paving seem to be brightening up the city. Cant say that this is how it always looks for i was only going in everyday for a week, but on all days it was in good shape. i even walked around the streets and found a few fab new cafes near the old mutual building... and a wonderful cappochino vendor in the square in front of city hall.

News just in regarding the hotels to be built around the icc.

The 3 new hotels are going to be 2 four star and one 3 star.

One is situated on the icc phase 2 site, with direct access to the new durban arena, which will be surrounded by restuarants, cafes and bars.

The other 2 will be built on plots surrounding the icc, but within easy reach of the monorail station to be built on the land between the icc and present Hilton hotel.

The hotels are going to represent the Golden Tulip, Tata and Sun International brands and will have a staggered construction period.

The first to commence will be that adjacent to the new arena, the others will follow later in the year.

All will be complete by Nov 2006

No info on heights at present

Just thought i'd post some pictures of how the Riverhorse Valley Estate (which is being built on both sides of the N2 highway in northern durban, 8km south of umhlanga) looked before any commercial construction started. These pictures were taken in October 2003.

I will post pictures containing all the new developments after christmas. All in all there are 25 buildings in various stages of construction and completion. included in this is a new private hospital, hotel and numerous head offices for construction related companies, as well as IT and distribution firms. Also, the area has a new mercedes commercial vehicles sales centre, for buses and trucks. Mercedes claim its the largest facility of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.

Have a Merry Christmas all... sure there are some treats headed our way in the new year

http://www.moreland.co.za/web3/imglib.nsf/E581156361A4184E42256DBF0053C4E3/$FILE/rhv_001.jpg
http://www.moreland.co.za/web3/imglib.nsf/74008A8353CE833242256DBF0053D00C/$FILE/rhv_002.jpg

Concern over Point marina By Lyse Comins & Farook Khan

A controversy has erupted over the proposed small-craft harbour at Durban's Point Waterfront with environmentalists labelling the development a "playground for the rich", being built for the sole purpose of inflating property values in the area.

However, the city has responded that the developments are not reserved for the wealthy but are aimed at regenerating the area into a world-class attraction, creating jobs and boosting the economy.

Dozens of objections have been raised by affected parties such as environmentalists and regular users of Vetch's beach (which will disappear under water if the harbour is built) including yachties, boaters, snorkellers, divers, anglers and paddleskiers. This follows the submission of the Draft Environment Scoping Report for the Small Craft Harbour for public review. The deadline for public comment was June 30.

Concerned parties who attended a meeting last night where the report was tabled rejected the option (one of seven) favoured by the developers. Instead, they called for an option that would enable the public to continue to use Vetch's Pier. They favoured an option that would see the small-craft harbour built within the port itself.

According to the report, the project could cause property values to rise by R200 million, translating into increased rates revenues for the city. About 1 000 retail jobs and 5 000 construction jobs would be created. Significant private sector and direct foreign investment opportunities would also be created. Objectors referred to Vetch's beach as part of Durban's heritage and the best beach on the Golden Mile. They expressed fears that it would be "privatised" or "destroyed" by the development - displacing regular users, mostly ratepayers - to provide a playground for the rich.

However, eThekwini Municipal Manager Mike Sutcliffe said in an interview that fears of any beach being privatised were unfounded. "I can give my assurance as city manager that there has never been any talk of privatising beaches and would be amazed if that ever happened anywhere in the country," he said.

The development was part of the "regeneration" of the beachfront into a world-class attraction and the city was not creating exclusive niches for the rich. The proposal would provide berths for craft to have direct access to the sea. It would offer protected moorage to 275 keel boats and powerboats. There would be promenades, ramps, jetties, a boat lock to the Point canals, lighthouses and residential and hotel developments.

The report also states that Vetch's Pier is the only area south of St Lucia with an unexploited stock of mussels fit for human consumption. It serves as a nursery for diverse species of juvenile fish.
There are 64 shipwrecks, many unexplored, containing valuable artefacts off the harbour mouth and in the Vetch's and Limestone reef vicinity.

The Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa objected unreservedly to the proposal. Spokeswoman Di Dold said apart from pollution and potential damage by boats to the natural limestone reef and Vetch's, there was concern about the sustainability of the harbour and that a large portion of recreational beach frontage was being lost.

"There is no need for a small- craft harbour here at all. This is a "nice-to-have", not a "must- have", and is being built solely to inflate the adjoining property values. KZN has a high energy coastline . . . and for the comfort and safety of boats and crew it is better that small craft are kept within existing yacht facilities," Dold said.

Point Watersports, representing the Durban Undersea Club, Durban Paddle-ski Club, Durban Skiboat Club and Point Yacht Club, lodged concerns over recreational access. "We . . . want to know where we are going to be as city ratepayers when the small-craft harbour is built," said spokesman Eddie Lahee. Lahee said a plot much smaller than the one now occupied had been allocated. However, there was a price tag.

Sutcliffe said a "top priority" meeting with Point Watersports was imminent but declined to say whether they would have to pay for a property.


The development of the small-craft harbour includes:
Development of flats with a maximum height of six storeys framing the harbour along a new north breakwater;

Ground-floor retail along a prime promenade extending the Golden Mile;

Mooring for about 300 boats off new jetties within the harbour;

The connection of the small-craft harbour to the inland canal system via a dedicated lock system;

Provision for boat launching;

Provision for clubhouse facilities;

Provision for a sheltered beach, sheltered swimming and snorkelling activities;

Hotel development up to a potential 14-storey height north of the proposed boat lock and including all servicing requirements.

So its xmas time and we all have spare moments where boredom sets in. The weather is perfect, 29C, so you go out and decide to take some photos of whats happening around you. So here are some of the developments that are going up in umhlanga ridge, taken on 26/12/2004

http://myalbum.mweb.co.za/uploaded/ad1840da-9d26-4d70-9acf-72db6ee3e76d/raw/e544518a2bc849c9b09cb7a864906676_2004-12-26_022.jpg
http://myalbum.mweb.co.za/uploaded/ad1840da-9d26-4d70-9acf-72db6ee3e76d/raw/b5a826154a7c4853a8a741b5c771f4a4_2004-12-26_021.jpg
http://myalbum.mweb.co.za/uploaded/ad1840da-9d26-4d70-9acf-72db6ee3e76d/raw/00f735367d534530b9a77ed27977eb44_2004-12-26_019.jpg
http://myalbum.mweb.co.za/uploaded/ad1840da-9d26-4d70-9acf-72db6ee3e76d/raw/06554fb6756d4e0f9cbc57e4526d89f5_2004-12-26_018.jpg

This is the Palm gate Development - 210 apartments

http://myalbum.mweb.co.za/uploaded/ad1840da-9d26-4d70-9acf-72db6ee3e76d/raw/92ef743bc5424538a8f3249718335365_2004-12-26_024.jpg

In this image, Palm Gate is on the left, and Horizon views (128 apartments) on the right

http://myalbum.mweb.co.za/uploaded/ad1840da-9d26-4d70-9acf-72db6ee3e76d/raw/fe4f5476f038466eb13bec377c13103f_2004-12-26_023.jpg

Mitshubishi Umhlanga, part of the merc, jeep, chrysler, smart and dodge development
http://myalbum.mweb.co.za/uploaded/ad1840da-9d26-4d70-9acf-72db6ee3e76d/raw/ec2cfac1ca8a451aa2035874d6e4419c_2004-12-26_012.jpg

Unilever Africa's Head Office that was moved in July from London...well not the building
http://myalbum.mweb.co.za/uploaded/ad1840da-9d26-4d70-9acf-72db6ee3e76d/raw/1d03a5c5195a4d50bc9767cd5aa19658_2004-12-26_011.jpg
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Side view of the massive Unilever South Africa Head Office - has 30000m2 of office space with 180 degree sea and city views
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The Merc showroom on the ridge

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Trust me i have MANY MANY more, and they will come as soon as i have time to process them.

Also will be posting some precinct reports in the next few weeks. The first will focus on the Design District in Morningside, where old victorian houses have been converted into luxury interior design and antique stores, as well as cafes, and model agencies. Very leafy, very quaint, but very pricey... but beautiful, like you'll all see.

The second report will be on the hub area of florida road. Its massive array of architectural gems and the new pretenders to them. This is a listed historical precinct, so you want find any rash new developments that damage the character of so many other areas around town.

Stay tuned

New information i gathered today while walking in the point precinct

Another new development is going up in the area. this one is named
"One Point One Seven".

Its a mixed use development, with 1200m2 of retail space and 900m2 of office space. above this is 8 floors of apartments. in total the building is 10 stories and is right on timeball square.

Sadly the website is in macromedia flashplayer format and as such i cannot get any of the images.

but if you wanna see what this building looks like the address is: www.realtyworks.co.za

hey there gandalf, will you be able to alter your Spinaker post to include the pictures of it? thanx

hey there gandalf, will you be able to alter your Spinaker post to include the pictures of it? thanx

Coooool bananas ... Zimbali is absolutely stunning. I have stayed there twice and once you are in that pool (the best in the country .. imo) it goes on forever as it blends in with the sea .. stunning.

The Palms on the other hand .. mmm .. not my cup of tea (sort of 80's don't you think ? ).

Do you have more details regarding the monorail system ?

Must admit that the Palms is not a fab building, considering the quality of its competitors in the area.

Zimbali is fantastic! if you stayed in the hotel, then my house is just in the valley below looking out towards to the sea. love every minute i spend there. Will take some more pics when i next go up to it, show you some of the new hotels going up.

Regards the monorail, i've got a whole plan and budget stream that i managed to attain, very detailed. Will summarise it and post when i have to get through it all. All i can say now is that it will run from the casino to the point and inland to the icc initially, but plans are to run it along the esplanade and up to florida road as well, so that it covers the majority of entertainment areas around the inner city area. construction starts in 2005. will get more details for you

^^^ I am so jealous ... maybe I should consider moving to Durbs ;)

hehe, would be fantastic. the more the merrier!! Finally my city is jacking up its act and putting its foot onto the development peddle, prob is i think the foot is too keen with the gas at the moment for corobrick and ppc cemet to handle, they've run out of all there supplies, the factories here are at full capacity and are now trucking them in from the eastern cape and gauteng.

Ooh a trip to durbs and CT for jozi would let them all know that we not content to follow in their shadow no more

as a fan of durbs i would just like to say many thanks dysan without out your detective skills i think i would neva have heard of all these wonderful projects happening in durbs plus u've kept gandalf in shadows for some lol :) cheers mate cant wait for more news

hehe, thanx mate, always on the look out for something new and interesting... loads coming on stream all the time. Had a mate from Brisbane here a few weeks back and they were blown away by the changes that are going on here.

Will keep the info coming! Got real goodies up my sleave... but have to fully complete all the research before i let them loose.

Have a great 2005 to you and everyone else...may the hangovers clear, so we all can spend the day on the beach...

La Lucia / Ilala Ridge - The Grand Floridian is uniquely designed to offer the security and convenience of apartment living offering luxurious and upmarket finishes, functions room, indoor heated pool, steam room and gym area. Phase II consists of 25 luxury apartments with spectacular sea views situated at the pinnacle of the new Ilala Ridge. Prospective buyers have a choice of 3 and 4 bedroom units and a limited number of duplex style penthouses. Finishes and fittings are of the highest quality comprising of granite/marble work surfaces, ducted airconditioning and DSTV to name but a few. 5% deposit secures.

Prices range from R2,1 - R5million

http://listing.pamgolding.co.za/images/properties/0081658_M.jpg

Indoor Pool
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View
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Santana Sands

La Mercy - This stunning beachfront new sectional title development, just 8kms north of umhlanga, offers not only a good investment but a superb lifestyle. Chen Sagnelli, the architect has designed the 12 cabana style apartments, garden villas and penthouses to satisfy todays demand for modern, easy living. Apartments are right on the beach, with no traffic to deal with. Peace and tranquility, but with umhlanga right nearby. This must be the bargain of the century! IMO a future hot spot!

Prices range from R1,55m to R2,33m and the total square metres from 250 - 473.

All bedrooms are en-suite and airconditioned. Upmarket finishes include fitted granite topped kitchens, built-in braais on the spacious patios and many more. A 10% deposit secures.

http://listing.pamgolding.co.za/images/properties/0086931_M.jpg

Penthouse
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View
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Morningside Ridge offers spaciousness and security in one up-market package designed for stylish living in the heart of trendy Morningside ocean views from Umhlanga to the Bluff on a clear day and adjacent to a massive protected area. The views encompass masses of greenery all the way down to the umgeni river mouth and ocean beyond.

Each apartment will have 2 assigned parking bays also ample parking for visitors. Each apartment also has a large patio. These apartments are from R910 000 to R2,3million

http://listing.pamgolding.co.za/images/properties/0078883_M.jpg

Westbrook Beach Club - SEA VIEW APARTMENTS

Now beachside living is far more alluring ..... 2 and 3 bedroom luxury apartments with security, lifestyle and leisure options you never dreamed possible. From only R900 000


Close to the beach overlooking the sea:
Choice of exciting 2 & 3 bed apartments with 2 or 3 bathrooms
High quality finishes throughout
Ocean views - most apartments have magnificent vistas over the ocean
Built-in braais
Secure underground parking, 24 hour security with electricified perimeter fence
Clubhouse with pool, restaurant, bar, reception and office facility
Located within easy driving distant to KZN's newest entertainment world "Sibaya"
Shop at Lu Lucia, Umhlanga Rocks, Gateway or Ballito

http://www.realty1parsons.co.za/images/20WBCVIEW2.jpg
http://www.realty1parsons.co.za/images/19WBCVIEW1.jpg

Dysan1 .. I have been looking at The Mercury on-line and there is an article about the new look Durban but it is LOCKED - please buy it and tell us what they are planning. Thanks :) ... waiting in anticipation.

New-look Durban plan unveiled

Bridge would cross harbour waters


Durban has unveiled a major master plan that could transform the shape and nature of the city for decades to come.

The new space-development vision, which constitutes one of the most fundamental transformations in the city's recent planning history, was published in draft form for public comment last week and is likely to spark vigorous debate.

It focuses on the southern section of the city and advocates a massive industrial expansion zone on the present Durban International Airport site, coupled with significant alterations to the road and traffic network.

The plan comes amid growing indications that the national government will facilitate the rapid establishment of a new international airport north of the city, in time for the 2010 soccer World Cup.

If it is approved, the proposal would also transform the appearance of Durban Bay, where a towering "unity bridge" would cross over the harbour waters to link up with the central business district.

Prepared by the private consultancy firm Iyer Rothaug and the eThekwini Development and Planning unit, the spatial master plan attempts to untangle decades of conflict, piecemeal planning and the uneasy juxtaposition of industry and residential communities.

While it is likely to be welcomed by several commercial interests, it has already raised concerns for residential communities opposed to toxic pollution zones on their doorsteps.

Local community leader and environmental watchdog Bobby Peek was cautious about the full implications of the plan until he had studied it in detail - but he said the decision to publish the planning document was a major victory for communities that had been demanding clarity about the future plans for their area. "(Now) people will have to make their voices heard very clearly," he said.

The spatial outline earmarks the present international airport land for "large-scale manufacturing", although the exact nature or type of expansion is not defined in the public documents, which were distributed to public libraries last week.

Puven Akkiah, a spatial development and land-use manager at the eThekwini council, said the intention was to outline broad development concepts rather than specific details at this stage - but any new industrial development would have to comply with strict environmental controls because of the long-standing conflicts caused by industrial pollution.

Akkiah said that with the exception of the "barracks" (the run-down rows of prefabricated houses at the corner of Tara and Duranta roads in Austerville), there were no proposals for compulsory relocation of any residential communities.

"We understand that relocation is a very sensitive and contentious issue, and that people have strong roots and associations to suburbs and communities."


One of the most significant infrastructural changes in the new plan is a major road artery from the present airport site to reduce traffic bottlenecks and create quicker transport links to the import/export harbour hub. By rerouting industrial transport to the new road, it was hoped to restrict movement along Tara Road to residential traffic.

Clairwood Racecourse could also disappear, divided almost equally between industrial use on one side, and the other zoned for a new recreation/park zone with broad public access. A new road would cut the race-course in half to create a new transport feeder road to the N2 freeway.

Significantly, there is no indication of the much-talked-about "dig-out harbour" proposal, either in the Bayhead area or adjacent to the Sapref petrol refinery. It is also silent about previous proposals to create a new petro-chemical hub.

However, a new canal has been proposed to bisect the land between the airport site and the country's biggest refinery (the Sapref facility owned by Shell and BP).

According to Akkiah, the intention of the new "relief canal" is to reduce the risk of flooding in the former swampland, which was reclaimed in the early 1950s to create the international airport.

According to a 170-page document prepared by Nathan Iyer, a private spatial development consultant, the proposals could form the basis of a common vision to map out the future development of the south Durban basin.

He said that despite its status as the major port city of Southern Africa and the second biggest industrial manufacturing centre in the country, the area had not grown over the past five years.

He suggested the plan could help to resolve environmental conflicts and also secure major public funding for infrastructure and economic growth.

It also calls for a rationalisation of port services and better rail transport links for commuters and goods.

Train stations should also be redeveloped to support commercial, retail and residential land uses.

A spokesman for the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry could not be reached for comment, but residential community groups have raised several concerns.

"We welcome economic growth - but it must be clean and provide sustainable and permanent new jobs," said Desmond D'Sa, Chairman of the South Durban Community Environmental Alliance.

Merebank community leader Rajah Naidoo felt the city should not look automatically to heavy industry. "Parts of the south basin would be ideal to create a major new waterfront drawcard," he said.

^^^ Thanks Pule - you are a *
;)

ooh emailed a guy at the planning dept and he said he would send me the architects pictures of the 3 designs for the bridge... ooh cant wait for that... should be interesting to see what they have planned

Thought i'd put some more umhlanga images up, and the advert that appeared for the new apartment building next to the city lodge. it is the only picture i can find and it isnt even that clear...sorry!

http://myalbum.mweb.co.za/uploaded/ad1840da-9d26-4d70-9acf-72db6ee3e76d/raw/e5fce6aef36c4803bb40f150de8fe628_2004-12-29_038.jpg
http://myalbum.mweb.co.za/uploaded/ad1840da-9d26-4d70-9acf-72db6ee3e76d/raw/e6ce08b5865245aaa5dabcbc1e6e3e26_2004-12-29_037.jpg
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This is The Block

It contains 108 apartments in 1 and 2 bed format. Prices start at R615 000

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SANZALA APARTMENTS - Morningside

1,2,3 bed apartments in upper morningside, nearby the Morningside Ridge development. Comprises 95 apartments over 7 floors. From R689 000

http://myalbum.mweb.co.za/uploaded/ad1840da-9d26-4d70-9acf-72db6ee3e76d/raw/47c4b2a38b6b4676bcdb1fa14c1043e1_2004-12-29_032.jpg

Just a snap of building that i found to be rather interesting in the point precinct, actually next to the development of the 10F apartment building One Point One Seven. The other image is of the proposed building. it is the only one i've managed to get my hands on at the moment.

http://myalbum.mweb.co.za/uploaded/ad1840da-9d26-4d70-9acf-72db6ee3e76d/raw/33a88e846837401fa3cb02bfab17c879_2004-12-29_021.jpg
http://myalbum.mweb.co.za/uploaded/ad1840da-9d26-4d70-9acf-72db6ee3e76d/raw/d06e560fdeee49ceac9ba83d8ab734e8_2004-12-29_019.jpg

Just a question to all you guys out there. What do you think durban has to do to get a higher international presense?

We dont have the mountain like Cape Town, and we are not the business hub of SA like Jozi. What needs to be done to give durbs the recognition that she deserves?

Pushing money into marketing it can only do so much...

what are your views???

It can take decades to build an international presence. Probably the fastest way to do it is to hub a major airline through it - but Durban is way to far off the beaten path for that.

Durban will have to make itself into a Business capital to rival (or beat) JHB and a tourism capital to rival capetown or it will probably always remain unknown to 99% of the planet. Certainly nearly no one in Australia or Britain has ever heard of it.

It can take decades to build an international presence. Probably the fastest way to do it is to hub a major airline through it - but Durban is way to far off the beaten path for that.

Durban will have to make itself into a Business capital to rival (or beat) JHB and a tourism capital to rival capetown or it will probably always remain unknown to 99% of the planet. Certainly nearly no one in Australia or Britain has ever heard of it.

yes i do agree with you clive that in many respects it will take time for many people across the globe to recognize durban as one of south africa's other major cities at the moment johannesburg and cape town seem to occupy the tongues of internationals, and perhaps this is one reason why a cape town olympic bid would be better than a durban one....

although durban is not so popular according to clive one must realize that we are all south africans and by just looking at the developments at the durban waterfront make me proud to be south african and i love durban as well, we should all be working together instead of against each other....

so i think it is part of our duty as capetonians to help durban become more well known and to spread the word to the tourists that apart from cape town and jhb that durban is an amazing city on its own and is of course very unique...

we should not allow durban to go unnoticed, i am proudly south african and its amazing to think what durban or cape town or jhb will be like when all the stadiums are complete and many of the properties plans now for developments are complete and the soccer world cup is in south africa...

just imagine the fnb stadium with new roof and a second tier of seating packed to capacity at 100 000+ , the atmosphere tangible and electrifying, the indescribable buzz within the stadium the worlds eyes focussed on africa....and south africa..what a moment it will be

as the fans await the soccer world cup finals

ooh emailed a guy at the planning dept and he said he would send me the architects pictures of the 3 designs for the bridge... ooh cant wait for that... should be interesting to see what they have planned

I'm glad you actioned that quick buddy, I actually thought that as you closer to them it will be better to send you their contacts. Thanx a million, I also can't wait for the photos...

yes i do agree with you clive that in many respects it will take time for many people across the globe to recognize durban as one of south africa's other major cities at the moment johannesburg and cape town seem to occupy the tongues of internationals, and perhaps this is one reason why a cape town olympic bid would be better than a durban one....

although durban is not so popular according to clive one must realize that we are all south africans and by just looking at the developments at the durban waterfront make me proud to be south african and i love durban as well, we should all be working together instead of against each other....

so i think it is part of our duty as capetonians to help durban become more well known and to spread the word to the tourists that apart from cape town and jhb that durban is an amazing city on its own and is of course very unique...

we should not allow durban to go unnoticed, i am proudly south african and its amazing to think what durban or cape town or jhb will be like when all the stadiums are complete and many of the properties plans now for developments are complete and the soccer world cup is in south africa...

just imagine the fnb stadium with new roof and a second tier of seating packed to capacity at 100 000+ , the atmosphere tangible and electrifying, the indescribable buzz within the stadium the worlds eyes focussed on africa....and south africa..what a moment it will be

as the fans await the soccer world cup finals

I just can't wait for 2010, I wish they could have shifted it to September so that I would be able to drive down to Bloemfontein or up to Nelspruit in my Nissan 350Z Cabriolet to watch Brazil against Portugal or something...

Durban needs no introduction locally but I think that locals shold promote the city to foreigners (in particular Capetonians). There is no reason why Durban can't be an economic power house. The city is now the Country's 2nd largest city and has everything going for it.

Take Cape Town for example which is growing faster than the National average and our GDP is now 1% lower than Jo'burg's .. a major achievement.

More flights into the city is also required and a clean, safe CBD is also just as important. Tourism is the key and the city should try to attract the big spenders - the jetset.

Interesting to note all your views. I personally believe that what is needed most of all is patience for it is most definately not something that can happen in a very short space of time. I believe that Durban will only start to improve its international reputation in the years after the soccer world cup.

By 2010 most of the point developments will be complete, the new airport will be running and the coastal stretch between the city and ballito in the north will have been so heavily built up that ballito will seem an extension of the city. This is the time when people will take notice. I may be wrong, but i believe that with the soccer world cup, people will come to SA for the soccer and hoping to see cape town in all its glory, but will leave pleasently surprised by the 'unknown' city of durban. The coverage that that event will give the city, i believe, is what will push it up to another level.

also couple that with the masses of interest that is being shown in the city by middle east investors, who plan to pump at least R3billion into the city in the next 6 years, we seem to be heading on the right track.

Speaking to one of the brains behind the dube tradeport project last night, he said that with the opening of the new airport, a very high percentage of international cargo that is presently entering and leaving the country via jozi will most definately be rerouted via durban due to the cheaper costs in fuel and support staff associated with the coast. This is not hearsay, this is in the form of signed documents and commitments by the worlds leading freight companies.

Another point is that Qatar airways which have just started flights betwenn jozi and the middle east say they intend flying into durbs. they are owned partially by the same backers of the new developments in durbs and as such can be influenced by their backers. What the people behind the dube tradeport tell me is that the primary reason why international flights were halted to durban was the fact that our runway is too short for fully laden 747's to take off from and it therefore made flights from the city unprofitable, they siad there was no problem with demand at all. Since the present runway can not be lenghtened in any way, the quickest possible move to the new airport is being pushed by the city, tourism opperators and the chamber of commerce.

Going on most recent info, construction is expected to start in 2006, for completion in 2009.

I agree that my city has a long way to go to reach the levels of international attention that the countries 2 other cities have, but i dont think it is as unnoticed as you foreign south africans make it out to be. I could give you the long explanation, but no one wants to hear me droning on, so i'll give you the short one. Latest property stats for the past 6 months regarding foreign property buyers in KZN, suggest that 327 properties were bought by foreignors, mainly from Germany, then followed by the UK, Ireland, Italy and surprisingly China. These sales ammounted to R489 million. Which i see as a rather hefty purchase. the other point is that i'm not originally from SA. Was born in Ireland and grew up here however, so travel there all the time, and have noticed that there is an increasing number of articles appearing in their press about durban, which they label as 'the hidden treasure in south africa, with easy access to all the best the country has to offer'... so i guess we on the right path.... more to come

Over the rainbow - A Sunday Times UK review of the durban property market


Durban has the most benign tropical climate in Africa. At the height of summer — during the English winter — it does get a bit humid and sticky, but that is when you head to the Drakensberg Mountains for some trout fishing or visit the big-game farms just two hours’ drive away or simply lie on one of Durban’s golden beaches.
And in August, the depths of Durban winter, you can still sit outside in shirt sleeves at midnight after a day of cloudless blue skies, a swim in the Indian Ocean and dinner on the terrace.

The British have been fond of Durban since the 1830s — it was named after a British governor called Benjamin D’Urban and has always been more English than Afrikaans — but in the past few years many expatriates have been seduced by the charm of Cape Town. Cape Town is a great place to spend Christmas, but the sea is always cold.
In contrast, Durban — South Africa’s third largest city — offers a sublime climate, the Indian Ocean with its sandy beaches and warm water, and countless good golf courses where the most you will pay for a round is £20. Even the national dish is the same as Britain’s. And Durban is a true city of the “rainbow nation”, as the centre of Asian culture in South Africa: many Durbanites enjoy an Indian curry after an evening in the pub.

House prices in Durban have tended to be lower than either Cape Town’s or Johannesburg’s but they are catching up fast: up by almost 60% in the past two years, spurred by a number of developments on the waterfront and the resolution of local political problems.

Kim Macllwaine, who runs Unilever’s business in southern Africa and has been based in Durban for eight years, says it is a fantastic place to live.
“There is an easy lifestyle in Durban, a very good climate, healthy outdoor living and the Indian Ocean to play in,” he says. “The only downside is that there are no direct international flights from London to Durban.”

There are plans to change this, with a new airport in north Durban scheduled for completion before the 2010 football World Cup. This has spurred Macllwaine to buy a house with four bedrooms near the beach, for which he is paying £180,000.
His golfing partner, Vinnie O’Dowd, came to Durban in 1997 when he married a South African woman, Frances. After selling his four-bedroom house in Cheshire, he bought a property in north Durban in 2000, paying £40,500 for a four-bedroom house with a swimming pool. He has just sold it for £130,000.

“It was on the market for two days,” he says. “It was a hell of a good investment.”
He is just finalising the purchase of another house for £150,000, also with four bedrooms and a swimming pool, but on the edge of a nature reserve.
“I think this will also be a great investment. Some of the locals are saying that the main boom is over, but there is still a lot of demand from overseas.”

Buying in Africa is always going to be more risky than buying in America or Europe. In addition, the rand, which looked to be getting inexorably weaker and weaker in 2001, hit R20 to the pound and then lingered in the high teens, has strengthened to closer to R11. Anybody who bought a couple of years ago has doubled their money not only due to rising prices, but also due to the rise in the currency. But the rand is one of the most traded currencies in the world and most observers think its real value is closer to R15 to £1 — so it could be a good bet for sterling buyers to wait until it weakens further.

The South African system of buying a house is not dissimilar to the Scottish method. Offers are made in writing and, once accepted by the vendor, are binding subject to various conditions. One innovation is that house sales are often conducted via “open days”, when anybody interested can visit the property before making an offer. This helps to speed up the whole selling process.

One couple who benefited from buying at the right time are Hamish and Nicky Thorpe. Hamish, 50, worked in insurance in the City of London before the lure of South African property became too strong. “We came to Durban on holiday two years ago and fell in love with the place,” he says.

They stayed in a guesthouse in Berea, one of the most exclusive parts of the city, which has lovely views of the ocean and overlooks a park. Hamish and Nicky, 40, a housewife, liked the guest house so much that they made the owner an offer of £360,000 for the 1,060sq m property with garages and swimming pool. They have already sold one section of 235sq m for £180,000 and are considering selling the penthouse apartment of 380sq m. It has wooden floors, two large bedrooms, a terrace and the finest views in the city. “If somebody offered me £455,000 for it I might sell it,” says Hamish. “Otherwise I cannot imagine a better investment anywhere.”
One of the things exciting the locals at the moment is the beach development Durban Point Waterfront. This is Durban’s answer to Cape Town’s famous waterfront.
For years, Durban’s beach has been frequented by pickpockets, drunks and prostitutes. But now, in a bid to improve the area, the city government has invested millions in building uShaka Marine World, an aquarium complete with water slides and dolphins.

It is also building houses, offices, hotels and possibly a marina in a joint venture with Moreland, one of the biggest landowners in KwaZulu Natal. According to Neels Brink, a director of the company, these are exciting times. “We are going to produce a world-class resort in the heart of Durban,” he says.
A number of private investors are also developing their own projects in the area. Alan Burke, a director of Blue Plum Developments, bought 29 Edwardian homes in the area just next to uShaka Marine World, overlooking the ocean.
“They were built in 1904 as homes for the port workers,” says Burke. “They are being gutted, completely rebuilt and will have underground parking, a canal going through the middle of the street, three bedrooms and Gaggenau kitchens.” They are on sale for £455,000.

For those who want to enjoy the attractions of Durban without being trapped in the city, a number of coastal resorts are springing up. One of the best is Zimbali, just half an hour by car from the city. On the 1,700-acre coastal forest estate there is a golf course, a beachside swimming pool complex and horse-riding trails. Security — often the downside for investors in Africa — is excellent. The perimeter is fenced and there are security gates. This does away with the need to have fences and gates around every house. Instead, wild buck, blue duiker and other game wander around; there are birds everywhere and stunning views of the Indian Ocean.

Houses here are not cheap: on the market is a seven-bed house with two swimming pools, terraces, fully equipped kitchen and one of the best views of any house, anywhere, for £1.6m. The annual service charge to cover the security arrangements, plus services such as refuse collection and street lighting, comes to about £1,000.
There are cheaper property options in Zimbali. You can buy a three-bedroom house with a terrace and ocean view, together with a communal swimming pool, for £315,000. “There is a vacation club market, so you can buy a house like this in Zimbali, use it for a couple of months a year, and then put it in a rental pool for the rest of the year,” says Brink at Moreland.

Moreland is developing Zimbali as a joint venture with IFA Hotels & Resorts, a subsidiary of Kuwait-based International Financial Advisors. IFA is the largest investor in the Palm, the man-made island off Dubai. Moreland is hoping to develop some more of its 62,000 acres with other international partners.
“Property prices may have almost doubled in the past 18 months,” says Brink, “but in relative terms Durban is still the best value for money in the country.”
Hamish Thorpe, 00 27 824 924 351; Alan Burke, Blue Plum Developments, 00 27 313 687 562; Neels Brink, Moreland, 00 27 315 601 940

Go Durban Go Cape Town Go Joburg Go The Rest

Go South Africa!!!!

Riding the crest of a wave

The prices of homes in once-ordinary suburbs have soared over the past 10 years - while other areas have fallen off the map. ROWAN PHILP


UMHLANGA Rocks has emerged as the most successful post-apartheid suburb in South Africa, with its top properties selling for an average of almost six times the 1994 price.

Meanwhile, the most expensive homes of more "humble" residential suburbs such as Greenpoint in Cape Town, Sunnyside in Pretoria and Bassonia in Johannesburg have more than quadrupled in price. And a major golf estate rush has created at least two dozen new elite suburbs - with average property values of up to R2.7- million.

This week, property experts said the suburban "wealth spread" since 1994 was largely a result of the emergence of a black middle class in Gauteng, foreign buyers in Cape Town, lower interest rates and a property price bubble not seen since the early 1980s.

Based on South African Deeds Office data and compiled by the South African Property Transfer Guide, a survey of South Africa's 341 most affluent suburbs this week showed the richest home owners in coastal suburbs to be generally the biggest value winners over the past 10 years.
Although privately bought commercial businesses were included in some figures, the report showed that 182 properties of over R1-million were sold in Umhlanga between January 2002 and January 2004, at an average of R3 345 441.

Cape Property Services, which uses estate agents' reported sales, confirmed that the average price of luxury homes in Greenpoint had increased from R426 459 to R1 863 000 between 1994 and 2003, and that Somerset West prices had leapt from R407 409 to R1 711 399.

Home values in some streets increased well beyond the success of their suburb, illustrated by one property in Bel Ombre Drive in Constantia which sold for R2.1- million in 2001 and R6.9-million last year.

Another report sourced from the Absa Home Price Database reveals that the price average for all "middle class" homes in the Durban metro area - driven by massive top-end development in Umhlanga and in Ballito to the north - leapt by 36% last year, ahead of a 19% national average, and 16% for Cape Town.

The Property Guide report showed that star performers elsewhere in the country include:
Plettenberg Bay, where average top property prices increased from around R400 000 to R2-million;
The new "black middle-class" suburbs of Bassonia, Mondeor and Glenvista in southern Johannesburg; where prices increased three- and four-fold;

Port Alfred, where top-end prices increased from R590 000 to R1.6-million;
Morningside, Johannesburg, with prices rising from R430 000 to R1.5-million;
Summerstrand in Port Elizabeth, where top prices increased three-fold; and
Cintsa, in East London, which jumped from no luxury sales in 1994 to 10 sales over R1- million last year.

Inner-city areas, such as Yeoville in Johannesburg and South End in Port Elizabeth, seem to have vanished from the wealth map, according to the report. Some former upwardly-mobile country towns which sold many luxury properties in 1994, such as Howick in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, registered no residential sales over R800 000 last year.

But the property market in Umhlanga is so hot that one Johannesburg-based businessman paid R3.2-million for a sea-facing site last year that was valued at just R500 000 in 1996. He immediately tore the three-bedroomed house down.

Sally Schenk, franchise principal for Pam Golding, said the owner had since begun construction of two Tuscan-style cottages on the site, on Chartwell Drive, and that just one of them had already sold for R5-million. She said the owner would live in the other, also valued at R5-million, and that with its redevelopment, the property had grown 20 times in value.

Two doors down from the site is Denise Squires' three-bedroomed home.
The owner of a local health shop, Squires bought the house for R600 000 "in the week of the elections" in 1994. Schenk said recent valuations showed Squires' house to be worth between R4.5- and R5-million. "I'm not interested in selling, but it's nice to know," said Squires. "That [return on investment] is better than the stock exchange hands down."

Terry Labuscagne, a veteran property valuer in Durban, said a low crime rate and high holiday appeal had always kept prices strong in Umhlanga. However, he said a sudden migration of professional firms from Durban, the opening of the giant Gateway shopping centre, and the existence of land for a rash of new exclusive residential developments had taken prices "literally through the roof" since 2001.

Labuscagne said a spate of "new residential stock" - including the super-exclusive Umhlanga Ridge developments and The Oysters apartment towers - had boosted figures even further.
"I'm personally still trying to find a plausible explanation for where this money has come from," said Labuscagne. "But the fact is that you can get nothing for under R3-million in the new parts of Umhlanga."

Michael Thompson, an agent with Pam Golding in Cape Town, said the "halo effect" from the Waterfront development and a wave of renovations had helped boost prices in Greenpoint. One of his clients, Peter Barnard, is buying his third house here in three years, having doubled his investment after refurbishments on both previous occasions. "And it's just getting better and better," said Barnard.

Sweet Taste of Property

By Sven Lunsche**
Any visitor to* the north of Durban - from La Lucia to Umdloti - will be astounded at the rate of property development that is taking place there.

What was once almost exclusively sugar cane country has, over the past 10 years, become a concentration of office developments, modern shopping centres and upper-income housing complexes.
These developments are the result of large-scale investments by Moreland, the property development company of KwaZulu Natal's largest company, Tongaat-Hulett. The connection between the two companies is no coincidence - Moreland has used former sugar cane land owned by Tongaat-Hulett and transformed it into prime property development space. In the process, Moreland has become SA's largest private land developer.

Moreland MD Gordon Hibbert says the group has developed about 1 000 ha of the total 10 000 ha it owns in the Durban metropolitan area. Its R1bn in investments has been matched by R12bn from clients who bought the land and about R100m from infrastructure investments by the eThekwini council.
Some Durban politicians have raised concerns that Moreland's development has accelerated the flight of residents and businesses from the city centre, but Moreland argues it has kept many from leaving the city altogether. Multinational group Unilever contemplated leaving Durban, but decided to move from the CBD to the La Lucia Ridge office estate.

Hibbert says Moreland's developments have attracted new businesses, from SA and internationally, but "most of our business occupants are local players". He says: "It was never our intention to attract CBD companies, but over the past 20 years the Durban CBD has lost a lot of businesses to grime and crime.
"That is gradually being reversed, but both new companies and Durban-based ones have been and are looking for modern facilities on a low-rise basis in safer areas, with good infrastructure. We could offer that," he says.

Most of Moreland's developments are within a 5 km radius of Umhlanga Ridge, "where a strong degree of synergy exists between our residential and commercial portfolios", Hibbert says. At the heart of this is the Umhlanga Ridge New Town Centre, which has attracted almost R5bn in development, including the R1,5bn Gateway shopping centre, the smaller Crescent shopping centre and a large motor city precinct. More than 30 000 permanent jobs have been created at Umhlanga Ridge, in addition to the 20 000 employed during construction.

The adjacent La Lucia Ridge office estate has attracted some of SA's top corporates, particularly banks and accountancy firms, which have invested a combined R1,5bn in office blocks.

Other Moreland developments under way in the northern corridor include:
*
The R800m Sibaya casino and entertainment complex owned by Afrisun KZN. It is scheduled to open late next year and has budgeted for 2m visitors/year. Included in the Zulu-theme complex are two hotels and conference and exhibition facilities.*
*
The 300 ha Riverhorse Valley business estate on the N2 in northwest Durban. The estate is a partnership with the eThekwini council, which is investing R250m in a new interchange off the N2 freeway. Moreland industrial and commercial director Ken Forbes says R40m of land has already been sold on the estate. He expects total investments of R1,6bn at the estate and an estimated 20 000 jobs will be created.*

A second joint initiative with the city is the new town centre in the Inanda area that will serve as a retail and industrial development node for the Phoenix, Inanda, KwaMashu and Ntuzuma township in northwest Durban.*

On the residential side, Moreland has completed the Zimbali and Mount Edgecombe estates and is developing new residential developments at Ilala, Edgeview and Izinga Ridge in the La Lucia/Mt Edgecombe area.

Blue Flag Status Positive For Umhlanga and South Beach

The recent announcement that Durban’s Umhlanga beach and South Beach have been awarded Blue Flag status is positive news for these areas and for the local residential property markets, says Pam Golding Properties.

Peter Pringle and Sally Schenk, joint area principals for PGP Umhlanga, say the achievement of Blue Flag status reinforces the high desirability of the beach and confidence in the area.* Says Pringle:* “In September, our office represented a record month for sales and capital growth in the area continues to outstrip the national average. International and national recognition of this nature is important as many of our sales are to purchasers from upcountry as well as to international buyers.* We recently sold a new house in sought after Chartwell Drive for R6.4 million to an offshore purchaser.* This home offers magnificent sea views, has five reception rooms and five bedrooms (all en suite), and is close to the village and beach.”

Says Schenk:* “In addition, the New Town Centre around Gateway is fast becoming a very desirable location for young people wanting to move into the area.* Prices are lower than on the beachfront and the area offers secure living and accessibility to the facilities of Gateway, as well as proximity to the office parks in La Lucia and Umhlanga.* Marketing of the most recent development at Gateway, 7 on Palm Boulevard - situated in a prime position opposite the fountain in the hub of Gateway - was extremely successful with most of the units being sold within a month of being launched.”

Only 39 units were available for residential buyers, with the retail area on the ground floor and three floors of office space being offered on lease. “Mixed use developments are in demand at the New Town Centre, as they offer the opportunity for purchasers to ‘live and work and play’ - all in one destination,” adds Pringle.

Dina Soukop, PGP’s joint area principal for the Durban beachfront area – including South Beach – says that Blue Flag status for South Beach is a further boost for the growing popularity of the area, particularly in the light of the Point Waterfront development, which is in close proximity, and which is now well under way.

“Since the Point Waterfront development commenced, interest in homes in Durban’s South Beach area has picked up considerably among local and upcountry buyers, as well as among overseas purchasers.* We’re also seeing a demand for old blocks of flats to purchase and renovate, and sell on.

“Prices are already starting to appreciate, and while some interested buyers think you can still pick up flats for under R100 000/R200 000, the market has changed.* Since uShaka Marine World opened, there has been greatly increased exposure for the area, and traffic ie pedestrians, visitors, holidaymakers etc – has increased by as much as 300 percent,” says Soukop.

However, she says you can still acquire a one bedroom flat in the South Beach area for about R260 000-R300 000 – situated one row back from the beach.* Frontline luxury apartments with four bedrooms and swimming pool are in the region of R3.5 million.* In the Point area prices start at R980 000 for a one bedroom apartment, while a three bedroom penthouse with two lounges and two patios (front and back) and about 230-250sqm in size is priced at around R4.5 million.* This is in a prime location with outstanding views, and includes ducted air conditioning, quality finishes and double undercover parking.

Soukop says the Point Waterfront project is having an extremely positive impact on the surrounding areas.* “Cafes and restaurants are springing up, the area is well lit at night, which means you can in fact stroll right from the harbour mouth through to uShaka Marine World, down along the Marine Parade and right through Durban’s casino.”

Interview: Gordon Hibbert (MD Moreland)

Probably the single greatest catalyst for the regeneration of the Greater Durban region over the past 10 years or so has been the exponential growth and success of Tongaat-Hulett’s property development company Moreland. Eagle News asked Moreland’s MD, Mr Gordon Hibbert, to give his opinions on the unfolding trends surrounding Durban’s resuscitation.



Can you summarise your oft-quoted optimism in Durban’s future potential?

I suspect you are well aware of many of them: location, climate, beaches, diverse hinterland, existing infrastructure – particularly the Port - and Durban’s strong metro economy. I’m not always convinced that our people fully appreciate the collective, special qualities that Durban and its environs encompass.


Would you agree that cynicism and disillusionment are often the most popular characteristics of people’s thinking here?

Unfortunately much of this potential has been lost in the political differences at National, Provincial and City levels for more than fifty years. This has done so much to hamper the economic growth in this city. Also, and notwithstanding the gross imbalances created through Apartheid, the provincial government continues to pursue an exaggerated social investment outside of the metropole – at the expense of Durban’s economic development.

So what role did Moreland play in helping Durban re-focus itself?

Firstly, in the late 1980’s the broad-based Tongaat-Hulett Planning Forum identified the need to create jobs north of the Umgeni, i.e. close to where a major portion of our people are living. Our Greater Umhlanga nodal development was largely a response to that. And you can only undertake projects like Zimbali, Mount Edgecombe, Gateway and the Umhlanga Ridge New Town Centre etc. if you have a deep-seated belief in this city’s future potential. That was followed by Operation Jumpstart (the ICC development) and more recently our participation in the Durban Economic Growth Coalition which is a private/public partnership (PPP) incorporating major projects in the City.

Such as?

Point Waterfront, RiverHorse Valley Business Estate and the two casinos.

Why did Moreland get involved in the Point?

The sustainable success of our Umhlanga Ridge developments depends very strongly on the success of our centre city. Our involvement with uShaka Marine World and the Durban Point Development project was partly motivated by our understanding that Durban needed a tourist and development flagship, something that would go a long way towards uplifting the psyche of people here. So I like to see our efforts as bookends: one in the north and one in the south – the success of both will uplift the centre, with our Village Green/ICC casino also playing a major role.

There are strong misgivings, however, about the beachfront area adjacent to this development.

The City is fully aware of this and is taking steps to address it. The Point challenge you refer to is one of a number of other pressing needs, such as clearing up the “crime and grime” image of our inner city and beachfront area. Absolutely critical!

Can you encapsulate your other major concerns?

The Port of Durban is a major key to Durban’s overall success. We have to better integrate this extraordinary facility into our economy and bluntly speaking it has under-performed. It must become more efficient and effective and I hope that it’s current “Project 2005” investment and efforts to concession its management and widen the harbour entrance are successful. (It’s interesting that we have the 9th biggest port in the world and yet Durban is not even in the top 100 city economies worldwide). In the interests of tourism I hope our passenger terminal is given the emphasis it needs. As I said the Durban beachfront, especially the so-called Golden Triangle from the Casino down to the Point and up to the ICC, needs some very focused thinking, involving both the City and business. Getting this right will impact enormously on the city itself.

What do you think of Durban’s investment image?

I feel our municipal and provincial authorities have to very seriously look at making Durban a much more investor friendly city. We must speed up our investment facilitation and decision-making processes. It’s crazy that provincially controlled EIA’s can take months and months to be decided upon, for example.


You alluded to the provincial government and our city not investing sufficiently in the economic development of Durban.

I believe Durban will only achieve its full economic potential if Government and business work together in partnership. One of our main focuses is to strengthen existing Private Public Partnerships (PPP’s). This process is growing and aside from managing the Point we are in partnership with eThekwini in the development of the RiverHorse Valley Business Estate adjacent to the N2. However, I feel there is still an imbalance in the City’s social/economic investment equation. You must remember that the Umhlanga Ridge, Point and the Sibaya Casino (at Umdloti) projects have led to the creation of 30 000 permanent and 20 000 construction jobs as well as a rates contribution to the City coffers approaching R100-million per annum.

What about the Dube Tradeport?

These PPP initiatives will have a major bearing on the success of the Dube Tradeport initiative at La Mercy and the establishment of a new airport there to facilitate direct international flights in and out of Durban. Possibly, this is where the KZN Provincial Government can make an investment into the Durban economy, in line with the Gauteng government’s Blue IQ investments into the Johannesburg economy.

"the property market in Umhlanga is so hot that one Johannesburg-based businessman paid R3.2-million for a sea-facing site last year that was valued at just R500 000 in 1996. He immediately tore the three-bedroomed house down.

Sally Schenk, franchise principal for Pam Golding, said the owner had since begun construction of two Tuscan-style cottages on the site, on Chartwell Drive, and that just one of them had already sold for R5-million."

Isn't that so typical of a Jo'burger .. TUSCAN ! ... don't they get enough of it in Jozi ? I had to hose myself :)

Gr8 news as always and I look forward to more gr8 news throughout 2005. Keep it coming Boy !

drove past the house this morning... not really that bad actually. Less tuscan than you would think. Thank god durban didnt get tuscan fever like jozi. still cant believe how they always have to follow some trend or theme. if one developer does it, them they all follow suit...rather sad... be ORIGINAL!!!

Talking bout house prices shooting through the roof, i have this story from umhloti to share. (umhloti is the next town after umhlanga for those that dont know - 6kms)

A guy i know bought a house there on the beachfront 5 years ago for R780 000, at the time it was considered pricey for the area, since umhlanga wasnt what it is today. In dec last year he put the place into an auction sale expecting to sell for R3-4million. Which is a huge jump in value on its own. However he was shocked when the property ended up selling for R16million! A developer bought it and is planning to put up a 6-10 story apartment block on the land, and he says he is only planning to cater for the super wealthy, so you can read whatever you want into that!

Umhloti is one of my fav area's, so much more potential than most areas in the north.

Durban ice rink in for R25m facelift

A R25 million redevelopment of Durban's landmark ice rink is on the cards and the developers are promising to inject life into the dilapidated beachfront property by transforming it into a leading entertainment, retail and conference centre.

The new beachfront development, which will also incorporate a hotel, is set to change the negative perception of the area and help the Golden Mile regain its lost popularity with tourists.

City fathers and tourism authorities have given the project a "thumbs-up", promising tourists a range of facilities.

The new ice rink, which is expected to be completed early next year, will boast unique features such as a moving roof to allow open-air night-sky skating and moving floors designed to transform the complex into an arena for national and international skating competitions.

The redevelopment of the ice rink is funded by foreign investors and a Durban company called Durban Ice, which won the R20 million tender for the project after it was approved by the city's executive committee.

A Durban businessman and director of the project, Sastri Ramiah, has described the initiative as part of a long-term vision of adding value to the city.

"This development is part of the city's vision to see major developments coming to fruition, such as the film studio, ICC extension, people mover, Dube trade port and soccer city," said Ramiah.

Renamed

The new ice rink, which will be renamed the "Durban Ice Complex", is expected to uplift the city's beachfront and complement existing tourist attractions such as the uShaka Marine World, International Convention Centre and Suncoast Casino.


Ndabo Langa, Director of Diverse Group of Independent Thinkers, a firm of design consultants, has been given the task of designing and marketing the new ice rink.

Langa, who was involved in the design of uShaka Marine World, said the plan for the new ice rink would be submitted to the council at the end of the year for approval and the construction was expected to start soon after.

"This is going to be a versatile and multipurpose complex with retail, internet cafe, and entertainment facilities. We will also be directly involved in the marketing of the new facility with the objective of changing the negative perception of the building and the surrounding area," said Langa.

Ramiah added that the new development would be a realisation of his dream "to make Durban an attractive destination for tourism and investment opportunities".

"Durban's potential has not come to its fruition and through projects like this that promote strategic alliances we can make things happen in the city," said Ramiah.

EThekwini Deputy Mayor Logie Naidoo said the council had put out a tender for the redevelopment and upgrading of the ice rink because it was in a poor state.

"We support the idea of making the ice rink a multipurpose centre because it will complement the ICC when they are hosting conferences," said Naidoo.

ABSA has demonstrated its confidence in the Durban central business district, announcing a R90m proposal to upgrade its Smith Street building into a regional head office.

The group will be among a few remaining with central business district (CBD) head offices, following the exodus in recent years to the decentralised zones in Umhlanga Ridge and Westville.

Moreland has been the instigator in seeing a R10bn property boom on the Umhlanga Ridge as companies have looked to escaping a degenerating city centre.

The establishment of the regional offices sees the banking group relocating its offices from several leased premises in the CBD to the Smith Street building.

Absa real estate asset management property manager Craig Francis said most of the group's leases were scheduled to expire over the next few years.

Management decided 18 months ago to investigate the possibility of consolidating into a single building. Francis said that, based on rental forecasts, the new regional office would yield a R40m net rental saving over the next decade.

The building will undergo extensive renovation to meet Absa's corporate image and preference for modern architectural styles.

The project involves an external refurbishment, the erection of a new parking area, as well as the total renovation to the internal foyer and the 14 floors of office space. Demolition will commence late 2004. The project is expected to be completed within 15 months, resulting in an A-grade building.

The professional team includes architect Elphick Proome, project managers Maponya Developments, quantity surveyors Francis Williams-Jones Kgole and structural engineers WSP Africa. Absa will also invite local construction companies to tender .

SANZALA APARTMENTS - Morningside

1,2,3 bed apartments in upper morningside, nearby the Morningside Ridge development. Comprises 95 apartments over 7 floors. From R689 000

http://myalbum.mweb.co.za/uploaded/ad1840da-9d26-4d70-9acf-72db6ee3e76d/raw/47c4b2a38b6b4676bcdb1fa14c1043e1_2004-12-29_032.jpg
I bought one of these , stunning views over the 2 golf courses and lagoon as well as awesome sea views cos I bought on the 7th floor

Just a question to all you guys out there. What do you think durban has to do to get a higher international presense?

We dont have the mountain like Cape Town, and we are not the business hub of SA like Jozi. What needs to be done to give durbs the recognition that she deserves?

Pushing money into marketing it can only do so much...

what are your views???

in Canada, Durban is known by most people to be a city in South Africa, I believe. Joburg reminds people of apartheid or crime (its reputation is one step ahead.), and Cape Town people must think it is too good to be true becuase they don't talk about it much, either, unfortunately.

Durban isn't thought of as an Indian or Zulu-influenced area. It is thought of as white British South Africans. The younger generation, teens and such, believe S. Africa is all lions and hippos, and Lion King movie-type stuff... haha

Its reputation will change, surely, quite soon.

I remember 2 foreign authored novels I read which made me chuckle with the ignorance.

The one, set in the 1970s, had the hero's house (hehe) in West Street, Durban from where he could hear lions roaring in the "jungle".

The other, an Australian authored trash novel (I was stuck on a plane with nothing else to read) called Players, had a South African tennis player's house in Glenwood, Durban, where her house had its own beach. Maybe there was a tsunami in the first few chapters that I missed...

These shameless errors due to incompetant (or non-existant) research only made it to publication due to the fact that they reckoned no one would have ever heard of the place.

Certainly in my experience in Australia, most people are completely suprised that we even have proper cities, let alone bigger ones then theirs. But then quite a few Aussies think that "africa" is a country. I often refer to the mudhut with the candle that I grew up in ;).

when I lived in Ft Lauderdale in 95 I told people I was from Bobeticozswetti and we had lions and tigers roaming around the garden. People believed me and actually asked if we had electricity, to which I always replied "some day we will"

Most Aussies that I know who have visited Durban think it is a fantastic city, which is a cross between Brisbane and the Gold Coast of Queensland. I could never figure why some flights from Australia did not use it as a gateway city, and then fly on to CapeTown. This thread gives the answer, the runway at airport is too short.So a lot will change with a new airport.

Well I cant imagine too many Aussies wanting to visit Durban - since they have Brisbane and the Gold Coast. In my experience most Australians want to see Game Parks, which Joburg can competitively provide. Durban's pitch of beaches will sell better to Europeans and Africans.

Isn't that so typical of a Jo'burger .. TUSCAN ! ... don't they get enough of it in Jozi ?


Thank God then I'm not a typical Joburger. Tuscan makes me sick. That dude should be nucleared.

But back to the mass development in Durbs... this might be throwing a spanner in the works here, but wouldn't you say all this development along the Dolphin and Hibiscus coasts is spearheaded a large part by the Vaalies which trek down there every so often?

I'm thinking of Umhlanga over December - the place becomes Vaalies-at-the-sea, with all their GP numberplates. I'm also thinking of our holiday home down in Leisure Bay - the entire block (of 24 apartments), with the exception of a German and a Briton, are owned by Joburgers, who let them out to other Joburgers when they're not there.

Well I cant imagine too many Aussies wanting to visit Durban - since they have Brisbane and the Gold Coast. In my experience most Australians want to see Game Parks, which Joburg can competitively provide. Durban's pitch of beaches will sell better to Europeans and Africans.

True to an extent, but in my opinion as big as kruger is, you have a far better chance of seeing good game, and a good variety at the game parks in kzn. All my trips to kruger have never been as successful as my trips up the north coast have been.

Another point that is deffinately in durbs favour is that we have so much diversity right on our doorstep. Drive two hours north and you have game parks with the big 5, st lucia and marvelous beaches the whole way there and back. two hours inland and you have lil england with the midlands and the drakensberg mountains with all they have to offer. Plus the city and it's greatly improving tourist infrastructure.

My fav is winter. When i can spend my morning on the beach, then jump in the car, drive for 2 hours to the champagne valley and be immersed in snow... cant beat that.

...But back to the mass development in Durbs... this might be throwing a spanner in the works here, but wouldn't you say all this development along the Dolphin and Hibiscus coasts is spearheaded a large part by the Vaalies which trek down there every so often?

I'm thinking of Umhlanga over December - the place becomes Vaalies-at-the-sea, with all their GP numberplates. I'm also thinking of our holiday home down in Leisure Bay - the entire block (of 24 apartments), with the exception of a German and a Briton, are owned by Joburgers, who let them out to other Joburgers when they're not there.

Interesting point you do have there. So this might be interesting to you. Yes, alot of the development up the coast is bought by your lot up the reef, but a growing number of the developments are being bought out by foreignors, who have taken a very keen interest in the north and point areas specifically. I know that in the Spinakker at least 2 floors were sold to irish buyers alone, and that in the ilala development in la lucia, 46 of the 198 apartments were bought by foreignors, mainly belgiun, british and dutch (but one random guy from chile i'm told as well).

I live in umhlanga and have noticed that the place is full over the dec period with gp everywhere (also mp,ec,nw,fs....the list continues). but what is also happening is that there is a large contingent of durbanites moving up to umhlanga from the kloof, berea, and those who suddenly struck it wealthy. Most of the apartments around gateway are going to be occupied by young professionals and have not all been bought by investors and speculators. Yes there is a large ammount of investor interest which is spurring many of the new projects, but surprisingly when the buildings open, there are many many people living in them.

I also dont see a problem with alot of the development being bought as second homes by people from jozi, for they do need to escape that place and get down to the sea as often as possible. My mates up there make at least 5 trips to durban a year, and i'm beginging to see a lot more gp over regular weekends than of old. Dont forget that since our cities are relatively close, we are an easy weekend getaway and those who own property here will often make the move whenever they feel the need to.

Another factor is that most people are lifestyle orientated these days and want to have the best possible quality of life they can, as such i know of many people who have moved to durbs from jozi, but the bread winner still works up there, and comutes between there and durbs on a weekly basis (leaves durbs on mon morn, flys back friday afternoon).

So many other points, but i dont have the time right now. All i can say is that the property in those areas wont fail, i only see it get stronger as more and people elevate themselves to middle class standing, and want to take trips to the coast. Also, the brits and co are also starting to realise in greater numbers that there is more this great country than the cape, and so they should.

Durban has unveiled a major master plan that could transform the shape and nature of the city for decades to come.
http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=124&art_id=vn20050103073806814C923492

The new space-development vision, which constitutes one of the most fundamental transformations in the city's recent planning history, was published in draft form for public comment last week and is likely to spark vigorous debate.

It focuses on the southern section of the city and advocates a massive industrial expansion zone on the present Durban International Airport site, coupled with significant alterations to the road and traffic network.

The plan comes amid growing indications that the national government will facilitate the rapid establishment of a new international airport north of the city, in time for the 2010 Soccer World Cup.





--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


'People will have to make their voices heard'
If it is approved, the proposal would also transform the appearance of Durban Bay, where a towering "unity bridge" would cross over the harbour waters to link up with the central business district.

Prepared by the private consultancy firm Iyer Rothaug and the eThekwini Development and Planning unit, the spatial master plan attempts to untangle decades of conflict, piecemeal planning and the uneasy juxtaposition of industry and residential communities.

While it is likely to be welcomed by several commercial interests, it has already raised concerns for residential communities opposed to toxic pollution zones on their doorsteps.

Local community leader and environmental watchdog Bobby Peek was cautious about the full implications of the plan until he had studied it in detail - but he said the decision to publish the planning document was a major victory for communities that had been demanding clarity about the future plans for their area. "(Now) people will have to make their voices heard very clearly," he said.

The spatial outline earmarks the present international airport land for "large-scale manufacturing", although the exact nature or type of expansion is not defined in the public documents, which were distributed to public libraries last week.

Clairwood Racecourse could also disappear
Puven Akkiah, a spatial development and land-use manager at the eThekwini council, said the intention was to outline broad development concepts rather than specific details at this stage - but any new industrial development would have to comply with strict environmental controls because of the long-standing conflicts caused by industrial pollution.

Akkiah said that with the exception of the "barracks" (the run-down rows of prefabricated houses at the corner of Tara and Duranta roads in Austerville), there were no proposals for compulsory relocation of any residential communities.

"We understand that relocation is a very sensitive and contentious issue, and that people have strong roots and associations to suburbs and communities."

One of the most significant infrastructural changes in the new plan is a major road artery from the present airport site to reduce traffic bottlenecks and create quicker transport links to the import/export harbour hub. By rerouting industrial transport to the new road, it was hoped to restrict movement along Tara Road to residential traffic.

Clairwood Racecourse could also disappear, divided almost equally between industrial use on one side, and the other zoned for a new recreation/park zone with broad public access. A new road would cut the race-course in half to create a new transport feeder road to the N2 freeway.

Significantly, there is no indication of the much-talked-about "dig-out harbour" proposal, either in the Bayhead area or adjacent to the Sapref petrol refinery. It is also silent about previous proposals to create a new petro-chemical hub.

However, a new canal has been proposed to bisect the land between the airport site and the country's biggest refinery (the Sapref facility owned by Shell and BP).

According to Akkiah, the intention of the new "relief canal" is to reduce the risk of flooding in the former swampland, which was reclaimed in the early 1950s to create the international airport.

According to a 170-page document prepared by Nathan Iyer, a private spatial development consultant, the proposals could form the basis of a common vision to map out the future development of the south Durban basin.

He said that despite its status as the major port city of Southern Africa and the second biggest industrial manufacturing centre in the country, the area had not grown over the past five years.

He suggested the plan could help to resolve environmental conflicts and also secure major public funding for infrastructure and economic growth.

It also calls for a rationalisation of port services and better rail transport links for commuters and goods.

Train stations should also be redeveloped to support commercial, retail and residential land uses.

A spokesperson for the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry could not be reached for comment, but residential community groups have raised several concerns.

"We welcome economic growth - but it must be clean and provide sustainable and permanent new jobs," said Desmond D'Sa, chairperson of the South Durban Community Environmental Alliance.

Merebank community leader Rajah Naidoo felt the city should not look automatically to heavy industry. "Parts of the south basin would be ideal to create a major new waterfront drawcard," he said.


Information is available from Puven Akkiah. Telephone 031 300 2178 or email akkiahp@cesu.durban.gov.za

KZN Economy gets a big boost

KwaZulu Natal's industrial investment facilitator and the province's biggest industrial property holder have formed a strategic alliance to give greater impetus to investment and job creation.

The investment promotion agency, Trade and Investment KZN (TIKZN), and the Ithala Development Finance Corporation Limited (Ithala) have concluded a memorandum of understanding ensuring that the two organisations will work in tandem to promote increased evels of foreign and local investment in KwaZulu Natal.

The new business alliance will mean that Ithala - with an industrial property portfolio of about 1,1-million sq m of production space - will become TIKZN's first choice provider of premises and finance for both the foreign and local industrial investors it
secures through its inward investment marketing activities.

TIKZN's aim is to transform KwaZulu Natal into South Africa's premier investment destination and a leader in export trade.

For its part, a primary objective of Ithala is to facilitate private sector investment in the province, providing business premises, commercial shopping centres and tourism facilities as
a means of leveraging economic growth and stimulating the creation of more job opportunities.

Ithala's Chief Executive, Sipho Nyembezi, says: "Both organisations are working towards the same goals. We therefore view it as beneficial to KZN to harness the power of a synergistic working relationship in promoting the province as a first-choice investment destination, where investors enjoy a seamless supply of services from TIKZN's packaging of investment opportunities and provision of assistance to individual investors, through to Ithala's industrial property development, letting and sales, and corporate finance and insurance services for industrialists."

TIKZN's Chief Executive, Dr Moyo Ndwandwe, says: "Foreign and local investment in KwaZulu-Natal by enterprises across the business sector spectrum contributes markedly to both economic growth and, vitally, to reducing unemployment here, and it is therefore critically important for future growth that we utilise the individual strengths of TIKZN and Ithala to jointly increase the tempo of investment in KwaZulu-Natal - a province with the potential to become South Africa's next major economic hub."

"it is therefore critically important for future growth that we utilise the individual strengths of TIKZN and Ithala to jointly increase the tempo of investment in KwaZulu-Natal - a province with the potential to become South Africa's next major economic hub."

I fully agree with that statement !

Durban is going for all, the new Airport, new developement etc. I think it is currently making sure that it sure the wealthy and economy of South Africa with Joburg and Cape Town. I think they probably want to be the main competitor to Joburg.

Good luck to them and may they be succesful and in all their plans.

Making a Point of urban regeneration



The regeneration of Durban`s historic Point precinct has been touted as perhaps the most important endeavour the city has embarked on in recent years. With the uShaka Island Marine Theme Park complete and operational, the remainder of the precinct is steadily taking shape around a central canal system and urban landscaping. It will reportedly become a world class residential and business environment.

The main driver of the project is the Durban Point Development Company (DPDC) - jointly and equally owned by the eThewkini Municipality and Rocpoint (Pty) Ltd. The municipality is represented by the Durban Infrastructural Development Trust. The DPDC owns the land (excluding the marine park) and is selling pieces of land for development.

A consortium initiated by Realty 1 Parsons Property Group managing director Horst Keil owns the Point Prison and is overseeing this development. The consortium has registered a development company called To the Point Investments`.

Keil tells Building Africa that following his monitoring of the regeneration of Durban Point and the development of the uShaka Island Marine Theme Park the consortium was formed, and the bid for the old prison block (block 1.9) began.

`This consortium consists of quantity surveyors, construction companies, financial experts, business people and marketing firms,` states Keil, adding that it incorporates a 22` black economic empowerment component. The professional team comprises North Coast Global Investments (project managers), Africost (quantity surveyors), Allpass Consulting Engineers (structural engineers), BFBA Consultants (mechanical and electrical engineers), Stefanutti and Bressan Civils (piling and underpinning) and Norvo Construction (primary building contractor).

The old and currently derelict building overlooks the now completed canal linking the developments to take place within the Point Precinct, and consists of four double-storey barracks joined by a prison wall.

`Turning this building into an attractive apartment block incorporating retail outlets and restaurants while respecting its historic value (the prison was built in 1932 to house African prisoners who served their sentences as dockworkers) will be an enormous challenge - the walls of the old building will remain intact as a reminder that the building was indeed once a prison,` enthuses Keil.

He also tells Building Africa that project architect Richard Cooper, has Point Pastille (block 1.9) designed the Point Bastille as a four-storey, mixed-use building by pairing the barracks, doubling their height and then closing them in. `This will create interior courtyards with the ground floor shops and parking in twin complexes,` adds Keil.

He explains that the three floors above the shops and garaging will accommodate 32 sectional-title units, including eight super-luxury four-bedroom double-volume loft and penthouse apartments.
The first components of the project will be complete by July this year.

The owner of this block is Llizwe Lefatse Properties, on behalf of its associate company, Mandla-Matla Publishing, owners of llanga Publishers.
The property, procured for R4,6-mil-lion, is being developed by the owner who will also fulfil the role of project manager.

Arthur Konigkramer of llanga Publishers tells Building Africa that the subcontractors appointed to date include Lee Park Investments (builders), Price Flooring, Andrews and Sons (doors and windows), Bellman Electrical (electrical), Louis E (painting) and Natal Cladding (roofing).
He adds that the professional team comprises Peter Konigkramer (architect), Seeni Moodley Associates (quantity surveyors) and Young & Satharia (consulting engineers).

A 17-storey apartment block will be constructed as a landmark building; the Development Committee has approved plans for this. `Once final approvals have been obtained from city planning authorities construction will commence at an estimated cost of R43-million,` explains Konigkramer.
He adds that the front section of the property has two Edwardian veranda houses on it, which were built in 1907 and are protected in terms of the KwaZulu-Natal Heritage Act.

`These houses have been restored as originally built, with the significant changes being the provision of open-ings on the ground floor and the first floors to allow the two semi detached units to function as a unit. Great care was taken to use all existing materials where possible,` explains Konigkramer.
Contractor for The Palms still to be appointed Reg Bernstein of Crown Properties reports that the construction value of The Palms (block 1.11) is R75-million. (Like Harbour View Heights it is also being marketed by Crown Properties). The project entails the construction of 69 luxury apartments and penthouses and 1 400 m2 of retail space on the ground floor, as well as 150 basement-parking bays.

The Durban Waterfront Development Company is the developer and the primary building contractor and electrical engineer have yet to appointed. As with Harbour View Heights, the quantity surveyors are Schoombie Hartrnann and the architects FGG Architects, while the structural engineer is Jennings Naidoo.

The project is scheduled to begin in April this year with completion by June 2006.

The Sails on Timeball at tender stage
Timeball Square is the public space feature that will link the various developments within the Point precinct either through their shared frontage or through the linking canal.
`In keeping with the zoning for the Point Precinct, The Sails (blocks 1.18 and 1.19) is a mixed-use multi-storey development which comprises retail shops at
ground/canal level, offices above and followed by a range of one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments and penthouses on the upper floors,` states HI architect Reesh Singh.

Mastertrade is the developer of The Harbour Views project, which is valued at RSO-million and involves the construction of 59 luxury apartments and penthouses, as well as 500 m2 of office space on the ground floor. Also included in the project is the construction of 125 basement-parking bays.
Liviero Construction has been appointed as the primary building contractor and Schoombie Hartmann as the quantity surveyors.
Young and Sithara have been appointed constructed across the largest site in phase one of the precinct with the anticipated date of completion being mid-2006.

Singh reports that the professional team for the development is currently undertaking the production of tender documentation.
The construction value of the project is estimated at R250-million and will comprise 166 apartments, 16 retail shops and 800 m2 of office space.
The developer of the project is Usebe Point. As the tender documents are not yet complete a primary building contractor has yet to be appointed.
The project manager is BTKM Projects and the quantity surveyors are BTKM-Bham, Tayob, Khan & Matunda.

The architects in association are the Architects Collaborative & Reesh Singh Architects. Arup will undertake the civil and structural engineering, the electrical engineer is BFBA and the mechanical engineer is Delen & Oudekerk.
as the structural engineers, Rawlins Wales as the electrical engineers, and FGG Architects as the architects.
The project began in July 2004 and is 20` complete, with the date of completion scheduled as September this year. (Click here to view News Clipping for images)

The Quays on block 1.8a is a 10-storey mixed-use development comprising 40 luxury residential units, a 38-room boutique hotel and a collection of entertainment and retail facilities at canal level. The development is positioned on a prime site at the Durban Point precinct, diagonally opposite the public space of Timeball Square.
`The site was handed over by the developer Marina Michele Properties, to the main contractor Liviero and Son Building, on 1 September and the bulk excavation for the basement is underway,` states Richard Hertz of Key Projects.

The development will be constructed Retaining the character of Escombe Terrace As the buildings in Escombe Terrace (below) (the street running up to Timeball Square) are historically protected by the KwaZulu-Natal Heritage Act, it was required that developers retain as much of their original material and character as possible.

The renovated Rocpoint House (below right) in Escombe Terrace from where the Durban Point Development Company operates.
The renovated Edwardian veranda houses (below opposite page) in block 1.16. at an estimated cost of R94,2-million, with the sales and marketing as well as the role of principal agent being undertaken by Key Projects.

Other significant roleplayers include Elphick Proome Architects, WSP Africa (structural engineers, fire consultants and mechanical engineers), Schoombie Hartmann (quantity surveyors) and CBM (civil engineers).
The project is scheduled for completion in November this year.
uShaka Island

Blocks 3.7 and 3.8 present more building opportunities
A dated photograph of the area where blocks 3.7 and 3.8 will be developed in comparison with a current image, displays the change that has taken place over nine decades.

A new investment company, Heritage Quarter Investments, has been established to manage the renovation and development of a Durban Point heritage quarter block of historic buildings, which face onto Durban Harbour. Renovations involve work on the buildings within the two blocks, which are over 100 years old, and the construction of luxury loft apartments on top of the existing buildings.

Dave Chaplin of Heritage Quarter Investments, explains that the ground floor units will be developed for retail tenants, while the first floor will be converted to upscale residential units.
`Between 40 and 42 residential units of approximately 90 m2 to 200 m2 each are planned, he adds.

A professional team led by Irish Emmett, a heritage project architect from Emmett: Emmett Architects, will include Arup South Africa as the project engineers and Scott & Schou as the quantity surveyors. Van Onselen O`Connell has been appointed as the legal advisors, and will also be setting up the sectional title register for the development. Construction is set to begin this month, and the renovation and building activities are expected to take around 12 to 14 months.
The name of the project has yet to be decided, and the construction value of the project is approximately R55-million.

At the time of writing (November 2004) Chaplin stated that a primary building contractor, project manager, sub-contractors, electrical engineers and mechanical engineers have yet to be appointed.


http://www.newsclip.co.za/gate5/Tempfolder/50100296010010500091054430910585301.jpg

that was just an overview of most of the development at the point at present, but much more to follow in feb i'm told with the realease of the sites with direct beach access, and those round the deep water canals to follow later

:redx:

they have all taken the wrong end of the stick. they are very vocal part of the durban community, always complaining and campaigning against the industrialisation of the south basin district. and often their points are valid, however in this case, i think they are getting all riled up without knowing any of the finer details of the project. Council says that there will be minimal relocations required, about 100 houses and the rest of the road will utilise existing buffer zones and municipal land.

:redx:

nice one, having our property portfolio split between Durbs and Cape Town is a big of gienius me thinks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

yip and there's more on the go

the dubai based architects Creative Kingdom Incorporated say the pearl sky will be the tallest skyscraper in durban when completed meaning its going to be taller than 88 on Field which stands at 147 m

here the completion dates but dont know about the pearl sky maybe dysan knows
December 2005 - Pearl Reef
December 2006 - Pearl Breeze and 12 apartments in Pearl Tides
December 2007 - Pearl Dawn and the remaining 12 apartments of Pearl Tides
December 2008 - Pearl Spa and Pearl Walk
Anant singh is must be on top of the world at the moment his movie is up fpr a Oscar,the pearls , cpt film studios
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v305/hsark2/pearls5.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v305/hsark2/pearls4.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v305/hsark2/pearls3.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v305/hsark2/pearls2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v305/hsark2/pearls1.jpg
found all these at http://www.pearls.co.za/

^^^ Shit it is an amazing development. South Africa needs a new tallest - they should push their luck and try for 260m. I am sure that even more people would be interested to live in Africa's tallest building.

nice one, having our property portfolio split between Durbs and Cape Town is a big of gienius me thinks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You are a GENIUS ! and you will be a rich one too ;)

I went to the sales office of the Pearls and to be frank, the design is a rehash of one Creative Kingdom presented to us in Dubai for our development.Not to origional here but deffinatly better than the current residential high rises in SA with the exception of San rapheal and micheangelo.
I dident have my camera to take pics but the model is impressive and Dysan could possibly take some pics down in Umhlanga.

With regard to actually happening, thats another story. I personally as an investor would not buy into there as your return on investment will cost you money in so far as you are up for 2.5mil for a 2 bed meaning a min of 25k bond repayment per month plus rates and levies.
Your rental will only be 8000-10000 tops which means you are in for 15k-20k per month, in order to have someone live in your investemnt.
Not good returns even with a 20% growth as your money thats tied up in deposit 250k and monthly out goings of 20k means you will always be in the red.
Plus the risk factor of not acheving the 20% growth due to over saturisatuion of the market and or possible bust.
rather buy a bog standard 750k 2 bed, good area, good rentals as you will always have a middle class rental pool and buyers with a much better risk to yourself. Having said all that I hope this gets built and I think the first 2 towers will happen within the year but the monster at the back may have to wait as I doint think there are that many millionairs in Umhlunga to support such a big project.
thats my leason for today kids
Ciao

enlightening little lesson u wiped out there but I do agree the apartments area selling for a average of 5million rand and that’s not even in any of the super high rise buildings :P but I think they’ll be targeting foreigners or joburgers who ever comes first

the 5 mil appartments are in the 1st tower which is actually an old time share building being gutted and converted into superbig appartments starting at 6.5mil. ocean front and great views but then on a building site for 3 years.

Interesting stuff you said there SA BOY... I've just learnt something about property investment. ;)

another tip, Buy into things that the mass market wants wether property or stock. property is like a middle class property not a top end development as the amount of potential renters and eventual buyers gets smaller the higher up the chain you go and stock in a consumable company -unilever/oil sector/media/banks etc not the high end things that may have better returns but is geared toa niech market such as luxuary good etc again everyone needs toothpast and a bank account but how many really need another Gucci bag??
Thats my policy
Later

Are there any other plans for high rises for Umhlanga? I think Durban's gonna have too skylines like Johannesburg. Beutiful.

will go get a pic of the model on monday. With regards to the statement that you dont believe there are enough millionaires in umhlanga to support the pearl sky building, i dont know if that is really a problem. In terms of wealth figures, umhlanga has grown exponentially in the last 10 years. Back in 1994 umhlanga hardly featured as a home of the wealthy, but from reasearch done by research international in 2004, umhlanga is home to the fastest growing population of millionaires in south africa.The total wealth held by umhlanga residents has increased by 5 times its nearest competitor in the last 10 years. however that is not to say that umhlanga has the richest citizens in south africa, for that is not the case, it just shows that the growth in the area has been huge and that it is only going to further increase.

at the present moment 29 buildings of 4 stories or more are under construction in the umhlanga node.

So i dont see a problem with finding people willing to fill the building.

On the otherhand, durban's international profile has seen a steady rise in the investors eye and as such has managed to attract a large number of international investors to projects around the city. One hugh grant has bought in umhlanga this december in casa playa, where prices start at R9 million... so things dont look too dreary

oh and pule, i'm not too sure if there will be any other developments on the same scale as the pearls in umhlnaga, for there is no more land available next to the beach. and those of us who live in umhlanga do not want more of our views cut out by further monsters infront of us.

Dont forget that the houses on the umhlanga ridge are worth billions and by losing their sea view will lose their owners millions each. my neighbours place alone is worth R15mil and is not in the sightest happy that the pearls are in our way

dysan you are not a NIMBY are you????

do you want to be happy when ur R15mil property suddenly becomes worth R9mil or less? then come tell me if i'm being unreasonable!

I love the pearls, think they look great, will bring alot more wealth to the area, but one must not forget the people who already live in umhlanga, who are incredibly uneasy about the potential damage that this development will do to their back pockets. This is not a case of stifiling development because we dont like change or progress, but because people's financial status will be affected. Would you want to lose alot of your own money, just so umhlanga can have some beautiful towers?

Now tell me if i'm not just in what i'm saying

can you give me surety that this development is in my interest? i dont think so... but i do like it, yet i feel better suited in an area that doesnt have multi million homes behind it.

how would they react if someone wanted to build it in camps bay where the present school is? all those people behind would cause just as big a hissy fit.

Frankly, its the only thing you hear discussed in restuarants at the moment. unless the developers can honestly show that our back pockets arent gonna be harmed, then the community will not allow the big pearl sky to go ahead at all...shout nimby all you want

ok something a lil more focused

Three Five Five on Musgrave

This development comprises 30 apartments over 13F. Starting Prices were R1,5m - R4m. However this was when the project was launched in late 2003. The building is nearing completion (march) and present resales are R2,5m - R6m, so quite a good return in a year.

The building is on prime musgrave road and has city, sea and harbour views.

The house next door was just flattened, so i expect to see a similar development on that plot too


http://listing.pamgolding.co.za/images/properties/0080320_M.jpg

its a pity this was built as they demolished the origional Beacon Home (as in beacon sweets), it missed heritage listing by a year and was one of the most beautifl mansions on the berea.
These are too GAPP architect for me, better suited for Umhulunga or Balito. The berea in my mind is very colonial and low key, not in your face architecture that represents.
As for NIMBY well its the same story all over the world, I was here first so I hate progress. Both sides have valid points, but the developer is clever, the zoning for height along the beachfront in Umhlunga is not defined so they technically can go as high as they want.
What ever is built from 20 to 50 stories there will be cries from the rear residents, pity no one listened to the residents 25 years ago when the cabana beach and umhlunga sands were built and now even when the oysters were built.

must just tell you that the developer is being taken to court by umhlanga residents as we speak. could get real nasty. My dads mate was actually one of the local architects on the design team and says that they could all be in for trouble, for they were supposed file a certain document. and it never happened, so there maybe trouble brewing

personally i really like three five five. i know wotu say about the berea being colonial and stuff, but i think the area around where this block has gone up is anything but. in front of it is panarama, il monte and a few other new ones on the way, all very modern, but i think they blend in really well with the surroundings. I think its a fab building. sad about the beacon house i know, my sis is friends with one of the grand daughters, but times change and they obviously saw the oppotunity to sell and make a buck. living there back in the day must have been amazing, but the surroundings have changed and now they wouls have had al sorts of people looking in on them from the other surrounding blocks. Dont forget the berea is the start of the dense living in durban, the other areas are only starting to follow that.

other news

There is another new multi story building going up in umhlanga. Presently its unnamed.

It is to be developed on vacant land on the breakers site, right on the edge of the hawaan forest. Developers say it will be 13 stories, and consist of 30 apartments.

no pictures or more details available yet

question:

Do you believe there should be a height restriction in umhlanga?

Development expert moots higher densification

Against the backdrop of soaring land prices exacerbated by exhausted supplies in most metropolitan areas, traffic congestion and high transport costs increasingly governed by the whims of oil producing countries a development expert has called for a more positive approach to higher densification.

David Jollands, SAPOA/KZN Regional Councillor, articulates strong argument, and with great merit, for higher densification in selected locations. And while he falls short of claiming closer living is the panacea for the country's problems there is little doubt that greater optimisation of existing infrastructure could improve lifestyles and make substantial cost savings on disposable incomes.

In fact, if planned correctly and executed with sufficient political, business and community goodwill, he believes that higher density has the potential to overcome or reduce many of our everyday problems, such as road congestion and even reduce crime levels through more effective and lower cost security measures.

But its main cost saving is in the area of optimising urban infrastructure, such as open spaces, roads and the essential services of electricity, water, sewerage and telecommunications. Jollands says while the costs of such installations may have been acceptable in the past, today's costs are prohibitive unless their usage's are fully maximised through higher density.

Noting that Durban has lagged behind in creating more compact living when compared to gains already achieved in Cape Town and to a lesser extent in Johannesburg, Jollands believes that the initial catch up phase through local efforts toward higher density should be directed at existing commercial nodes, which offer good job opportunities and amenities.

This should be in the form of establishing higher density residential developments designed to cater for workers of all income levels and not just a particular income bracket as is traditional. This can be achieved by the size and finishes of units being appropriately adjusted to meet the income of the owner, such as more affordable bachelor or one-bed apartments catering for the lower paid workers, through to larger accommodation, and penthouses, accommodating more highly paid senior management, for example.

Apart from the saving of commuting transport costs and road usage he points out that potentially greater use of local communal, sporting and cultural facilities would be made where more people have better access to such amenities. This is particularly important in Durban where communal facilities are often under-utilised.

Another major reason that justifies higher density mooted by Jollands is that it offers residents an opportunity to improve security at lower costs per capita in terms of securitising a particular area. This would obviously impose less financial strain and manpower demands on local law enforcers.

Other positive factors emanating from closer living, he advances is that of improved social integration while more people are able to benefit from the positive natural attributes of an area. This could be in the form of sea views, parks, greenbelt or even distant country views. In this context, the real problems of overcrowding must be weighed up against the extent of densification proposed.

Jollands, who through his travels has studied density in other major cities, has observed that higher densification is also a highly effective inhibitor of urban sprawl, which, apart from huge wastage of space and being an eyesore, is in Durban's case, also very expensive for the municipality to supply and maintain services.
Jollands also believes that higher density enhances the viability of smaller business succeeding by virtue of increasing their access to higher volumes of consumers.

Nevertheless, land identified for controlled urban growth must be welcomed provided that it is suitably serviced, landscaped and “greened” in an urban context.

Durban market showing signs of “normalising”

Durban homeowners can expect an average increase in property values of between 15 to 20 percent this year over those of 2004, according to mortgage origination company, PA BetterBond.

CEO Rudi Botha, says the increase could be higher in the lower end of the market, below R500 000 and slightly less in the upper end, above the R1,5 million. His forecast is based on the market showing strong signs of “normalising” throughout December and January.

Demand in most suburbs, he notes, still outstrips supply, “but not to the same extent” and even more importantly greater realism has rooted itself among sellers on the market worth of their homes. Investor activity has also steadied in the lower markets, not necessarily from declining interest in the potential investment value of property, but from a shortage of venture opportunity and growing recovery in other traditional investment areas.

Chris Pearson, CEO of RE/MAX Address, confirms far greater sincerity among sellers on asking prices, especially in the higher price categories, and a definite cooling in the top-end of the market, which he welcomes as a cushion against possible market over-heating. Sellers have had to adjust their expectations above the R3,5 million mark by between five to twenty percent.

Pearson reports a good December for his four offices in the Berea, Kloof, Bluff and Hillcrest suburbs and is optimistic of the emergent black middle-class, and greater efforts by government to reduce crime in its international image build up to the World Cup in 2010, fuelling demand, even though the soccer showpiece is still more than five years away.

Crime, although still a major issue, Pearson says is less a purchasing inhibitor than a year ago. Interestingly, even if homeowners are denied further interest cuts this year, he doesn’t see it spoiling the momentum. In fact, he believes more harm is given the market from seller’s response to reductions by immediately jacking up their asking prices.

Graham Gavin, of Durban North-based RE/MAX Panache, also reports a more balanced market north of the Umgeni River with the company recording its best ever December from more then R50 million in sales with strong contribution coming from new development sales in Umhlanga.

The lower end of second-hand markets in Durban North and Umhlanga both remain under demand pressure in spite of the relatively high respective starting prices of R1,25 million and R1,45 million. Average selling price in the former suburb is around R1,6 million and R1,8 million in Umhlanga. Buyer interest remains high in both suburbs with showhouses in Durban North averaging some 20 couples and in Umhlanga around 12 couples. He too, forecasts an increase of around 20 percent in values this year with interest holding very firm in Umhlanga.

RE/MAX Panache enters the year on a high note having been appointed as one of four accredited marking agents by managing agents, Meccama, to market Mount Edgecombe Golf Estate Two. Strong consumer brand recognition of RE/MAX and its international standing featured in its appointment.

Gavin says RE/MAX KZN recorded a monthly average of R180 million during the six-month period ending December 31. The highest monthly turnover of R224 million was set by the KZN operation in November. Gavin puts the figures at the highest for any real estate group or company in the province.

Answer- Yet I belive in height rerstrictions for suburbs and outer zone in a city centre but CBDs should be fiar game for developers.
ATM Durban has a 120M height restriction , although this has been broken a few times through special zoneing hearings by the developers in order to create economic or architectual significant buildings for the city.
As for Umhlunga a couple of things come into play, firstly the flight path to Virginia airport and secondly the mass development along the rigde which need s to be protected against the wall to wall towers like on the gold coast. Also the shadow created on the beach are terrible at surfers .
My personal opinion is to set a height limit in meters not stories at say 120m= 30-35 floors res tower .

ok something a lil more focused

Three Five Five on Musgrave

This development comprises 30 apartments over 13F. Starting Prices were R1,5m - R4m. However this was when the project was launched in late 2003. The building is nearing completion (march) and present resales are R2,5m - R6m, so quite a good return in a year.

The building is on prime musgrave road and has city, sea and harbour views.

The house next door was just flattened, so i expect to see a similar development on that plot too


http://listing.pamgolding.co.za/images/properties/0080320_M.jpg

Dysan , do you have a better render of this , Maybe a real photo as I will add this to Skyscrapers as its over 12 Floors so technically its a skyscraper

True to an extent, but in my opinion as big as kruger is, you have a far better chance of seeing good game, and a good variety at the game parks in kzn. All my trips to kruger have never been as successful as my trips up the north coast have been.

Another point that is deffinately in durbs favour is that we have so much diversity right on our doorstep. Drive two hours north and you have game parks with the big 5, st lucia and marvelous beaches the whole way there and back. two hours inland and you have lil england with the midlands and the drakensberg mountains with all they have to offer. Plus the city and it's greatly improving tourist infrastructure.

My fav is winter. When i can spend my morning on the beach, then jump in the car, drive for 2 hours to the champagne valley and be immersed in snow... cant beat that.

I have to agree with you - The KZN Game Reserves are stunning ! Far more tropical and not as dry as the Highveld. The worst is Kruger National Park, I couldn't wait to get out of that place. The best Reserve I have ever been to is Makalali - very avante garde (definitely not Colonial or African kitsch).

Are there any other plans for high rises for Umhlanga? I think Durban's gonna have too skylines like Johannesburg. Beutiful.

Jo'burg has about 5 skylines ... CBD, Sandton Central, Auckland Park (SABC), Randburg, and Bedfordview. Kempton Park is probably part of Ekhurleni ??

I love the design of -

http://www.realty1parsons.co.za/images/BallitoJunctionlogo2_000.jpg

:)

question:

Do you believe there should be a height restriction in umhlanga?

ANSWER: Yes, I think that height restrictions play an important role i.e. maintaining the character of the area and the provision of vistas for the people that have invested large sums of money for the concerned vista as is the case in Umhlanga.

However, I also agree that CBD investors should have freedom regarding the height of the structure EXCEPT for Cape Town's CBD (the obvious reason is Table Mountain). Areas like Century City, Bloubergstrand, The Strand, Bellville and Sea Point should also have NO height restrictions.

There must be various areas in Durban that should allow for freedom of heights ??

Dysan , do you have a better render of this , Maybe a real photo as I will add this to Skyscrapers as its over 12 Floors so technically its a skyscraper

i can put up a real photo in a few weeks when the building is complete. but you are going to have to wait a bit, say beginging of march? that ok? i wont forget.

actually took a walk about around durbs cbd on thursday to take some building pics. will put them up this week and if any are useful be my guest in using them. cant believe how many beautiful buldings we actually have tucked away down there. lived here for so long and never even really known about most of them.

any idea where in balito it is?

sorry i have no idea. will contact the agents and find out.

I cant believe the number of shopping centres going up in that town. They already have the lifestyle centre, the well, the village area. now they are getting this place with 20000m2 and soon there will be another moreland backed centre a lil bit further north of the town, near simbithi, it will be 40000m2. where all the shoppers coming from?

I have to agree with you - The KZN Game Reserves are stunning ! Far more tropical and not as dry as the Highveld. The worst is Kruger National Park, I couldn't wait to get out of that place. The best Reserve I have ever been to is Makalali - very avante garde (definitely not Colonial or African kitsch).

you should then def try THANDA. its 20min north of umfolozi and was developed by dan ollefsson (sorry for the spelling) who is a very wealthy swedish entrepreneur. ts the most amazing place i've ever been to. game literally walks into your room at night. Granted its very pricey (R3500 a night) but so so so worth it. plus the chef is amazing, you can go for complementary massages next to a watering hole and have private drives around the park and the st lucia wetlands. to finish the evening you can have a cruise on lake st lucia in THANDA's private houseboat that is just too amazing for words, with champs, dinner and i had a pianiast to keep me entertained.

All i can say is WOW

Nice - I always think of Miami when I see the type of architecture proposed for Durban - is it just me ?

i always think miami too. you have a sharp eye!

Well if you like this one, then you will love some of the others about to come on stream in the musgrave area. there are 5 more in the 7 - 14 story bracket. when i have the pics, you will be the next in line to get them :) :) :) :) :) :)

Bring it on BANANA BOY ;)

no problem big fella, i will bring it all baby :) :) :) :)

thought i'd pay some more attention today to the north coast area. Spent the weekend up there and had a great time checking out the new developments on the go. The following are all in Simbithi estate


http://www.simbithi.com/assets/profile/sim_row.gif


Away from the chaos of the concrete jungle, in the heart of KwaZulu Natal's northern coastline, lies Simbithi, a 322 hectare Eco-Estate in the truest sense of the word.

Simbithi is a natural, coastal paradise with dense, indigenous riverine vegetation, lush valley wetlands, undulating hills and distant, breathtaking vistas. It is a way of preserving nature, as much as it is a way of preserving a lifestyle, that in the hustle and bustle of today's world, you might not have even imagined.

Simbithi Eco-Estate is the first estate of its kind in the area setting the footprint other eco-estates will follow. Every possible precaution has been taken to minimise environmental impact: geology and soil assessments, water resource and drainage appraisals, land use and vegetation studies, and aesthetic, historical and cultural appraisals - ensuring a development perfectly in tune with the natural surroundings, an Eco-Estate of international acclaim.

With a climate that's mild and comfortable throughout the year, a summer rainfall pattern and prevailing winds from the North East and South West, it's not surprising that Simbithi's climate sways local and international tourists alike.

Simbithi Eco-Estate lies 30 minutes north of South Africa's third largest city, Durban, on the KwaZulu-Natal coast. It's a tranquil hideaway nestled between the coastal towns of Ballito and Salt Rock. It is accessed via a network of existing roads with the N2 linking Simbithi to the Gateway New Town Centre and La Lucia office park developments (15 minutes), Durban (30 minutes) and Durban International Airport (40 minutes). A new international airport is currently being planned for La Mercy, 10 minutes away from the site.

Simbithi Eco-Estate will eventually comprise a total of approximately 1000 units, in Phase 1, made up of clusters of villages linked by a network of internal roads. Special care has been taken to ensure the distance between villages accommodates the free movement of game throughout the estate. Community facilities include a clubhouse with swimming pool, tennis courts and restaurant, whilst children are accommodated in an adventure playground and open green areas for free sporting activities.

Phase 2 comprises a further 350 units around a 9 hole championship short course reserved strictly for homeowners. Situated to the north of Phase 1, this phase will include a Boutique Hotel and/or wellness centre.

The architecture is a response to the splendour, climate and natural beauty of the site and the region. It respectfully acknowledges the natural clues that are evident whilst accommodating the lifestyle of the 22 Century. It is an evolving architecture that encourages the creative process rather than imposing an inappropriate "style".




http://www.simbithi.com/assets/ilanga/logo.gif

This up market apartment development in the front of the Estate offers breath taking panoramic sea views. The units will be priced from R2.85 milion for a ground floor apartment, up to a R3.2 million price tag for the 8 Penthouse apartments on offer. A rim flow pool is included with every apartment.

http://www.simbithi.com/assets/prop_worx/ilanga_pent1_big.jpg
http://www.simbithi.com/assets/ilanga/panorama.jpg

http://www.simbithi.com/assets/sabuti/sabuti-logo.small.jpg

Sabuti is luxuriously positioned within Simbithi Eco-Estate, Sabuti is a vastly unique leisure development that embraces both African style and contemporary lifestyle.
240 Units hug the hilltop, affording incredible sea-views and offer a lifestyle experience to rival any world-class resort. Just minutes away from the pristine beachfront, Sabuti offers all that is Africa – indigenous beauty, passionate style and seductive design.

Priced from R2-million, the Sabuti apartments consist of units of 3 and 4 bedroom, with penthouses and garden apartments.

http://www.simbithi.com/assets/sabuti/persp.jpg


http://www.simbithi.com/assets/prop_worx/ILALA_L.gif

Contemporary up market living at it's best. A natural valley with
sea views and a feature dam is the setting for this distinguished development of 99 luxury apartments.

http://www.simbithi.com/assets/prop_worx/Ilala_4s_1_big.jpg
http://www.simbithi.com/assets/prop_worx/Ilala_4s_2_big.jpg
http://www.simbithi.com/assets/prop_worx/Ilala_4s_3_big.jpg
http://www.simbithi.com/assets/prop_worx/Ilala_4s_4_big.jpg
http://www.simbithi.com/assets/prop_worx/Ilala_2s_1_big.jpg

http://www.simbithi.com/assets/prop_worx/TAMBOTI_.gif

A real sense of coastal living and the sound of breaking waves. 56 Luxury apartments will occupy this prime site, offering lock-up and go convenience.

http://www.simbithi.com/assets/prop_worx/Tam_loft_v03.jpg
http://www.simbithi.com/assets/prop_worx/Tam_loft_v04.jpg
http://www.simbithi.com/assets/prop_worx/Tam_loft_v02.jpg
http://www.simbithi.com/assets/prop_worx/Tam_loft_v01.jpg

http://www.simbithi.com/assets/photos/F1010037.jpg

no problem big fella, i will bring it all baby :) :) :) :)

Oooooooh :nuts:

I like iLala .... very Green Point ;)

i can put up a real photo in a few weeks when the building is complete. but you are going to have to wait a bit, say beginging of march? that ok? i wont forget.

actually took a walk about around durbs cbd on thursday to take some building pics. will put them up this week and if any are useful be my guest in using them. cant believe how many beautiful buldings we actually have tucked away down there. lived here for so long and never even really known about most of them.
Dysan, I have photographed most of durbans buildings over 12 floors during the past few years, however there are quite a few I have missed around Grey street etc in the indian part of town . I have also missed quite a few around Albert park, Every year I come back I add a few more to the database.
Any help with missed buildings or new pics would be much appreciated.
Cheers

Ok so now to continue on the north coast theme, i move onto Dunkirk estate in Salt Rock


http://www.dunkirk.co.za/}images/splash/Dunkirk_logo_splash.gif
http://www.dunkirk.co.za/}images/splash/Splash_banner.jpg
http://www.dunkirk.co.za/}images/splash/Title_splash.gif

Dunkirk is set among the gently slopping coastal grasslands and indigenous forests at Salt Rock on the magnificent KwaZulu-Natal North Coast, with views of the Indian Ocean and the rolling inland hills. At the heart of Dunkirk Estate lie 42 acres of dense indigenous swamp forest - a last, precious piece of wilderness that with our help will be preserved for generations to come. This pristine site is a rare gem, and represents one of the last opportunities for environmentally responsible luxury residential development in the area. If you treasure the simple elegance of classical coastal living, you will find your home at Dunkirk.

http://www.dunkirk.co.za/}images/Facilities_txt.gif


http://www.dunkirk.co.za/}images/Logo_sandwood.gif

At Sandwood Hills, the space and freedom of the coastal lifestyle combine with the convenience of modern apartment living for a truly unique residential experience. The airy open plan apartments with their wide verandahs have been designed by award-winning Dean Jay Architects according to a simple and timeless architectural language and enjoy tranquil views of the ancient indigenous trees and undergrowth of a preserved swamp forest.


http://www.dunkirk.co.za/}images/sw_Thumb1.jpg
http://www.dunkirk.co.za/}images/sw_Thumb2.jpg
http://www.dunkirk.co.za/}images/sw_Thumb3.jpg


http://www.dunkirk.co.za/}images/Logo_Glades.gif

The Glades marks a refreshing approach to contemporary luxury living. Set in a grassy clearing between forested slopes, each spacious simplex and duplex unit has been designed by Dean Jay Architects on an open plan with wide verandahs and large windows in response to the unique qualities of the magnificent site. The private courtyards and gardens allow for greater flow between the indoors and outdoors, and the units allow for the addition of a swimming pool.


http://www.dunkirk.co.za/}images/Glades_Thumb1.jpg
http://www.dunkirk.co.za/}images/Glades_Thumb2.jpg
http://www.dunkirk.co.za/}images/Glades_Thumb3.jpg

have got confirmation that if the pearl sky building (tallest one that is awaiting approval) goes ahead it will be 39 stories, with the glass dome and spire addin 50m to its height... so could be rather taller than initially thought.

tired to get a pic of the model, but its getting repaired, kids were playing with the toy cars and kinda messed it up. when its back will get some pics

have got confirmation that if the pearl sky building (tallest one that is awaiting approval) goes ahead it will be 39 stories, with the glass dome and spire addin 50m to its height... so could be rather taller than initially thought.

tired to get a pic of the model, but its getting repaired, kids were playing with the toy cars and kinda messed it up. when its back will get some pics
Nice one Dysan, did they mention overall height? I reacon we are looking at 135m for tower and 50m for spire, wow this could be the 2nd tallest in the country after carlton centre. Any chance of contacting the architect for a height???? :) :) :) :) :)

will speak on monday :)

but we are looking at between 160 and 180m...

i was also given a subtle hint that they had plans for something at the point as well...

will speak on monday :)

but we are looking at between 160 and 180m...

i was also given a subtle hint that they had plans for something at the point as well...

is that including the spire coz if it was bout 180m + adding the 50m for the tower it would be 230m *yes i know im a wizzard at maths* and the carlton stands at 223m *just imagine the tallest skyscraper durbs

that would be amazing, but sadly that will def not be the case.

We are looking at 160m - 180m including the spire, unless they decide to pull a surprise out the bag

oh what the heck it will still be the tallest in durbs n ever out side joburg and hopefully at least the tallest residental building ,it'll be d-day soon for the old ponte

Im still convinced that Ponte is actually taller than the 173/185 height as noted on ss.com and I reacon its over 200m from the front elevation. I inherited that height and have been trying for years to contact the architects to cofirm the height , anybody keen to try for me? pretty please with a cherry on top.

but isnt that building falling into a bit of disrepair? i remember reading not so long ago about major problems regarding the lifts and general upkeep of the building.

also found out that the waiting list to buy certain types of apartments in the new pearls buildings is close on 100 people. the ones that are harder to sell are the one bed rooms. Anyone interested in a penthouse? the one in pearl dawn is only R17million... R24mill if you take some space in the dome as well... surely thats pocket money for someone out there....

Ill write a cheque now......

BTW Ponte was recently refurbished (lifts , access control , lobby and shopping arcade) and has a new manageing agent who report 100% occupance and a 100% collection of rents which will get the owners (a family trust in East London) to invest in the tower some more. It was an issue with people throwing rubbish down the light well in the middle but education and evicion of unrully tennants has dramatically improved the grand old lady of South African towers. It should be for the tallest by floors tower in africa.

BTW Ponte was recently refurbished (lifts , access control , lobby and shopping arcade) and has a new manageing agent who report 100% occupance and a 100% collection of rents which will get the owners (a family trust in East London) to invest in the tower some more. It was an issue with people throwing rubbish down the light well in the middle but education and evicion of unrully tennants has dramatically improved the grand old lady of South African towers. It should be for the tallest by floors tower in africa.

I still won't go near Ponte City .... I wonder if The Nigerians are still there ??

so that stupid kellogs ad on at the moment was filmed in that inner area of the ponte building? hmmm... still not that pretty, but guess a landmark nonetheless

:redx:

Finally!!!!

:redx:

Moreland should come do their magic up in Joburg! They're doing awesome things to Durbs!

yes they are magic!!!

The area has also got a R217million boost from the EU to go towards the hospital, housing and schools for the area.

oh and on the people mover, went to a presentation on monday and was rather impressed with some of the plans.

There will be stations the whole way along along the 6km beachfront, inland to a new hotel complex near the icc and on to the city hall.

But most exciting is the plans to rejuvenate the blue lagoon area.

council wants to develop at least one hotel there and change the focus of the area, so as to provide upper class swimming beaches with loungers and umbrella's provided. The beach and river will also be bordered by bars, restuarants, cafes and stores....

but the main focus will be on improving the river frontage and improving the areas image... if all goes to plan, it will be complete by 2010

hey... maybe some high rises? and apartments? great spot...


the flooding will even be controlled in the plan... fantastic!!!

Monorail? I am quite sceptical. There are very few examples (if any) where this is even close to being value for money. Sydney's vaunted monorail which goes around Darling habour and into a small part of the CBD was expensive looked nearly always empty. - I bet it loses millions - esp as it hasnt been extended beyond this.

The whole thing sounds like a great big white elephant; especially when you throw in the inevitable costs of vandalism, security and inaccurate cost projections. Durban is a low cost mass tourism city - no one is going to pay R40 to travel 5km up the beach and conferences do not bring in anything close to the volumes to make this viable.

Let them run minibuses on the same route with the same prices for a couple of years as a minimum proof of concept.

Bridge City sounds good though - high density low cost areas with a real urban retail business hub is long overdue in SA.

Bridge City sounds good. Its nice to see some rejuvenation happening. I cant wait. About the monorail, it sounds great but I am not sure. I really hope it does well. Las Vegas has a monorail, and when its working, its adequate. I bet it loses money too (foot in mouth).

yip moorelands kick ass, I worked with them in 1996 on their fiorst major project doing the infrastructure to edgecombe office estate (the ridge) and I built the 4 buildings in front of Deloits building. They were very proffecional and cut through red tape like I cut through the caronas on a thursday afternoon.

they say that charges on the "people-mover" (not specifying the exact means that they will use) will be R5 for a once off trip and R15 for a multi use ticket.

They have non indicated that a monorail is going to be the chosen form of transport, but i totally disagree with the taxi idea.

Yes durban is presently more a mass market destination than a niche market one that tarhets the premium end of the market, but with the present changes taking place in the city, the tourism roleplayers are hoping to alter that focus and place more attention to that higher spectrum of the market, and i believe that that is a focus that is long over due. With the incredible natural assets such as the drakensberg, wetlands, game parks, ocean, and battlefields sites, to the increasing array of other activities, the durban market is poised for great things on the tourist front.

You cant compare durban and cape town, for they have very different assets, and as such attractions. but what can be done, is to find a means whereby they offer complementary products to the market. For durban will not grow by merely sticking with the present low to middle end of the market.

For the reasons that emphasise a need for a different approach, i am very pleased to see the council actively planning for these segments. to say that durban must not attempt to is insane, to say that wont be able to target that market is just as insane. The product is there in its present raw form, it merely needs to be moulded, packaged and then sold. And believe me, if it is done correctly, it will work.

Back to the monorail issue. another point is that R70million is already contributed to the project by the suncoast casino developers as part of their casino development plan. For the city not to take them up on this offer would be short sighted and a waste. A monorail may not be the answer, but i believe that what is happening at the moment with the implementation of a luxury bus service on the route in question, is showing that they are testing the market, to find what works.

yip moorelands kick ass, I worked with them in 1996 on their fiorst major project doing the infrastructure to edgecombe office estate (the ridge) and I built the 4 buildings in front of Deloits building. They were very proffecional and cut through red tape like I cut through the caronas on a thursday afternoon.

You should then see the designs for some of the new offices, they are taking the modern approach to extremes in many cases. would love to show you, but cant find them on the net anywhere and dunno where else to get them. but they are pushing boundaries that others in sa arent attempting to do.

Oh and they are now starting to work on the area surrounding the sibaya casino and down to the undeveloped area's in umhloti. they have plans for 2 resort hotels there and masses of housing developments and another eco estate along similar lines to their zimbali estate also in the umhloti area.

Then the area closer to the highway is going to used for light industry. Works start in june on the infrastructure and buildings should start developing in early 2006.

oh and an update on the Riverhorse valley estate that straddles the n2 5kms north of the springfield area.

Only 5 industrial sites remain and all the released commercial sites have been taken up. At present 15 buildings are under construction and the hippo are being returned to the area in june.

Work on the new hospital will start in July, and a value retail centre will open in late 2006.

The factors in the spots favour is that it is on one of the cities busiest routes, with 120 000 cars passing it daily. that it has direct highway access from the new nandi drive six lane highway that crosses the n2 on route to kwamashu and the whole bridge city area. And that it is only 10km from umhlanga

Im sorry, hippos? Could somebody please slap me in the face and explain it to me.

Im sorry, hippos? Could somebody please slap me in the face and explain it to me.

That's right ... there is a campaign to return as much of the wild life as possible to Cities .. example: Cape Town has Zebra, Wildebeest and various Antelope galloping around Devil's Peak .. when you drive along the freeway you can almost reach out and touch them. Then there are Hippos in a nature reserve near the Da Gama Marina (Southern Suburbs) .. you can watch them frollicking in the wetlands from your patio. Penguins build nests in the gardens of homes in Simon's Town and instead of pedestrian crossings there are penguin crossings. Flamingoes often wander around the gardens of homes in Milnerton Ridge (West Coast Suburb).

Well the reason for the hippos at riverhorse valley, is that up until the late 1950's, hippo used to freely roam in this part of Durban, however back then it was far out in the bush. Morelands plan has been to rehabilitate the wetlands and river in the area and as such intend to return all the original wildlife to the area. Already there has been a huge influx of birds, that one would have previously only seen up in the st lucia wetlands. Its an amazing sanctury in the middle of a busy urban area. you dont even feel your in the city when you walk along the river and wetlands area. The addition of the hippo will be the completion of the rehabilitation.

Riverhorse Valley Business Estate

http://www.moreland.co.za/web3/moreland.nsf/277C1C7F67FAA0B542256D5C003131A3/$FILE/rvbe_Logo.gif

"Riverhorse Valley is a visionary business development on the banks of the Umhlangane River in the Effingham Avoca activities zone. In keeping with Moreland's visionary approach to environmental responsibility the development of the estate will actually improve the condition of the river and of the surrounding environment."


The Grand plans to develop a vast business estate at Durban's Effingham/Avoca area to rival the likes of Johannesburg's Midrand are coming to fruition. And visionary flair could see Durban have a world-first fusion of business development and ecological restoration of wildlife, including hippos.

Called Riverhorse Valley Business Estate, the development is a joint venture between Moreland and the eThekweni Municipality and spans 302ha on either side of the N2 in the Effingham/Avoca area.

Speaking at the launch on site, Gordon Hibbert, managing director of Moreland, said Riverhorse would be developed as about 15 separately identified mixed-use business parks, residential parks and two direct access service stations.

There would be development areas for retail, office development, hi-tech industry, light/service industry and warehousing, as well as a medical park. "It's estimated that about 3 500 construction jobs and 13 500 permanent jobs will be created. Total development costs will be around R230-million. New investment in building alone will amount to some R1,5-billion. This excludes plant and equipment, which could easily double the figure."

He said negotiations to develop a private hospital within the proposed medical park were at an advanced stage. Total South Africa have developed two major petrol station complexes at a cost of about R60-million on the northbound and southbound carriageways of the N2.

The first park was launched in late 2002. "It offered opportunities for warehousing, retail and service industry, with some 24 plots, all platformed, totalling about 10 hectare. Sizes range from 1 250 square metres to 4 000 square metres, with one of 28 000 sqaure metres for a substantial development," Hibbert said.

The new interchange and link roads built in the area would make for easy access to the estate and would also ease congestion on the N2 and improve access from KwaMashu and future development nodes at Phoenix South.

The development is named Riverhorse because less than 100 years ago hippos - and elephants - freely roamed the area, which later became known as Sea Cow Lake, being translated from the Afrikaans "seekoei". Riverhorse is the direct translation from the greek "hippopotamus".

There will be about 140 hectare of green, open space within the estate. "Investigation into the feasibility of introducing hippos into a portion of this area has been met with huge excitement and is currently being assessed," said Hibbert.

As the estate grows, the vegetation and wetlands around the Umhlangane River would be restored, and the river itself enhanced to attract the original bird and animal life back into the area.



http://www.moreland.co.za/web3/moreland.nsf/277C1C7F67FAA0B542256D5C003131A3/$FILE/eff.jpg

DEVELOPMENT BOOM PUTS CITY BACK ON THE TOURIST BEAT
By Karen MacGregor

uShaka jump-starts the waterfront project

It is intriguing, as you tuck into lunch, to watch sharks swim languidly around a large tank that forms one wall of the restaurant, while through the glass on the other side children bob down a water chute, squealing with delight.


The Cargo Hold is a popular eating place at uShaka Marine World, which opened in April. uShaka CEO Mike Lambert says the resort is the "jewel in the crown of Durban tourism", the first phase of the long-awaited Point Waterfront.


Also housing the SA Association for Marine & Biological Research (SAAMBR), the R735m uShaka has four zones: Sea World, a state-of-the-art facility set in a 1920 cargo steamer; Wet n Wild, which features snorkelling, slides and river rides; Village Walk, a complex of restaurants and shops; and Bell's Beach, a well-tended seaside hub of sporting activities.


But uShaka's importance reaches beyond its tourist attraction. It is a joint venture involving the eThekwini municipality, SAAMBR, the Development Bank of Southern Africa and Citi Bank and has jump-started the much bigger waterfront project managed by the Point Development Co.


It is a public-private partnership, involving eThekwini (the major shareholder) and Roc-point, a joint venture between the Malaysian Renong group and black economic empowerment (BEE) company Vulindlela Holdings, with Durban property firm Moreland as project director.


"The city's R500m investment in uShaka is having a ripple effect on the private sector," says Moreland resort development director Neels Brink. "Almost R7bn will be invested over the next five to seven years."


uShaka has opened the beach stretch between the harbour mouth and Addington. A luxury hotel will be sited there (the first built since the Hilton a decade ago). It will be the only luxury hotel on the beachfront.


Property prices near uShaka in Addington have doubled. "There is talk of moving Addington Hospital and turning the building into a resort. This area was a slum not long ago. Today Point property is selling for up to R2 000/m² of bulk," says Brink.


Phase two of the Point Waterfront, Timeball Square, was opened last month. It is a mixed-use area, combining shops, offices, entertainment, a R150m hotel and accommodation. The Point has so far clinched sales of 135 000 m² and from next year another 275 000 m² will be released.


eThekwini has budgeted R300m over five years for infrastructure in the Point area. In turn, it is hoped the Point development will encourage renewed investment in the CBD.


Out of the CBD, eThekwini is involved with Moreland in the Riverhorse Valley project, a 302 ha business and residential development spanning the N2 that will create 13 500 jobs and restore the environment around the Umhlangane River. The two parties are also working in a public-private partnership on a development provisionally known as Bridge City in the densely populated north-west townships.


The La Lucia Ridge Office Estate, comprising 14 office parks, started off as a business area also featuring the Gateway shopping centre. It quickly attracted companies - some from the CBD, but most of them new.


New upmarket residential developments also sprang up in the area, providing a wealthy captive market for shopping centres such as Gateway and La Lucia Mall. La Lucia Mall general manager Vanessa Blevins says stores in La Lucia have achieved an average year-to-date growth of 12,4% over the same period in 2003 and spend per head is R93 compared with a national average of R43, according to December 2003 figures published by the Investment Property Databank of SA.


"The future is what we're working on at the Umhlanga Ridge New Town Centre," says Moreland commercial developments project manager Mike Deighton. "When we started, we wanted a secure office park with good infrastructure. Since then there has been a swing in property thinking towards the new urbanist' movement." The new idea is mixed-use development in satellite CBDs. Quality urban living combines office, accommodation and leisure in one area.


The Umhlanga Ridge New Town Centre is a series of squares, parks, boulevards and medium-rise buildings surrounding Gateway.


Further north, Moreland's exclusive 700 ha Zimbali resort development is also in the grip of a boom that Brink forecasts will attract up to R4bn by the time it is completed.


Another project north of Durban is Afrisun's R727m Sibaya Casino & Entertainment Kingdom, which will be opening soon near Umdloti.


In Ballito yet another huge development is on stream, the Simbithi Eco-Estate - integrating homes into a lush natural area filled with wildlife.


As elsewhere in SA, the province is in the midst of a construction boom. Corobrik MD Peter du Trevou says: "Dozens of big investments have made the province particularly busy."


Corobrik's 15% increase in production in Durban has failed to meet demand, so the company is "importing" products from the Free State and Gauteng.

Some STATS on KZN

KwaZulu-Natal's emergence as a hub of industrial development in sub-Saharan Africa can be attributed to its unmatched natural resource endowments, well-developed first-world infrastructure and advantageous coastal location. At present, several major projects are currently at various stages of implementation, presenting business opportunities for anyone who's looking for them.

Accord Peace Centre (R200m)
Dube Tradeport (R3bn)
Durban Point Development (R7bn)
Film Studio& Entertainment World (R500m)
International Convention Centre (ICC) Expansion (R390m)
King Shaka International Airport (R1.6bn)
Peace Centre (R40m)
Riverhorse Valley Business Estate (R3.5bn)
Shongweni/ Cato Ridge Development (R2bn)
Sibaya Casino (R800m)
Simbithi Eco-Estate (R1.6bn)
Soccer City (R1bn)
Southgate Industrial Park (R1bn)
Suncoast Casino & Entertainment World (R1.2bn)
Umbogintwini Operational Services (R30m)
Umhlanga Ridge Newtown Centre (R2.2bn)
Umlazi MegaCity (R500m)
uShaka Island Marine World (R800m)
Wilson's Wharf (R40m)



KwaZulu-Natal Industry


2nd largest province
Strategically positioned on East coast
Population: 8,4 million (20,7% of national total)
GDP: R152 703 million (15,5% of national GDP)
Main sectors: manufacturing (18,7%); transport (14,5%) and trade (11,6%)
Anchor industries: Tourism; Clothing & textiles; Mining & minerals; Agro-processing
Busiest port in SA; one of 10 largest in the world
Heart of shipping and trade routes reaching all major markets
Highest export propensity and level of industrialisation in SA
Unmatched natural resource endowments
First-world infrastructure
Several major projects currently at various stages of implementation






More to come....

88 on POINT - Another durban point renovation


Back when Durban was only just getting off the ground, the point was the area most people called home, for it was the arrival point for all of the passenger ships.

http://www.chalupskyproperties.com/site/files/5557/killy1%2EJPG
http://www.chalupskyproperties.com/site/files/5557/back4%2EJPG


Around the turn of the 19th century point road was lined with stately homes and impecable buildings.

http://www.chalupskyproperties.com/site/files/5557/killy2%2EJPG

Now at the start of the 21st century, the point region of durban is under going another period of monumental growth. Weekly new developments are appearing and selling out before most people even know of their existance. Most of these developments are new and as such will be adding a very modern component to this historic precinct. However, one cannot forget the past, and as such the original point buildings are also getting a new lease on life.


http://www.chalupskyproperties.com/site/files/5557/CHALLOGO%2EJPG

http://www.chalupskyproperties.com/site/files/5557/back8%2EJPG

Dbn's Stamford Hill & Umgeni Rds property values increase dramatically
2/14/2005

JHI Real Estate - JHI Real Estate

Property values in Durban’s Stamford Hill and Umgeni Roads are set to increase dramatically as low-grade industrial space is converted into up-market office and retail space at an increasing pace.

The latest property to join the trend is the Rio Ridge Building, comprising 17 light industrial properties in Umgeni Road, which has been sold by Billy Latham of JHI Real Estate for R5.6-million.

"The trend whereby tenants take up light industrial space on the fringe of the CBD at a greatly reduced rental and transform the space into hi-tech offices and retail space holds great appeal for a number of users", says Latham.

A case in point is New Frontier Tours & Travel, run by Craig Smith, who previously occupied premises in Cowey Road, where rentals range between R60 to R70 a square metre. The tour company took up the opportunity to lease the only remaining unit in Rio Ridge, together with Mark Garrod who imports and sells Asian pots, and have converted what was standard industrial type accommodation into elegant open-style office accommodation, according to Latham. A clear epoxy has been applied to the floors and retro industrial lights hang from the ceiling. The windows have been sanded and returned to their original state with elegant blinds and afford views of Durban’s northern beaches and railway line. Leather furnishings complete the stylish olde-world setting for this company.

"Ground floor premises facing Umgeni Road are in great demand and any vacancies are quickly taken up," says Latham.

One of the first buildings to provide impetus for change in the Umgeni/Stamford Hill node was House of Lizard at 190 Stamford Hill Road. The property was sold by Alan Dryburgh, JHI broker manager, last year for R6.2-million. Since the conversion from warehousing to retail, rentals have almost doubled from R18 square metre to around R35 per square metre.

Dryburgh says that the stand-alone Mr Price building on the corner of Umgeni and Argyle Roads was another big precursor for change. "The significant value that can be added to a property through converting and refurbishing will provide impetus for landlords to invest in their buildings in the node," says Dryburgh. "We believe that this area is going to take off this year and will consolidate into a destination lifestyle and value shopping node".

Brand New Development In The Heart Of Umhlanga Rocks

Umhlanga Rocks - Choice of 2 identical units. 2 minutes walk to Umhlanga main bathing "Blue Flag" beach. Stylish Mexican design ground floor garden units.

Prices range from R1,95m to R2,5m


http://listing.pamgolding.co.za/images/properties/0089433_M.jpg
http://listing.pamgolding.co.za/images/properties/0089433_G001.jpg
http://listing.pamgolding.co.za/images/properties/0089433_G002.jpg
http://listing.pamgolding.co.za/images/properties/0089433_G003.jpg
http://listing.pamgolding.co.za/images/properties/0089433_G004.jpg

dysan whan are they gonna start the towers in the point??
Also any news on the 40 story mixed use on the esplinade and the hotel tower near the ICC?
Did you manage to get heights on San Rapheal?
Cheers mate

Here's a list of present construction times at the point:

The Spinakker - began Jan 2005 (piling begun)
The Quays - began Oct 2004 (up to 3rd floor of 10)
The Sails - began Feb 2005 (piling)
Harbour View Heights - began June 2004 (5th floor of 7)
Victorian Houses Renovation - began Nov 2003 - (completion is March 2005)
The Palms - begins April 2005
Point Bay - begins April 2005
One Point One Seven - begins May 2005
San Raphael - begins March 2005
"The 5 Star hotel" - begins June 2005
Quayside - begins May 2005
Marine Point - begins April 2005
Shaka's Gate - begins May 2005
Heritage Square - begins April 2005
88 on Point - begins May 2005
Point Cultural Complex - Aug 2005
Queens Warehouse - office conversion - began Oct 2003 - (completion Oct 2005)

On top of these developments are numerous commericial buildings. The A-grade property development in the area totals 25000m2, of this 17000m2 has been pre-let to mainly advertising, accounting and shipping firms.

There has been no further news on the 40 story tower in the cbd, but ABSA have begun the renovation of their cbd offices.

*As of yet no san raphael height info, awaiting a reply from the architects.*

Regards the icc hotel. there has been a change of plans. instead of the initial plans to have a 200 bed hotel, there will now be a 300 bed facility over 19 floors and on an adjacent site a 150 hotel. no operators announced at this stage.

Image of ONE POINT ONE SEVEN

situated on timeball square at the point.

http://www.realtyworks.co.za/images/buildingImage.jpg

dysan you da man, thanks for the info on my home town and any info and renders are always welcome
\Cheers

Thanks gandalf and dysan. That is so cool. Here in ABQ urban wildlife is considered a nuisance. Despite having one of Americas largest "urban" parks, there is still lots of deer and bears there. Mountain Lions also live in the heights. But on the upside, there is hundreds of thousands of square kilometers of untouched mountains and forest within a one hour drive, which I am quite fond of. WOW. Durban sounds like such a kick-ass city. Awesome!! Also it doesnt seem that riverhorse valley is truly urban, more sprawl than anything, but it sounds really nice and pleasant.

the riverhorse valley area is 15km north of the cbd, and 6km inland from the sea. Gateway is a further 10km north and umhlanga village is 14km

oh and thanx saboy... your input is more than welcome and appreciated. Seems like change is hitting Durban, and frighteningly quickly!!!

Wonder if you could help. Heard that a property group from dubai, (or uae not sure which place) is planning to develop a massive resort north of tinly manor and an apartment tower on the beachfront near the suncoast casino. Wanted to know if you would know about this or other middle east investment out this way?

the companies name is "el boire". dunno if i spelt it correctly though. your help would be appreciated.

So far i've gathered that middle east investment into the durban region was R1,5bn last year. and planned investment is R4bn over ther next 3 years. That includes Zimbali, the point hotels and office development in umhlanga. Excludes this new info.

havent heard anything about UAE investment in SA, but sounds good and promosing. Tell me more about this appartment tower?

dont know anymore, other than that they have bought 3 buildings near the suncoast casino and plan to flatten them and build one in their place. no heights or anything mentioned

Umhlanga New Town Centre Development Update


Mixed Use and Residential Buildings

Palm Gate – began June 2004 (on 8th floor)
Umhlanga Ridge Towers – began Nov 2004 (piling)
7 on Palm Boulevard – began Dec 2004 (piling)
The Aurora’s – began Jan 2005 (piling)
7 on Millennium – began Oct 2004 (on 3rd floor)
The Zone – began Jan 2005 (piling)
The Lighthouse – began Jan 2005 (piling)
The Sentinel – began Feb 2005 (excavation)
Grand Central – began Feb 2005 (excavation)
The Meridian – began Feb 2005 (excavation)

Royal Palm – begins April 2005
WEST – begins April 2005
The Block – begins April 2005
East Coastal – begins April 2005
The Peninsula – begins March 2005

Commercial Buildings

Regency – began Jan 2005 (3000m2 A-grade, 1500m2 retail)
“Unnamed 1” – began Feb 2005 (2500m2 A-grade)
“Unnamed 2” – began Feb 2005 (4000m2 A-grade)
“Unnamed 3” – begins March 2005 (2850m2 A-grade)

“Car Showrooms” – began Oct 2004 (4 separate buildings, but unknown dealers. The only brands not represented in the town centre are BMW, Toyota/Lexus, Honda (all in mt edgecombe 3km away), Opel, Peugeot, Fiat (in umhlanga village). So unsure who could possibly be moving in.

Umhlanga hospital is also expanding and the site next to the hospital that was previously occupied by Mercedes is being converted into a new 6 story building comprising ground floor retail and 5 floors of offices, right on umhlanga rocks drive.

There is also news that a new 7 floor medical centre is opening behind the city lodge, with ground floor retail on aurora drive.

I often see this stat - that Durban's port is amongst the 10 biggest in the world. Where does it come from?

Largest Ports by tonnage (http://www.geohive.com/charts/charts.php?xml=ec_seaport&xsl=ec_seaport)
Largest Ports by container equivalents TEUs (http://www.tradeway.com.au/resourcesstatistics3.cfm)
Overall volume (http://www.tradeway.com.au/resourcesstatistics2.cfm)

i'd love to tell you, but i'm trying to find out for myself.

in 2004, durban handled 1,85million TEU's and 68% of SA's cargo by value.

I belive that the stat that it's among the 10 biggest maybe related to total volume, or value? or even area size

and this is a question for all of you out there.

With the ongoing development of the point, and its increasing appeal amongst developers, there has been alot of planned commercial development. (ie office space).

Now as the point is not exactly the cbd, but at the same time is not a suburb like umhlanga, would the new office space be classed as new development in the cbd, or as a new decentralised area like umhlanga or westville?

Could gandalf maybe answer if the V&A's office space is classed city, or decentralised space?

Thanx all :)

The V & A is classified as a commercial NODE and not part of downtown Cape Town .. the city centre of Cape Town falls between Buitensingel, Buitengracht and Buitenkant Streets. The city has expanded beyond those points but blend in with the suburbs.

they like the word "buiten..." does it like mean "between"?

dont know anymore, other than that they have bought 3 buildings near the suncoast casino and plan to flatten them and build one in their place. no heights or anything mentioned
not the best part of town and very dense with residentail high rise, possibley only hibrow is more dense. wonder where it could be??

i personally think its the best part of the beachfront. Its nowhere near the west street area, and is near a whole host of new developments:

The suncoast casino and its upcoming hotel and theme park;

the film city complex;

the upgraded ice rink;

the redevelopment of the drive in site to a residential/ transport hub;

the redevelopment of mini town and the snake park into a restuarant complex, with bars opening onto the sand basically.

And the upgrading of the blue waters hotel.

Also that end of the beach has an endless stretch of coastline around it that is not frequented en masse by visitors, therefore walking around the area is rather pleasent.

Definately the area of the beachfront with the greatest potential to go upmarket!

Excellent - the Durban coastline SORELY lacks some cool bars / cafes on the beach*

I shall be there at the end of 2006 - hopefully much of this development will be complete.

* which will be a success if they can get rid of those damned criminal street kids.

Durban is the ideal place
February 21, 2005

By Malegapuru Makgoba

The cultural mosaic amplifies the natural beauty of a city that is neither too fast nor too slow - and explains why many choose to live and work here.

If you live in Egoli, you really are at the centre of things. It's the wheeling and dealing hub of South Africa, where billion-rand deals are commonplace. The nightlife and restaurants are great and the people a genuine cosmopolitan mix. The stresses of fast city life are, of course, many, and health farms are springing up to soothe the weary brows of our country's moguls.

Cape Town has those majestic mountains and many pristine beaches. It's the seat of another kind of power - the place where our laws and rights are discussed and laid down.

These days, you can run into Hollywood stars at the Waterfront and even catch a glimpse of a besotted prince or two. If you can afford it, it's a wonderful place to live and work. In short, Johannesburg has the power and the money and Cape Town has the natural beauty.

So why do so many talented and creative people choose to live and work in Durban? As I wipe the layer of sweat from my brow on another humid February day, I sometimes forget just how magical this eastern seaboard city is. Yes, the tropical summer can be hard.

But even in this harshest of months, when the storm has passed I wake at five in the morning to a lushness of vegetation and birdsong unsurpassed in our more temperate cities.

While Durban has its share of urban sprawl, there are still a remarkable number of large green spaces where majestic palm and fruit trees hold sway, where monkeys and small buck make their homes, and birds and butterflies fly free. A stroll along our well-kept beaches in the early evening cools the body and soothes the soul.

So imagine a place where no natural disasters occur - no fault lines, tornados or hurricanes. With its all-year-round surfing weather, Durban is the place to be.

In the summer months, the pristine Drakensberg offers a respite from the heat. Cool mountain streams take your breath away. If you are lucky, the winter months offer the opportunity for snowball fights and roaring fires. Game reserves offer an opportunity to get up close to a stunning variety of wildlife.

Winter in Durban has got to be the best place to be. While Egoli inhabitants shiver and Capetonians never take their raincoats off, we hardly even need to wear a jersey.


It's well known that people flock to Durban from all parts of the country during the winter months, as ours is the only city where it's possible to sleep rough without too much discomfort.

Durban also has a remarkable mix of people. Mosques and Hindu temples dot the skyline. Jewish families walk in groups to synagogues each Saturday. The muthi marketplace draws customers from far and wide. The sounds of gumboot dancing resonates from hostels over weekends.

In the inner city, refugees add to the mix of language and culture. On Sundays, the Christian faithful gather in well-appointed churches and under trees in the park. The sea is host to baptismal and other rituals.

Eclectic
Restaurants and eating houses offer an eclectic cuisine mix and while our city is certainly not immune to the tensions of the past, one senses a growing tolerance and acceptance of differences. The cultural mosaic amplifies the natural beauty of a city that is neither too fast nor too slow.

From having been regarded as a bit of a cultural back-water, Durban is waking up to new artistic and cultural forms of expression. New jazz venues and art galleries are springing up.

The city is upgrading its sporting facilities and is making a bid for major international events, with the soccer 2010 World Cup firmly on the agenda.

It is, of course, hard to wax lyrical about natural and cultural beauty if you are homeless and hungry. Durban has high unemployment levels, a serious housing shortage and an HIV/Aids crisis; in a real sense a microcosm of South African society.

The eThekwini Municipality, recognised as one of the best-run municipalities in the country, has an ambitious development plan to address these issues by partnering with businesses, communities and the University of KZN, the higher education giant in our region.

Given the evident commitment of government, business and community leaders, in decades to come all of Durban's inhabitants will be in a position to appreciate this wonderful city.

Malegapuru Makgoba is Vice-Chancellor at the University of KZN

well you must have seen the development lists for the umhlanga ridge and for the point on the previous page. ALL those buildings will be complete by the end of 2006... that is 50 new buildings at least.

The point area will be thriving by then and work will have begun on the resort hotels that open out right onto the beach next to ushaka.

Pearl Reef, Pearl Tides and Pearl Breeze (25stories) will also all be complete then!!

And i'm sure there will be a whole host of new projects on the way

there will also be 3 new highrises next to the suncoast casino (2 hotels and an apartment building of 12F) these were announced last nite

also a theme park and new restuarants

there will also be 3 new highrises next to the suncoast casino (2 hotels and an apartment building of 12F) these were announced last nite

Any info on these so I can add them to ss.com? names , locations, hotel operator and number of floors for the hotels??

Cheers SAB

as i said it was only announced last nite, so not loads of detail, but all min of 10F and the operator is southern sun i think, the same people who run montecasino's hotel.

Suncoast and montecasino are both owned by the same group.

The one is a 5 star, the other a 3 star

Equipment upgrade at Durban port bears fruit
February 22, 2005

By Samantha Enslin

Durban - An equipment upgrade at the Durban container terminal is beginning to bear fruit, with the terminal handling a record 1.5 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU) last year and is now set to handle 1.6 million TEU this year.

Hamilton Nxumalo, the general manager for equipment engineering and asset management for the SA Port Operations (Sapo), said last week that the three new ship-to-shore gantry cranes, which arrived at the Durban container terminal earlier this month, would have a dry run in March and be fully commissioned by July.

These cranes were designed by Malaysian-based IMPSA Port Systems. IMPSA partnered with local empowerment company Jikelele Materials Handling to supply the cranes.

Last year, three Liebherr cranes were commissioned at the container terminal. Once the IMPSA cranes are operational, the Durban container terminal will be in line with the international best practice of having one quayside crane per 100m of quay wall.

Sapo has spent about R370 million on the six cranes.

Nxumalo said the three cranes currently being installed would match the Liebherr cranes' performance of 45 crane moves an hour.

However, Nxumalo pointed out the terminal would not yet be operating at optimal levels as 12 older cranes would be refurbished once the new cranes were installed.


"So, for the next two years one crane will be down at a time," he said.

Transnet recently approved R2 billion for the upgrade of the Durban and Cape Town container terminals.

Work on extending the Durban container terminal to Pier One to cater for growing volumes has already begun, with tender documents being prepared.

Tenders for the civil work, terminal buildings and equipment would be issued in about two months, Nxumalo said.

The container handling facility at Pier One will be operational in 2007 when the port of Durban is expected to be handling 2 million TEU a year.

Pier One will ultimately a have capacity for 600 000 TEU.

Maria Ramos, Transnet's chief executive, said in January: "The country's ports are running smoothly in most sectors ... barring the container sector where we currently have equipment and infrastructure constraints."

Sapo's R600 million capital expansion programme at the Cape Town container terminal, announced last year, is aimed at improving ship turnaround time, improving support to the refrigerator cargo market and improving client service.

:redx:

How on earth is the perunit cost of construction in KL 9 times higher than in the UK?!!!!

These have to be for VERY different projects, in which case they shouldnt both be used for comparison.

I am (again) sceptical that they would predict the cost of building something in a country that has no experience of building such a thing, below the lowest cost that anyone has achieved in recent times. This thing will blow out miles in cost.

But as dysan says - i am glad they are thinking big and considering exciting ideas. All I am saying is that i hope they vett them correctly. I have seen so many zillion dollar fuckups in my time. Never get someone who is excited about a project to check the costings. NEVER NEVER.

true, but it does also mention that they have implemented the 50 buses that are operating on that route, and i must say that they are VERY impressive looking indeed. A far cry from any other bus i have seen anywhere in the country.

As it says this system will operate to attain the fesibility of the project.

What is good to hear is that the hotel chains operating in the area have pledged their support for the project and monetary contributions. That suggests that they believe in its prospects too.

Whatever the final outcome, i believe that at last they are pro-actively targeting majoring tourist realted projects in this city. Ushaka was the start, lets see how far they are willing to go.... looks promising for DURBAN :)

just a questions guys- along Dubran's waterfront, are those tall/taller condominium towers still inhabited by wealthy folks, or have slumlords taken over?

also...

1.) Durban rocks.,. why isn't this thread getting enough attention.. I have decided to post in here WAY more..

2.) Durban is really picking up momentum, I take it... Can we pretty please start a Durban Photo Thread?

Thanks everyone!

no worries mate, got so many photos, that i think thats something that is really really needed!! will get onto it!

Regards the towers, which ones are you talking about? the ones along the beach or the harbour side?

The ones along the beach were in major decline until 2002, since then there value has trebled. There is actually an apartment for sale there at R12million at the mo, something unheard of for the area. The general make up of the beachfront residents is middle class, and very few really rich folk. It just doesnt have the appeal at the moment that umhlanga/la lucia have. But i think that the point is changing perceptions and that that area will become a def home of the rich. i love it down there, have got 2 apartments u/c that i cant wait to move into!

The harbour side is taking longer to rejuvenate, but is catching up. values there have also risen tremendously, but it is still cheap to live there. the flats arent very modern and are in need of renovation, but it is still proving very popular for the reason that it has so much potential. There is actually a waiting list for flats in the area... hard to believe but true.

You posting more will be fantastic mate. the more the merrier, i sometimes get lonely in here :(

The momentum is def here, you can feel it just driving around the city, and for once the people are actually singing the cities praises instead of talking it down. something magical has happened, its almost as if durbanites have had a personality change in the last 3 years, and are now thinking big.

The fact that i'm seeing more and more ferrari's and porshes on the streets, tells me that the conservative image and nature is changing, and people wanna show off their flash.

The upsurge in funky cocktail bars in the florida/windermere road area shows this off completely.

So welcome matey, and come back more often :) :) :) :) :)

Loads more exciting things to come 2005 i bet!!!

Awesome! Watch out Auckland! Durban is here to compete with you, and it actually has a proper waterfront ;)

Anyways, a picture thread would be great... What does Durban really look like these days, anyway? ;)

With all due respect to Auckland, Durban is much bigger and IMO more varied and exciting - the Berea is far larger, richer and more attractive than inner suburban Auckland and Musgrav and Morningside are both bigger and more flash than Ponsonby. Point Road is 10 times as built up and busy as K Road but gets way more seedier (although this is being done up rapidly as we speak)

Of course Auckland does not have Durban's developing world side to it - there are no really slummy areas and minimal violent crime.

Auckland certainly kicks ass for its size, certainly far better than SA cities its size.

but the question is, will Auckland ever really grow??? i mean nz aint really going to triple its population or anything.

Well no it wont. I was trying to be as gracious to Auckland as I could - I have lots of kiwi mates, and I like Auckland. However the truth is that Durban is not "playing catch up" to Auckland many fields at all.

I had to politely correct a quite a few viewpoints when in NZ as most people had no idea how big and wealthy Durban is (ditto when in Oz). Many Aucklanders (as discussed in thread in NZ section) have this bizarre opinion that Auckland is huge (by area) and has all these big freeways but the truth is that its less than 1/3 the size of Durban by area and its (like 2) freeways are pissant compared to big boys like the N3 and N2; and smaller than most of the dozen or so other minor freeways Durban has - the M13...etc.

The only big thing that Auckland has over Durban is its "globalness" ;) as it's the business capital for NZ it has a really big international airport and its CBD is full of big shiny skyscrapers saying "Oracle" and "PWC". Also Auckland's people have much more confidence and knowledge of their city compared to Durbanites, who are often barely aware of their city.

Durban isn't 'getting out there' enough and letting the world know its presence in any way at all, no offense. Renaming it eThekwini didn't make it sound more credible, as well ;) J/K I love that name.. anyways it sure is a big wealthy city... it just needs to step into the limelight a little more.

Anyways, I am glad you created a Durban picture thread, but I meant ones we have not already seen. Can you post your personal pictures, or new ones? The ones you put are off the internet and I have seen most of them on SSC before! Thanks alot for creating the thread anyway, tho!!!

I quite like the "dual" names of the cities. The original name is kept to provide international continuity but the indiginous name gives it an interesting local flavour.

Durban is too big to stay out of the limelight for too long. IMO the biggest reasons for it being reasonably unknown include:

-Durbanites are SO relaxed. There are very few (if any) famous international cities peopled by totally relaxed people.
- Relaxed people dont generate wealth: decisions, growth has typically taken SO long in Durban, faxes and calls arent returned. With the economic pickup this will hopefully begin changing
-The middleclass population is relatively small <1m
-There are not really any movies, art, culture, tv programs, bands, celebreties, etc known to be from Durban
-No recognisable architecture or icons
-We need more dysans out there. Ignorance drove me nuts at uni in the 90s in Durban. No one knew anything about the city or gave a shit. The architecture department's website was all about social upliftment and pottery (i am not kidding) and they had no knowledge or interest in the urban fabric around them. If they didnt care, no one would care.

Shame. Why can't we be thankful for waht we have by showing interest in it, and helping to make our cities better? Durban is such a great place, and it really doesn't have the bad name attached to it taht other South African cities do- really...

Durban isn't 'getting out there' enough and letting the world know its presence in any way at all, no offense. Renaming it eThekwini didn't make it sound more credible, as well ;) J/K I love that name.. anyways it sure is a big wealthy city... it just needs to step into the limelight a little more.

Anyways, I am glad you created a Durban picture thread, but I meant ones we have not already seen. Can you post your personal pictures, or new ones? The ones you put are off the internet and I have seen most of them on SSC before! Thanks alot for creating the thread anyway, tho!!!

Yeah well the city has two names. Durban is the official name and eThekwini is the name for the entire unicity, that stretches 65km inland to Cato Ridge, and 100km north/south from Pennington, to Tongaat.

Regards the photo thread, i do have many mnay many new pictures, i sadly did not have enough time to put them all up yesterday, but they will be up by monday, that ok for you? :)

They focus more on the area's that people really dont know much about, like the morningside area. I've compiled an area review that focuses on the design precinct in windermere road, and the high street atmosphere of florida road. These reports will give an insight into these area's, the stores, cafes and people.

Following this will be reports covering the Umhlanga beachfront, Umhloti beach, Musgrave, Glenwood, Natal university, westville, the massive changes in Hillcrest and Kloof, Pinetown cbd, Ballito and its massive changes, the umgeni estuary, beachwood mangrove swamps at the estuary of the umgeni river, the beachfront, albert park, the various parks around durban (mitchell, jameson, japanese, botanic and essenwood), a look at the valley of 1000 hills, and other things i've yet to really get into, but plan to in the near future. Hope that this will satisfy your thirst for something completely different from durbs, and i promise that i will deliver!!! :) :) :)

Just give me time!!!!

Durban is too big to stay out of the limelight for too long. IMO the biggest reasons for it being reasonably unknown include:

- Relaxed people dont generate wealth: decisions, growth has typically taken SO long in Durban, faxes and calls arent returned. With the economic pickup this will hopefully begin changing

I agree totally with this statement. The city is far too big to stay hidden away, but that change will take time... i say give us 10-15 years for us to be reasonably well known.

The fact that durbanites are relaxed individuals is something that cant really change that much. If you had live with the humidity that we deal with in summer i'd be surprised if i saw you full of life all the time. actually i would wonder what is wrong with you!

However the reality of business in durban is changing. As is evident by the council, the mindset of many durbanites is changing to a more pro-active "lets get it done now" approach. Decisions happen quicker here with regards to red-tape and city approvals than in jozi and ct. Why? because our council have realised that the citizens are important to them and cannot milk us forever and expect us to say thanx.

Council is spending millions on new infrastructure in terms of call centres, public employees and the like. The present call centre that is being established will actually be the most advanced call centre in south when it comes into operation in april.

With the growth in business in durban, and the incredibly high levels of pulic and private investment taking place, business practices have changed alot of late. Yes, the city is not jozi and the pace is most definately slower, but a recent survey by business relations ttd international, showed that doing business in durban was improving in speed so much, that it is catching up on jozi in those stakes, and ct sits quite a bit back in terms of the time it takes to get things done. But mindsets here are changing.


-The middleclass population is relatively small <1m

That is true, but recent stats paint a fast changing picture. There has been rapid movement from the townships into area's like new forest, yellowood park, new germany and pinetown. This pattern shift has lead to the creation of many new middle class suburbs (somerset park, mt view, mt moriah, edgeview...) these new suburbs are nearing the house full signs and so the cycle will continue. Also at the last count, therw were close on 80 000 people who fell into the upper income bracket in durbs.


-There are not really any movies, art, culture, tv programs, bands, celebreties, etc known to be from Durban

Maybe in your perception. dont forget that the origin of most of the top sa rock bands is from durban. And movie producer Anant Singh is based in Durban. The film "Yesterday", which is up for an oscar on sunday was shot and based in KZN, using KZN actors and crew. On the cultural front, there were 23 theatre productions on in Durban over the holiday period, and of the 23, 18 were completely sold out, and two have had their runs extended until the end of March. Impressive for a "cultural backwater". I sometimes believe that we are given that title by out of towners who think that everything that really matters happens in jozi and cape town. Their naiviety blows my mind.

I am constantly in touch with alot of big names in the ad/creative world... and they all tell me a similar story. They have decided to base themselves in durban for they feel that the energy that ripples through this city so stimulatiing. when preassured to tell me what exactly it is, they can never answer. But i understand what they are talking about, living here you percieve things in a different way than one does elsewhere.

I've lived in many places during my life already, and none of them have had the same reaction on me as durbs has.

Another important aspect is that South Africa has an entertainment industry almost entirely focussed on jozi. Programs rarely depict life in the other cities. Its this inward focussed mentality that exists up there, which i believe is stifeling the rest of the nation. Not everything need be focussed on one city. It actually makes the programs rather monotonous and lacking in something. Like i really care about the life there enough to want to watch it in every single tv program. The "creative teams" that run tv need to realise this!

-No recognisable architecture or icons

Now that one is a real hard one to achieve! How many cities worldwide actually have well known icons? not that many. I believe that given time a sense of place about durban will develop, with ongoing re-positioning of the city.


-We need more dysans out there.

Ahhhh... thanx :)

Ignorance drove me nuts at uni in the 90s in Durban. No one knew anything about the city or gave a shit. The architecture department's website was all about social upliftment and pottery (i am not kidding) and they had no knowledge or interest in the urban fabric around them. If they didnt care, no one would care.

That is something i believe is definately slowly changing. people talk alot more positively about durbs than they used to and are real excited about the upcoming waterfront. I think that when people can actually walk around the new developments there and at umhlanga ridge, then they will truely get a sense of what is going on around them.

Durban is most definately not the same place it was in the 90's!!

I can PROMISE you that. it isnt totally amazing yet either, but its getting there! As i always say, if you can look at the city and see how much change has gone on in the last 5 years, imagine the enormity of the changes that will take place over the next 10-15 years!!!

Hope i cleared a few points there. i could really go on forever. There is so much i could share and tell bout this city and how already, many international projects are being run from durban. (For example, the marketing, design and systems for B&O in the uk is run and planned from durban)

Could somebody please be so kind to post an orientation of the city? It's quite hard to find a reasonable map of metro Durbson the net. I of course am familiar with the CBD, the Golden Mile, the Point, the Bluff, and Westville. Also I am aware of the general location of INK and Umhlanga. But there has been so many names mentioned and I dont have a clue where they are at! :) :)

Hey there i wish i could paste a picture here, but i think i have found a far better tool to help you out.

If you go to the Durban unicity website or the following link http://citymaps.durban.gov.za/

You can access highly detailed maps that ca be tailored to your preferences. The maps section will let you search any part of the unicity in depth, down to individual houses and roads. its brilliant!!!

So that will be better than any simple pic. Hope its what you're looking for mate... i'm here to help :)

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Thanks a lot! :) You are TONS of help. It really is great! :)

my pleasure :)

(i do tend to smile more in the durbs and ct threads... :) )

For more info on the moreland millenium bridge in umhlanga - Go here :) http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=179745

The fact that durbanites are relaxed individuals is something that cant really change that much. If you had live with the humidity that we deal with in summer i'd be surprised if i saw you full of life all the time. actually i would wonder what is wrong with you!

Well Sydney and Singapore are both hot and humid - both are big, busy, global business centres. Sydney, particularly feels like a huge, happening Durban. It can be done!

However the reality of business in durban is changing. As is evident by the council, the mindset of many durbanites is changing to a more pro-active "lets get it done now" approach. Decisions happen quicker here with regards to red-tape and city approvals than in jozi and ct.

I much more mean private enterprise. Things may have changed a bit, but I would be suprised if they have changed a lot. Durban businesses drove me nuts with when you phone to get info / place order: (1) no one answers (2) someone answers but they dont speak english properly / havent a clue (3) the only person with a brain is always on holiday / on the other line / at golf, etc (4) people will seldom phone you back (5) any fax sent is instantly lost. This is not just a Durban problem - its is common throughout SA (you would be suprised at the reputation of SA businesses overseas companies consider it a risk to buy stuff from SA companies when you cant contact them or rely on them) - but Durban seemed worse than the other major cities.

There has been rapid movement from the townships into area's like new forest, yellowood park, new germany and pinetown. This pattern shift has lead to the creation of many new middle class suburbs (somerset park, mt view, mt moriah, edgeview...) these new suburbs are nearing the house full signs and so the cycle will continue. Also at the last count, therw were close on 80 000 people who fell into the upper income bracket in durbs.

This is very true - my folks still live in New Germany and it is chock full of black yuppies. I am sure other starter suburbs are similarly full of people climbing the wealth ladder from the townships. Its certainly happening. Maybe the middleclass pop is up to 1.2m-1.4m. Also, the standard of living for the working class population must have gone up considerably since 1990.


Maybe in your perception. dont forget that the origin of most of the top sa rock bands is from durban. And movie producer Anant Singh is based in Durban. The film "Yesterday", which is up for an oscar on sunday was shot and based in KZN, using KZN actors and crew. On the cultural front, there were 23 theatre productions on in Durban over the holiday period, and of the 23, 18 were completely sold out, and two have had their runs extended until the end of March.

Those are good stats - way better than I expected - but I guess my standpoint is different. From where I am, there are NO good 'white' SA rock bands. None. Never have been. I have had Just Jinger band members crashing my parties in London and trying to bum stuff of me. They are all NOBODY outside of SA. One recognised movie or producer is better than none, but its still a long way...


Now that one is a real hard one to achieve! How many cities worldwide actually have well known icons? not that many.

Correct - but its a contributing reason to Durban being unknown. Bilbao is the extreme example of a crappy industrial city launching instantly onto the world cultural stage due to the addition of a single building. Melbourne probably has a million times more cultural/art stuff, but is possibly less known internationally for the lack of an icon.


people talk alot more positively about durbs than they used to and are real excited about the upcoming waterfront. I think that when people can actually walk around the new developments there and at umhlanga ridge, then they will truely get a sense of what is going on around them.

Durban is most definately not the same place it was in the 90's!!

That is great news. I knew things were getting there when I could easily get GOOD sushi in 2002. We had to look, but we found excellent wine - not just Nederberg crap.

Cafe 1999, Musgrave, I still rate as one of the best cafes in the world - certainly the best I have been to in SA. It was still hard to get good coffee in 2002, maybe that has changed now. I look forward to seeing the changes (I am sure ALL for the better) in 2007.

If u guys want rock bands to get famous, u need to represent! SA has so much talent, but is marred my lack of support.

Everyone always says that SA crowds dont support local acts. I disagree. I saw largescale and fanatical support and sold out gigs in SA and by SA crowds overseas for bands during the mid90s "SA music explosion" - Just Jinger, Squeal, SNG, Fetish, The Led, Battery 9, etc.

Most of these bands had record contracts but simply proved incapable of writing music that would interest a non-partisan audience. Just Jinger, inspite of their phenomenal ability to PLAY music live, wrote quite boring music - actually it was pretty purile.

Also, when gigging overseas, I dont think any bands really tried to do the tough US college circuit (where rock bands go to break into the US). Rather, they just played a couple of gigs to homesick saffas in the Springbok Bar in London.

SA rockbands dont do well, largely because they lack writing and producing ability. The last great song to come out of SA IMO was "Give me hope Joanna" back in the 80s which is known widely overseas and is terrific, radiofriendly fun party song. Of course it was done by a black band with a limited budget and lots of talent...

I GUARANTEE that if a SA rock band was to play at UNM (where i go) they wud be so f***ing popular they wud have groupies lined up. (Of course my uni is music starved) UNM is open to almost everything, and if a band rocks the house the students will give instant support for a SA group. Lots of Southies here too, homesick crowd would join in. :)

Yeah i LOVE Cafe 1999. But some of the newbis on the scene are attempting to break boundaries. The likes of Naked, Pauloo, Boa Vista, Spiga and Zest are all attempting to alter the durban diners menu. Also the bar scene has grown tremandously in the past 2 years. Another front that has grown is cafe society. The general standard of coffee and more particularily capo's has improved alot and even though we dont really need more and more cafes, they keep opening up all over the damn place. basically everywhere you look you find a new one opening!

And all will alter in 2006 when starbucks finally enter the country! yay!

another question one must ask is how popular are bands outside of their own country? most bands never make itside of their home base, no matter what country you talk about. The reason we all know the american bands, and to a degree the brit ones, is due to the fact that the industry in those countries like to dictate to the world what should be cool and liked. Other countries really dont have any influence and as such it is so much harder for their bands to break out. i know there are many great ozzi bands, but they are also unknown outside oz.

Australia must have at least 50 bands that sell more records outside the country than inside. You'd think SA would have had 1...

Starbucks! Oh No! They will kill Durban's nascent cafe culture. Some starbucks are ok because they have couches, but generally they are overpriced and all too similar! The are the McDonalds of coffee!

Seriously though - I hope Durban can learn from the world master of cafe & bar culture - Melbourne. Melbourne kicks every European city's ass. This is a pic from the bottom of my apartment block in Melbourne. This street Glenhuntly Rd is about 4km long and has maybe 200 cafes and restaurants on it - and stacks of funky bars, art galleries, studios, parks, bookshops, as well as all the normal shops and is serviced by trams, trains and buses.

This is JUST ONE of many big high streets - in fact it is one of the less known high streets. And this is right at the edge of the inner suburban zone -7km south of the city. It is like this all the way in to the CBD and out the other side.

SA cities (including CapeTown) still have some way to go to get this cool - but at least it IS happening. Durban could comfortably do with another 500 cafes and bars without getting too many!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v330/clive3300/DSCN2064.jpg

Durban's Florida is cool and fairly unique as a restaurant strip - but its too spread out to get a real feeling of excitement. Durban needs some more high street density which seems to be starting to happen around Musgrave centre a bit.

Well then thats why i started the other durbs thread. must show you some of the changes. there is alot underway in florida road. Old building of historical importance are being done up, and new ones are going up where rubbish buildings used to be.but the new ones have to stick to the design criteria that is set by the historical ones.

The old Hotel California has been revamped and is now the Florida Park Hotel. Interior is retro 20's and it is just amazing. spent sat nite in the hotel cos i didnt feel like going home... :) On its ground level are two restuarants and a pub. The old bonkers is presently being renovated and will hopefully change its image drastically. They have knocked out walls to create outside area's, so it may well become a beautiful swan after all...

Further up the road the park at the intersection of Florida and Gordon roads (but you cant really call it a park for it is an eyesore) has been sold, as has the adjacent building that was previously owned by the army and used as accomodation for the trainees. The land will become another boutique hotel over 4 floors, with the groundfloor being used for 2 restuarants, a bar and a handful of stores.

These plans are being put forward to centralise the strip and it give more of a core. At present there is another building which is occupied by steers, debonaires and blockbuster video. There is a proposal to turn this site into another 4 story building with groundfloor retail and 3 floors of offices.

The height limit for the area is 4 floors, but most development has been only 2 floors. There are other plans to further integrate florida road with the surrounding streets by allowing restuarants to open in all streets that run across florida.

When i get the chance (prob tomorrow night) to put up the pictures of the windermere and florida precincts i think you will get a better idea of the changes that are a foot. At present there are 10 bars/clubs on florida road and close on 35 restuarants. But there are plans for more, and three are being fitted as we speak.

There are also major changes in the musgrave area, as well as the properties abutting essenwood park. Same thing goes for the area along windermere near billy the bums. loadsa new places there.

But the pics will do the talking.

By the way Melbourne looks fantastic... but what period are the buildings from in the picture?

question: if you leaving melbourne sometime soon like you mentioned... where you going this time?

Oh and where did you manage to get those beauties of 60's durbs that you put in the nz threads? if you could, please put them and any others into the durban visual thread... thanx SO much :)

By the way Melbourne looks fantastic... but what period are the buildings from in the picture?

1850s - 1880s. Melbourne was the richest city in the world on the back of a huge gold boom and the city is graced by huge numbers of gorgeous buildings from this period. Its is in the top3 IMO in the world for quality and quantity of architecture.

Those pics i found in a google image search. I shall repost as requested :)

I am leaving Melbourne to go to London in a few months - maybe I will be back with kids some day, but not soon.

Melbourne's a great city, but its a bit too chilled and far from the action. Also careerwise London offers much more senior stuff not to mention much higher salaries...

"WORLD'S TOP 10 RANKING" FOR ICC

In addition, ICC Durban has been listed by the International Association of Congress Centres (AIPC), as one of the top ten convention centres in the world. The AIPC Apex Award is the ultimate form of recognition amongst convention centres and awards are made following evaluation from by the Centre's clients.

There have been several factors contributing to the success of the ICC. Apart from the world class facilities and international levels of service offered, delegates enjoy the most African experience in KwaZulu Natal.

In addition, the city of Durban has plenty to offer, including year-round perfect weather, a warm ocean, tropical beaches and all major facilities, including accommodation, the beachfront and general leisure facilities, within ten minutes walking distance from the ICC. A wide variety of pre and post-convention tour options, including big five game viewing, are available within one to two hour's drive.

ICC EXPANSION ON TRACK

In keeping with international trends and demands for bigger conference facilities, ICC embarked on an expansion project at the beginning of 2004, to double the size of the Centre, making it the largest conference facility in the country.

Chief Executive Officer, Mr Alec Gilbert, commented "On completion at the end of 2006, we will be able to seat 13 000 people and will have the ICC DURBAN ARENA, a 6 000-seat auditorium ideal for indoor concerts and sports events."

The development site, to the south of the existing building, will also house a restaurant, a covered entertainment area for concerts of up to
6 000 people and an additional 5 000 sq metres of exhibition or conference space.

ICC Durban will be the only venue in the country able to accommodate events for up to 14 000 people covering an area of 32 000 square metres.

Released: 2 February 2005 by the ICC Durban

BIG NEWS



Moyeni Tower - My Kingdom in the Sky, South Beach Durban


http://myalbum.mweb.co.za/uploaded/ad1840da-9d26-4d70-9acf-72db6ee3e76d/raw/48159d3bc05b418580a8272a03d07778_2005-03-03_048.jpg



The new phase in the beachfront renewal process is beginning, and the developers are now starting to move onto the beachfront proper.

Moyeni Tower is a 28 story development comprising 168 apartments ranging in size from 68m2 (for only R499 000) to 109m2 (R850 000). The apartments are therefore very aggressively priced at +/- R8000/m2.

There is a slight catch however, as they are not situated directly on the main beachfront, but in the road behind the Tropicana Hotel and the South Beach Holiday Inn, but many of the apartments will have sea views, especially those above the 15th floor.

All apartments comprise:

An Entertainment patio and Secure underground parking.

The development will be launched in 3 phases and completion of the building will be in early 2007

The architects are Fraserward, developers are Reflect-All and the marketing agents are Umhlanga & Coastal Real Estate


The area where the development is taking place is undergoing rapid change at the moment. The beach area in front of South Beach is being rejuvenated. The old sea world complex has been demolished now that the marine life has all moved to uShaka. The master plan for the node is grassed area's, with an expanded beach. The beach is being enlargened and a small restaurant complex will be constructed next to the grassed area. The old Capital Fm studios (built almost in the ocean and now beyond repair) will be demolished sometime this year as well, for it no longer fits in with the plan for the rejuvenated area. What will be the end result is alot more open beach space, with great lines of sight and manicured lawns. The council hopes that this will contribute to improving the stature of South Beach, and increase its appeal. I for one believe that South Beach could turn out to be better than North Beach in the long run, for the actual beach is far superior and the sand is more comfortable to lie on... :)

While we are talking about the biggies that are heading Durban's way. Here's a little update on the pearls. Since speaking with the developers it seems that our initial thoughts of 160m-180m are not too far off, but wrong none-the-less, the building will actually be closer to 200m!!! and the 2 smaller buildings will be about 115m and 155m respectively.

Here's a picture of the model...

http://www.gleeds.co.uk/images/project/Perls_of_Umhlanga.jpg

So how we all feeling about this info?

Moyeni Tower managed to sneak up on us though...weren't expecting it at all.

Other news from the dpc is that three more 25+ story buildings are at the planning stages for point road and that the "Skyhomes" development has been granted approval. To refresh your memory it is situated on timeball square behind the new offices of iLanga newpaper. it will 17Floors plus a 15m spire

The Moyeni tower is pretty boring looking, I wish they would cease these plain rectangular designs - but I guess if its highrise, we'll take it...

It is boring, i totally agree.. but i believe that the most important fact is that someone actually has been brave enough to start new development in the south beach area... its a big step in the right direction and these people are leading the way.

Also, from what i have managed to find out this evening, the site is very limiting and as such no other shape would have really been possible. But they could have made the facade a bit more apealling...

The developer did say that the picture doesnt fully justify the building, and that the glass used will give the building a different feel to what you see in the pic... but i dunno... but its good news anyway that they building more highrises in durbs...

That is now seven confirmed over 20 stories

It is kinda boring in the rendering but it may change and the international style is not totally offensive.


OOHHHHH!!!!! The Pearls..... drool.........................:P``

Right now Im pissed, I live in Durbs for 20 odd years and see 2 buildings go up of any siqnificance and since I leave its gone f&#king apesh^t. Im really upset that I cant watch my beloverd city grow like it is doing now.
Neverthe less Im sooooo stoked to possibly steal back the thunder that our cousins from the unswimable waters down south have .
Dysan
Please could you list all the towers you make refference too ( 7 over 20) so I can make sure I have them all on emporis.
I have at the moment:

1 San Rapheal 33F height? approved
2 Spinnaker 25F 85m approved
3 Moyeni 28m height? approved
4 ICC hotel 19F height? approved?
5 Mixed used tower Esplinade 40F height? proposed
6 Skyhomes 17F height? approved?
7 Pearl tower 1 49F 180-200m proposed
8 pearl tower 2 39F +-155m proposed
9 Pearl tower 3 29F +- 115m approved?
10 unknown point tower 25+F height? proposed
11 unknown point tower 25+F height? proposed
12 unknown point tower 25+F height? proposed

have I missed anything???

Michael Any chance of actual heights for the developer on the pearls??
Also any news on heights for San rapeal, Moyeni?
and where do you get this info from at dpc?
So excited about all this at the moment
:) :) :) :) :) :) :)

While we are talking about the biggies that are heading Durban's way. Here's a little update on the pearls. Since speaking with the developers it seems that our initial thoughts of 160m-180m are not too far off, but wrong none-the-less, the building will actually be closer to 200m!!! and the 2 smaller buildings will be about 115m and 155m respectively.

Here's a picture of the model...

http://www.gleeds.co.uk/images/project/Perls_of_Umhlanga.jpg

So how we all feeling about this info?

Moyeni Tower managed to sneak up on us though...weren't expecting it at all.

Other news from the dpc is that three more 25+ story buildings are at the planning stages for point road and that the "Skyhomes" development has been granted approval. To refresh your memory it is situated on timeball square behind the new offices of iLanga newpaper. it will 17Floors plus a 15m spire

:redx:

Here's the most concise info i can give you

1 San Rapheal 33F height 125m approved!
2 Spinnaker 27F 85m approved! Are you sure about the 85m? the spire seems to add more height than that
3 Moyeni 28F height 100m approved!
4 ICC hotel 19F height? approved? - Looks like this project is making way for some others, so dont know its future anymore
5 Mixed used tower Esplinade 40F height? proposed - no new news, except that the developers want to go higher...but no approval yet
6 Skyhomes 17F height? approved!
7 Pearl tower 1 43F 180-200m proposed
8 pearl tower 2 31F +-155m (with spire) approved!
9 Pearl tower 3 25F +- 115m (with spire) approved!
10 unknown point tower 25+F height? proposed
11 unknown point tower 25+F height? proposed
12 unknown point tower 25+F height? proposed

As for the three at the point, no news yet. I have been speaking to EPA architects who are working on a new building for the point. They were tight-lipped about it, but did say that it would be taller than those already approved for the area and follow the design idea of San Raphael, ie white, blue glass. But they did say it would have quite a unique roof structure

And with the pearls, the likelihood that pearl sky will be taller than ponte is looking more and more likely!

With regards to hotels near the icc. At present Tulip, Taj and Radisson are looking at sites in the vacinity. Those popular are on the site of the new extension, where the factory shops are that border old fort road, the empty space on the centrum site (the corner opposite the factory shops and exibition centre, and a site on the otherside of the icc next to the durban chamber of commerce offices and the BOE building.

Another operator looking at opening a hotel in durban is hyatt. they have their eyes set on one of the beach sites at the point for a 5 star resort hotel.

Since we talking about hotels. the plans for the four hotels at zimbali lakes have been approved and construction on the one for Mzi khumalo's consortium has begun. it is a 4 star 200 bed facility in the forest with sea views.

The others are a massive 350 bed 5 star beach resort for sun international, a 80 bed spa resort under a yet to be named international brand and a 35 bed boutique hotel on the lake and new golf course.

Construction of the Quay West hotel at the point is up to the 4th floor and should be the first hotel to open in the point precinct in Dec 2005.

I also saw a major travel companies guide for 2005 summer (sa winter) travel and they were pushing durban, umhlanga, zimbali and the south coast to the uk customers. a big change from the weak coverage we were given in the past, and a sign that the corner has been turned and that there are good times ahead.

Cape Town should stop being so complacent... they could lose out

Mike
Do you have any info companies assosiated with all these towers. Id like to add architects/developers/consultants etc to the site
as for spinaker, I spoke to a sales guy when i was looking at buying a unit last year, could you recheck if you get a chance???
excellent news getting san rapheal and moyeni heights, all we need now is skygardens height and those pesky pearls heights.
cheers sab
Ps spent the day on the emirates golf course watching the big easy play a great round, ahhh I love dubai

taller than ponte, at last a building title out side of joburg
2007 tallest resdientail building in Africa Pearl sky 200m, I like the sound of that

While we are talking about the biggies that are heading Durban's way. Here's a little update on the pearls. Since speaking with the developers it seems that our initial thoughts of 160m-180m are not too far off, but wrong none-the-less, the building will actually be closer to 200m!!! and the 2 smaller buildings will be about 115m and 155m respectively.

Here's a picture of the model...

http://www.gleeds.co.uk/images/project/Perls_of_Umhlanga.jpg

So how we all feeling about this info?

Moyeni Tower managed to sneak up on us though...weren't expecting it at all.

Other news from the dpc is that three more 25+ story buildings are at the planning stages for point road and that the "Skyhomes" development has been granted approval. To refresh your memory it is situated on timeball square behind the new offices of iLanga newpaper. it will 17Floors plus a 15m spire

awesome dysan i salute u!! but i always thought the 2 smaller pearl towers were the same high....but the model shows a big difference hopefull the whole project gets approved :P im sure if it does it'll make the frontpage "tallest skyscraper out side gauteng u/c"or"the tallest residential buidling in africa"

the moyeni looks kind of boring but its sign of major revival which is great , is it going to added to the long strech skyline of the dbn cbd +golden mile+the point ?

yip its an addition to the golden mile, a new building which is long overdue! It may not be the greatest in styling, but its a sign that change is afoot and that people are prepared to invest in the beachfront again.

now maybe some good restaurants and bars will move back in...but i think that is still a while away yet.

will get all those details giles, just gotta make sure that they all correct. Wont it be fantastic to take the wind out of jozi's sails, by claiming a position they have held for too long... maybe get them into action and to take notice of "those people at the coast"... :)

Glad you had a great day on the golf course! lucky bugger. but aint it terribly terrribly hot there? would be nice to visit there one day...

oh giles which towers do we need company info on? San Raphael, Spinnaker, Moyeni, Pearls? all of them? any others? just let me know... i have everything

People mover unveiled
by Prudence Mbatha

Before it invests millions in a monorail system to transport visitors and locals at the beachfront, the council plans to test the waters with high quality buses.

The municipality plans to have the buses, dubbed the interim people mover (IPM), up and fully running by December.

The 25 buses, which will be distinguishable, superior quality vehicles, with seating for 25 people, will be bought an owned by the municipality and operated by a preferred operator.

The IPM will operate along the beachfront, with a link into the CBD. It is expected to operate for three years, during which time the mode, routes and management system will be evaluated to make a final decision on the monorail.

City manager Mike Sutcliffe said the IPM would enhance Durban’s tourist appeal by providing a “high quality, safe, commuter-friendly public transport system. “No other city in South Africa has a people mover system, this will be another first for Durban,” he said. It will be environmentally friendly, sustainable, and act as a catalast for regeneration of the beachfront district.

“The aim is to encourage tourists to move through the city, supplement the public transport infrastructure, encourage the use of park and ride venues by locals and visitors, and give priority to pedestrians,” Sutcliffe said.

Durban’s regeneration project, iTrump, the eThekwini Transport Authority and the Treasury have been investigating the introduction of the people mover for the past six months.

The transport and economic support services were appointed to help with cost analysis for operating the IPM. Bus manufacturers were then invited to provide estimates for the supply of buses and a proposal submitted by manufacturers MAN was agreed to.

The IPM routes have been developed with business and tourist commuters in mind. Two primary routes have been identified: The first will be a north-south link along the beachfront. Initially it will operate between Suncoast casino and uShaka but it’s anticipated that within two years this will be extended to Kings Park in the north and the point precinct in the south.

The second route is and east-west or “city-link”, extending from the beachfront into the CBD up to the Victoria Street Market. It’s proposed that both systems operate at 15min intervals.

In the early morning (0630-0900) and early evening (1630-1800), preference will be given to the business commuter by favouring the city link, as opposed to the north-south link along the beachfront. At all other times (0900-1600 & 1800-0000) preference will be given to the tourist route.

A transfer station is proposed between West walk and Pine Street. During business commuter hours, tourists wishing to travel north-south or vice versa will disembark at the transfer station, and take the next IMP going south (and vice versa).

The transfer station will be a commuter-biased facility with security personnel, CCTV camera’s and other amenities.

A fare structure of R5 per single trip or R15 for a multi-ride ticket is considered appropriate and would earn a projected yearly revenue of R3,7 million. Yearly operating costs for the IMP are expected to be just over R1 million.

As part of the Tsogo Sun Casino Licence conditions, Tsogo Sun KZN (Pty) Ltd will make a R70 million contribution to the people mover by December 2005.

(as in Ezasegagasini METRO - Friday 4th March 2005)

See, council arent just jumping straight into the monorail, but are providing a very useful form of transport for tourists and residents alike. With the parking problems at uShaka, it may be easier to take this bus and park at suncoast

i hav to admit durbs is pretty hot now, the kzn mec has set aside R100m for the dube tradeport land for the 2005/06 budget so the project is closer becoming a reality YA!!!making progress

mike
company details for any thing over 12f as its been really hard to track down any info from here and Oz where I did most of the work on the site from.

Have you seen a render or can get one for Skyhomes??

Heat hasent started yet still winter and its 25-30 every day, come summer its gonna be 48-52 with 100%humidity

I have a question ... my sister and brother-in-law have just moved from CT to Durbs. She phoned me yesterday crying her heart out and told me that central Durbs and the beachfront is DISGUSTING. They are living in Amanzimtoti now and she told me that she can't even go shopping in Toti's CBD .. are things really that bad ? Is it only The North Coast that is booming ? I have suggested that they move to the North Coast but she loves downtown shopping sprees and misses CT terribly.

Needless to say that they are also starting the emmigration process now .. DAMN ! just when I thought that I could get away from family ;)

Gandalf
the northern burbs is where its all happening , Durban north/Umhlunga/Mt Edgecombe,la lucia, Umdolti,balito etc. Toti is so 70s and the CBD does indeed need a good scub and a clean. The esplinade and beachfront especially point areas are undergoing a wholesale clean and rejuvination.
The notion of innercity shopping is gone for good im afraid, like in CT one would shop waterfront , cavendish, constantia village etc, just as you would in Durban with gateway la lucia mall and the pavillion.
You would not go shopping in Main street claremont, kennilworth neither would you do so in the Durban CBD.

Gandalf
the northern burbs is where its all happening , Durban north/Umhlunga/Mt Edgecombe,la lucia, Umdolti,balito etc. Toti is so 70s and the CBD does indeed need a good scub and a clean. The esplinade and beachfront especially point areas are undergoing a wholesale clean and rejuvination.
The notion of innercity shopping is gone for good im afraid, like in CT one would shop waterfront , cavendish, constantia village etc, just as you would in Durban with gateway la lucia mall and the pavillion.
You would not go shopping in Main street claremont, kennilworth neither would you do so in the Durban CBD.

Thanks SA Boy - that is what I thought. I have told her to go to Gateway .. she hates The Pavilion and misses Canal Walk like crazy. The best option for them in the interim is The North Coast.

Wel frankly she chose the wrong places to go. like any city, there are good and bad areas. The beachfront is not a place to go shopping, nor is the cbd. Personally i dont believe that the cbd is "disgusting", it has improved alot, and as with all of south africa the widest variety is to be found in the malls. Saying that however, one can do high street shopping in boutiques and the like along Florida road and windermere road in morningside, and stamford hill road in stamford hill (just below morningside).

Toti is not a nice place in my opinion. Its old, slowly renovating and rejuvenating, but as a shoppers destination, well i didnt even know that they had shops. That is why they are building that new 80000m2 mall in toti.

The North coast and Hillcrest/Kloof areas are where the majority of development around durbs is taking place. there are about 10 developments in toti, but not a whole lot of renovation of the old uglies.

The north coast is amazing. and provides, in my opinion, the best lifestyle in the country.

Sad to hear they want to leave too, but guess everyone is entitled to make their own choices in life.

So correct me if I’m wrong but if all goes well the new top 10 skyscrapers in durbs should be (so far)
1 Pearl tower 1 new
2 Pearl tower 2 new
3 88 on field
4 Monte Blanc
6 San Rapheal new
7 Old mutual centre
8 Pearl tower 3
9 320 west street

and Moyeni bring it up the rear

I think Gateway has the best shopping in South Africa. The choice of male clothing in those boutiques is unrivaled by anywhere up here in Joeys.

As for Moyeni... pity they couldn't be more original in design, but indeed it shows confidence in Durban.

the confidence factor is the biggest for me. stuff the design, its getting built and showing others that it can be done!!! Those to follow will be more daring in design.

Regards Gateway, i love it! Guys shopping is fantastic, and the opening of MEXX (the dutch store), Polo, Tommy Hilfiger, Ponce (an awesome durban street brand that is causing major waves like the other big durban street brand IRON FIST did), Diesel (finally!) and a new store specialising in Brit street brands, will only add to its credentials! And dont forget that the whole boulevard out the front of gateway is being developed at the moment, and all the buildings will have groundfloor retail, thereby creating a shopping high street right outside the mall too! so you get the best of both worlds! can it really get better than that?

So correct me if I’m wrong but if all goes well the new top 10 skyscrapers in durbs should be (so far)
1 Pearl tower 1 new
2 Pearl tower 2 new
3 88 on field
4 Monte Blanc
6 San Rapheal new
7 Old mutual centre
8 Pearl tower 3
9 320 west street

and Moyeni bring it up the rear

Seems correct. but will no doubt change during the course of the year, with the announcement of new buildings at the point and hopefully clarity on the esplanade building which was going to be 40F, but may go as high as 50. Here's hoping!!!

So in theory we could see 320 west and pearl 3 of the list completely, maybe even the old mutual centre too.

Would be funny to think of 88 on field as number 4! hehe, but pearl sky will only be completed in 2007/8.

Durbs is definately moving places!

ok here all the details... use what you need :)

The Pearls

Architects:
Creative Kingdom Incorporated
Cooper Architects
Seedat & Seedat Architects

Civil and Structural engineers:
Arup
Becker Consulting

Quantity Surveyors:
Walters and Simpson
Letchmiah Daya Mandindi

Construction:
Grinaker-LTA Sivukile

Property Developers:
Global Property Investments
VVE Property Development
Wakefields Devco

Project Managers:
Global Property Investments

Marketing Consultants:
Citigate Durban


The Spinnaker

Architects:
EPA

Civil And Structural Engineers:
May, Houseman and Associates

Property Developer:
Strathmore Property


Moyeni Tower

Architects:
Fraserward Architects

Property Developers:
Reflect-All


San Raphael

Property Developers and Marketing team:
Donnelly Projects

Architects
MAP Architects
MDS Architects

Quantity Surveyors:
MLC Quantity Surveyors

Civil Engineers:
BKS

Regards a render for SkyHOMES, nothing as of yet, for the sales have not commenced and no pictures have been released, except the original graphic which was of a totally glass building with roof garden and metalic detailing down the four corners, but i have no picture because it was on there advertising board at the point open day in April last year, and i didnt think to take a pic of it. but it may have changed. Looked impressive to say the least however.

Wel frankly she chose the wrong places to go. like any city, there are good and bad areas. The beachfront is not a place to go shopping, nor is the cbd. Personally i dont believe that the cbd is "disgusting", it has improved alot, and as with all of south africa the widest variety is to be found in the malls. Saying that however, one can do high street shopping in boutiques and the like along Florida road and windermere road in morningside, and stamford hill road in stamford hill (just below morningside).

Toti is not a nice place in my opinion. Its old, slowly renovating and rejuvenating, but as a shoppers destination, well i didnt even know that they had shops. That is why they are building that new 80000m2 mall in toti.

The North coast and Hillcrest/Kloof areas are where the majority of development around durbs is taking place. there are about 10 developments in toti, but not a whole lot of renovation of the old uglies.

The north coast is amazing. and provides, in my opinion, the best lifestyle in the country.

Sad to hear they want to leave too, but guess everyone is entitled to make their own choices in life.

Thanks, I will pass the info onto them, maybe they will be happier and then they won't want to follow me - at least I hope so ;)

the confidence factor is the biggest for me. stuff the design, its getting built and showing others that it can be done!!! Those to follow will be more daring in design.

Regards Gateway, i love it! Guys shopping is fantastic, and the opening of MEXX (the dutch store), Polo, Tommy Hilfiger, Ponce (an awesome durban street brand that is causing major waves like the other big durban street brand IRON FIST did), Diesel (finally!) and a new store specialising in Brit street brands, will only add to its credentials! And dont forget that the whole boulevard out the front of gateway is being developed at the moment, and all the buildings will have groundfloor retail, thereby creating a shopping high street right outside the mall too! so you get the best of both worlds! can it really get better than that?

It sounds FANTASTIC ! Very much like Cavendish Square with those beautiful boutiques on the high street as you leave the mall. I can't wait to see how the area will change when Main Street gets closed off .. I guess I will have to return for a holiday and see all the changes. Back to Gateway - it will make a big difference to the mall experience and I think that it is a great idea to combine it with high street shopping. May it grow from strength to strength.

I think Gateway has the best shopping in South Africa. The choice of male clothing in those boutiques is unrivaled by anywhere up here in Joeys.

As for Moyeni... pity they couldn't be more original in design, but indeed it shows confidence in Durban.

I have to agree, Moyeni is boring and so last century but then again it is a start and should have a ripple effect on the area.

the developers of Moyeni also say that they are presently designing another block for the north beach area... plan to launch in may... just some more tit bits :)

and thank you to everyone that is contributing to the durbs thread!!! much appreciated. i do feel lonely since i'm the only one living here and contributing, but its great that you all have embraced the thread :) Durbs is has got a lot up her sari... or sleeve :)

At least you boys have something to contribute to the Durban thread. I LONG FOR ANOTHER SCRAPER IN JOZI!!