NAME: Shaka's Gate
LOCATION: Durban Point
STATUS: Proposed
FLOORS: 14
HEIGHT: ???
USE: Mixed Use (Residential/Commercial/Parkade)

220 apartments

NEW RENDER

http://www.shakasgate.co.za/images/Durban%20Point%20Perspective%202.jpg


OLD RENDER

http://www.myimagehub.com/userfiles/dysan1/Copy%20of%20Shakas%20Gate.JPG


http://www.myimagehub.com/userfiles/dysan1/TOWER%20TERRACE%20LEVEL%201%20-A4.jpg



THE FACTS:

• The site that we have managed to secure is one to most sought after sites in the new Point Waterfront Precinct.
• It is the positioned on the site of the present uShaka car-park.
• 80% of the apartments will have magnificent ocean views!!
• The only thing between our site and the Indian Ocean, is uShaka itself, the beach and the breakers!!!!!!
• We are to build a modern 14-storey building, which will offer breathtaking panoramic views, from 80% of the apartments, across uShaka to the ocean, Umhlanga, the harbour entrance, the Bluff and a beyond!!
• Our building will consist of 5 levels of parking, above which we will be developing 8 levels of modern luxury apartments.



• The development should offer the following:

o 200 luxury bachelor, 1, 2, & 3 bedroomed apartments
o 16 ultra-luxury 2, 3 & 4 bedroomed ultra-luxury penthouses
o Unparralled uShaka Marineworld and Indian Ocean views
o 800 sq. meters of prime retail space
(400 sq. meters has already been secured)
o 1600 sq. meters of upmarket office space
o wonderful landscaped garden, communal rim-flow pool & recreation area
o Gymnasium and owners clubhouse
o uShaka Marine & Waterworld right on your doorstep
o South Beach literally 2 minute away
o Large retail shopping centre to be built on your doorstep next to uShaka

• 80% of the apartments will offer views over the uShaka Marine themepark to the Indian Ocean.
• Our architects have designed an innovative and attractive building that will masterfully disguise the fact that the first five floors will be the uShaka carpark
• The massive benefit to all investors, is that our apartments only start on the 2nd floor, thus almost every apartment will look directly across uShaka to the ocean.

COMMENCEMENT
Estimated to be around the beginning of 2006

COMPLETION & OCCUPATION DATES
Anticipated to be in the second half of 2007


BACHELOR (R395k - R925k)

APARTMENT +/- 30 to 40 sq. meters
TERRACE +/- 5 sq.meters
PARKINGS 1 @ 12,5 sq. meters
TOTAL AREA +/- 47,5 to 57,5 sq. meters
NB. The bachelors minimum size may need to be increased to a of 45 sq. meters. If this is the case, then the price will increase accordingly. The decision to increase the size of this unit, will depend on our pending discussions with the banks.

1 BEDROOM (R635K - R1,35m)

APARTMENT +/- 50 sq. meters
TERRACE +/- 10 sq.meters
PARKINGS 1 @ 12,5 sq. meters
TOTAL AREA +/- 72,5 sq. meters


2 BEDROOM - (Medium) (1 bathroom) (R945k - R1,85m)

APARTMENT +/- 65 to 75 sq. meters
TERRACE +/- 15 sq.meters
PARKINGS 1 @ 12,5 sq. meters
TOTAL AREA +/- 92,5 to 102.5 sq. meters

2 BEDROOM - (Large) (2 bathroom) (R1,595m - R2,395m)

APARTMENT +/- 80 to 90 sq. meters
TERRACE +/- 15 sq.meters
PARKINGS 1 @ 12,5 sq. meters
TOTAL AREA +/- 107,5 to 117.5 sq. meters

3 BEDROOM (R2,295m - R3,895m)

APARTMENT +/- 120 to 140 sq. meters
TERRACE +/- 25 sq.meters
PARKINGS 2 @ 25 sq. meters
TOTAL AREA +/- 170 to 190 sq. meters

PENTHOUSES
We will be offering a mix of 2, 3 & 4 bedroomed ultra-luxury penthouses. There will be 2 levels of penthouses; an upper penthouse level (the garden penthouse) and a lower penthouse level (the penthouse). These two penthouse floors will be serviced by their own private lift, which will be for the penthouse owner's exclusive use.
"The Penthouse" will offer a large verandah area with a private Jacuzzi. Each "Garden Penthouse" will have its own private roof garden. These roof gardens will be beautifully landscaped with a paved garden area (with grass and shrubs) and each private garden area will come with its own built in gas braai, an automated awning and a choice of either a Jacuzzi or a splash pool. Prices have not been finalised on either of these two penthouse options and the prices will depend on the final layouts and design.


The lowest level of our apartments, would be on the 2nd floor, while the parkade will take up the basement, the ground floor and the first three floors.

I really dislike this building... it's clumsy, ugly, and rude to the surrounding environment

poor u! cos i love it! It serves the important function of being a parking garage for the surrounding area. the way they have been able to transform a parking garage into a gracious looking building is fantastic!

It adds bulk to the urban fabric, provides much more groundfloor retail to complement the neighbouring shopping district, provides much needed commercial space and offers 220 well priced apartments.

YES, it is a big dev, but it is highly useful, well thought out and has its main use (a parkade) cleverly disguised. What more could u want?

Seriously, the site was always zoned parking. would u rather have a vile box of a parkade??? i doubt it.

i think its lovely. going to be amazing

poor u! cos i love it! It serves the important function of being a parking garage for the surrounding area. the way they have been able to transform a parking garage into a gracious looking building is fantastic!

It adds bulk to the urban fabric, provides much more groundfloor retail to complement the neighbouring shopping district, provides much needed commercial space and offers 220 well priced apartments.

YES, it is a big dev, but it is highly useful, well thought out and has its main use (a parkade) cleverly disguised. What more could u want?

Seriously, the site was always zoned parking. would u rather have a vile box of a parkade??? i doubt it.

The concept is right. But I have seen mixed parking garage/ retail or commercial combinations done gracefully before, and they were much better than this. I don't know, I just think it is really really ugly. Durban architects are doing a good job lately, their designs keep getting better on the whole, but not everyone has to like every development in Durban.

From a ground level view up @ the building (a pedestrian's view) it will be much better, I am sure. However, the inside room plan looks like a planning disaster. I jsut can't make friends with this building..

well agree to disagree, for this is one of my fav's at the point

there's nothing to disagree on when it's opinion. ;) ;)

my images arent working because the site hosting them has gone down! they are working on the prob and hopefully will be working again shortly!

Here is the new render for Shaka's Gate! They have slightly altered it. I still love it! it has so many functional uses, plus 1400 parkings, plus great apartments! 220 in all

http://www.durbanpoint.co.za/}imagery/dev_shakasGate.jpg

I dont like the base....too International looking.......and they have to get rid of the grass....maybe if it was landscaped/xeriscaped...or looked more tropical, or like gardens...but it looks like some retirement building in Florida....straight out of the Fifties!!!!!!! BUT LOVE the pool...and the top two-thirds of the tower :)

I really like this building. I think it looks like a ship. teeeheee. :) I think it's highly functional, and I just love the idea of roof gardens. And I'm so glad it's on the site of the UShaka parking lot, cos that parking lot is a bit of an eyesore to the rest of the area.

Oh yah, by the way, did you guys know that Moyo's is going to open up at The Point? They're also thinking of going into Camps Bay, and probably somewhere in Pretoria as well. They are also going overseas to London.

I would KILL for a Moyo here!!!!!....And the Point...that'll be awesome...do we have a clue of any restaraunts down in the Point?

yawn yawn yawn...everytime i disappear for a few days a fight errupts!!! i'm not leaving again then. :)

Anyway, nick, i dont think the roof gardens will be totally grass like the pic, you cant put so much detail on those things, for they will more than likely change their minds about the gardens design in time...doubt they've even planned its design yet!

I dont think its obese, i actually think that it is super duper. what does "too international looking" mean nick??? Just cos its got a good organic form deviod of corners? and that its white? please explain.

OH and the Moyo! Well i can say for a fact that it will be up and running by December and that it will be in one of the countries most interesting and dramatic spots for a restuarant! U wont believe it, but the Moyo is at the end of the Pier that looks over the point and cbd. You'll sit at tables and look across the beachfront skyline to umhlanga, while suspended over the ocean, 50m out to sea!!! Now hows that for a location! Some tables will also be on the actual beach!!

Yeh I suppose you're right about the gardens...it just looks so bare in the renderings.

As I've said before...I like ALL skyscrapers ;)..........bt I think if international is going to passed off...it needs to be taller, I love the top of the building.....its just the base.....I think they should dress it up a little. The form and function of the building is amazing...I only wish they had found a different solution to the facade.....a curtain wall might help it somewhere. Of course...its hard to have blaconies with a curtain wall!!! :)...LOL

i have to admit but did think building looked really crap but then i saw the model i liked it nice! dont like the face brick on the side

It, like anything can, is growing on me...

dysan, can we have some more pictures/ angles of it? pwitty pweeze? ;)

will do my best :) But its so hard getting things out of the developers cos they are working on the launch of Centre Point at the moment. Its gonna quite good...has a 10F glass wall down the side.

But we'll see how this one develops. it starts early next year

here are the latest images of the dev!


Location

http://www.shakasgate.co.za/images/1-600x400.jpg

http://www.shakasgate.co.za/images/aerial-seafacing-1.jpg

http://www.shakasgate.co.za/images/Aerial%20Views%20-%20Inner%20Harbour.jpg


Renders

http://www.shakasgate.co.za/images/Shaka%27s%20Gate%20WaterPark.jpg

http://www.shakasgate.co.za/images/Shaka%27s%20Gate%20Elevation.jpg

http://www.shakasgate.co.za/images/PERSPECTIVE.jpg

http://www.shakasgate.co.za/images/Durban%20Point%20Perspective%202.jpg

WANT BIG STADIUM THERE..

what??

Those are really COOL renders... I'm glad it's taking up all that parking space, but where will all the cars park? But yah.. it's gonna look uber coooooool.. :)

this is awesome I love it!!!, great renderings!!!

is the site directly behind with the crane Spinnaker?

yeh the site behind with the crane is the Spinnaker...Shaka's Gate is directly infront of it, but since apartments in Spinnaker only start on the 7th floor, only a few will not have sea views, those lower apartments will have harbour views tho.

Those are really COOL renders... I'm glad it's taking up all that parking space, but where will all the cars park? But yah.. it's gonna look uber coooooool.. :)

It will be taking away that open parking lot, but the building will have a 1400 vehicle parkade, of which 900 will be available to the public, so it will actually be increasing the number of bays available in the point precinct.

Work begins on the parkade levels in March, with completion before december 2006, for the peak holiday period.

You know...this one has actually really grown on me alot. The parkade levels are directly below the resi tower, but not underground right?

there are 2 underground levels and 4 above. But all the sea facing side is one bed apartments on the lower levels, with the parking behind

does anyone know what stage this development is currently at? have the units been chosen? has construction begun? when is completion date estimated?

Construction on the Parkade levels will commence first week in July and should take 10 months. Thereafter work on the apartment levels will follow, taking a further 12 months. Completion is aimed at end of 2008

oh and welcome :) lots of new faces about!

A new and FINAL render will be out in the next 2 weeks

hey dysan - thanks for the response and welcome - bit of a delayed reaction... I think this one is gonna look really good - along with the whole Point development - I think it's one of the biggest things happening in SA at the moment - it's a bit like a mini, mini, mini, mini, mini dubai. Ok maybe not - but it's still cool. :)

^^lol, yeh instead of buldings avg 50 storeys we got buildings ave 5-6 storeys. lol
welcome nord

yeh i see what u saying...i personally think there is alot more building action in umhlanga than the point, but both are great dev's that will totally transform the city

Here they are...the FINAL Renders!! Work starts first week of September for sure!

http://www.shakasgate.co.za/images/Shakas%20Gate%20-%20Timeball%20Boulevard.jpg

http://www.shakasgate.co.za/images/Shakas%20Gate%20-%20King%20Shaka%20Boulevard.jpg

http://www.shakasgate.co.za/images/Shaka%27s%20Gate%20-%20Albert%20Terracace.jpg

I gotto get me an apartment here!

oh oh so u can live next to butch , he just moved there what other celebs are living at the point anyone know very intresting building i have to say thou

What you talking about? I just did Butch James apartment in Ilala in Simbithi Eco estate , he along with John Smit, Mark Andrews & some of the sharks managemnet practicaly own Ilala

I don't like it.

some views of the completed design in relation to its surroundings.

The final design will have

253 apartments.
Piling is starting in October.
Completion of the entire project is 2009.

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/shakagateoceansideview.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/shakagatetooceanview.jpg

wow, really gives you a perspective of how big it is, looks good, so the first week of September has come & gone, have they started work yet?

This area is going to look great with this project & the high rises behind it.
Any Idea if they gona develop the other parking lot at uShaka?

yes they will develop the other parking lot, but it is only for sale in 2009.

Work starts in October on piling, on the proper construction in the new year

Didn't like the initial renders but now I think it's great! Are those swimming pools on the roof?

ah ok its on the parking lot i used whern I went to ushaka. loads happening in that road with spinnaker looking fab and the mast render up on the art deco building and SR site cleared.
lets see the cranes already

Yeah they are private pools for the penthouse residents. They also get those private roof top gardens.

Yes giles i want to see more cranes too!

Has any one else here dealt with the developers of this project and if so have you bad service or is it just my bad luck?
thanks

any news on san raphael now? is it gone?

nope never dealt with these developers sorry.

Jakes pls chat about san raphael in its own thead

I know them and am surprised but having said that SA is running when it should be walking after 25 years of construction and development ressession. Too many people think they are top notch developers when they have no background in property and are taking on too much.
These developers have the In Veno hotel and the resi building next to it as well

They still selling units at the sales office in Ushaka

^^ well this development did really well in sales, and i rate it as one of the better in terms of the view u will get. with it looking over ushaka the residents will never lose their sea view!

The delay is related to objections raised by the Spinnaker developers (Shaka's Gate is a couple of floors higher than it should be, thus cutting off the views for 2 additional floors of Spinnaker). A Spinnaker developer told me this himself. Spinnaker has been allowed 2 addtional floors as a result thereof.

so spinnaker is now 29F??

Wait so both developments are getting 2 extra floors? But isnt the Spinnaker topped out as yet? Or is the foundations suitable to add an extra 2 floor's?

The spinakker is still a good 8 or so floors from the original top out, so 10 if it has been increased. jerome please fill us in.

i don think shaka's gate has gained any floors from these renders

i like the grass on the roof.

I have the floor plans of the 2 extra floors (all 1 bed sea-facing units, as far as I can recall). However, don't have them on me. Will post more info when I have them in front of me.

those 2F here or spinakker?

1 bedroom? why 1 bedroom?

^^ they can fit many more in

Yes, that is the reason (they start at R1.8m, as far as I recall.).

Durbans gotto be the 2nd most expensive place to buy a new apartment these days, 2nd to CT, I mean Im buying a 2 x bedroom place in Sandton thats on Grayston for under R750 000! & this 1 bedroom place is starting @ 1,8 million, but they are totally different types of flats, I know Points got the views & not in the hussle & bussle of it all but some prices are flippin crazy! & its not only Point, Umhlanga, one project of our's 1 bedroom units, with no views at all were fetching R850 000! & Ballito & Zimbali are just insane at the moment, with the cheapest unit at Simbithi being 4.3 mill & Zimbali is anything from 8 to 38 mill!

& you know whats the craziest thing of it all, is that people are buying !

Well here's a quote in an umhlanga newspaper from a local estate agent.

"I'm sick and tired of these folks telling me what they can buy in Brakpan and Boksburg for R1m. This is umhlanga you'll be lucky to get a studio apartment for that. Accept that here R1m is for the address, you pay extra for the house"

Oh and the places at the pearls started at R1,8m for a 1 bed. Those same flats are now going for R2,2m

Ya the reason for the high prices is ofcourse of its location, & also its near the sea, it has views (unlike the crappy views in Sandton).

Also I feel if you are going to buy in the Point, Ballito, or near the beach in Umhlanga, buy it for living in, not for an investment. Its better to have those for personal use than to lease it out.

I agree beach living is great and the Point offers a lot more than any other location. UShaka on the doorstep safe bathing (no shark attacks since the nets were put down in the early 1970"s) moderate surf and a great water temprature year round. The decission not to build on top of Vetchies Pier adds another great attraction.

On the other hand not everyone can just relocate to take advantage of this year round, if it is affordable the purchase of an appartment for occasional use is not wasted money as capital growth is assured.

The purchase of a 5 Star hotel Suite in S On Timeball Square makes a lot of sence as it will show a positive income as well as capital appreciation. plus the benifit of 30 occupation per annum.

As soon as I learn how to post pictures I will add them to this forum

Norman

Hey Norman, to post pic's all you need to do is go to an image hosting website such as:

www.tinypic.com or
http://imageshack.com

then select the pic you want to host, upload it & then

copy the url link & pasted it in the text box like this, make sure you have the "img" things like how I have shown below.

.........url of picture.....

but some website like tinypic already do it for you so you can just copy it & paste it.

So sounds pretty much like you selling on S on Timeball, what type of units they got there?

Just 2 more renders i managed to dig up. It is def going ahead, but they are too damn slow imo

http://www.pwr.co.za/secure/images/264efc9041.jpg

http://www.pwr.co.za/secure/images/8d846c0191.jpg

I also think they are very slow, but mind you most projects in the point are taking there own time to come up.

That 2nd picture is pretty cool, that view is priceless!!

this one is slow cos of a dispute with ushaka, as the development is on the parking lot and hence they will lose bays for at least 6-8months until certain levels of the parkade are open for public use. it seems tho that things are dragging...

but its gonna look fantastic and i still love the massive roof garden

I am new on this forum.
Anyone knows if there are still available appartments (3 bed) in Shaka's withthis breathtaking views? Cost range?

contact PWR realty (www.pwr.co.za) for more info as they are the agents

welcome to the forum. please stay around and introduce yourself in the intro thread!

yeh stick around, & if you are getting a place in here you can tell us of the progress of the construction.....if it is possible. Then when its ready we can have tea & scones & enjoy the view :jk:

^^ or something a bit stronger...

Any yew developments on this? This one is dragging out way to long, feels like its been canned.

Have they started at all, or is this project just a trap? Was supposed to start early 2006 and they have now nearly 2 years delay. Is this a serious project managment, or just a too ambitious speculator team?:ohno:

^^ its a "ushaka is holding them up cos it doesnt want to lose its parking"

Also the Spinnaker is challenging them for 7 apartment levels of the spinnaker will lose their views

After waiting about 10mins on the phone and after having to phone 6 times because the sales agent wasnt working that day or late for work i found out that building will start in around Feb - March next year - there have been delays but they are working on a few problems and the project will still go ahead with out a doubt. How true this is, im not sure. There are only 60 units lets so it looks like the 'have to build this one'

But from the service levels of PWR it really does not look like they are keen on selling apartments. I have waited three days for them to email me the price lists of the apartment and have emailed twice asking for them. No replys yet.
Oh well, how that helps abit.
Luf

yeah the sales agents are bloody useless and pwr realty dont have a good name in the property industry anymore. sadly the developers have not changed from them. but lets hope all motors on still

They are useless, fully agreed. They seem to be more interested in speculating than doing clean business. I hear that a 3 bed at the tip of the building on sea side would go for well over 4 mio Rands? Can someone confirm? Sounds like a joke.

4Mil does sound possible to me. Houses in Dockpoint were going for 3 and a half mill. Any one got any news on this development or any others in the Point?

Point prices are insane, looked at the revised prices for a 2 bed room unit at our dev I nearly fell! 1.8 million for a matchbox!

yeah shucks they are high, what development is thats Durbs?

UPDATE:

While the demand is really high for Shakas Gate and the actual sales have gone exceptionally well, the developers have been frustrated by their inability to begin construction of the development. The developers and PWR would like to take this opportunity to apologise to all their valued purchasers for the various delays.



We were initially expecting to begin construction in March or April 2007. Our latest anticipated construction start date is now during the first half of 2008.



It is important to note that should we manage to start sometime during March or April 2008, we should manage to complete construction prior to the opening of the World Cup in 2010. Construction of the car park section should take approximately 10 to 12 months to complete and construction of the apartments should take a further 12 to 14 months to complete.



There are two main contributing factors that have resulted in our construction delays are:



Delays in project design and the resulting feasibility studies;
Delays in purchasers finalizing either their bonds or their deposits or both.


Delays in project design and the resulting feasibility studies

The delays to the project initially revolved around the building design and the feasibility studies relating to this design. Due to various restraints put on by The DPDC and the local municipality, our building has proved to be an extremely complex one to design. Our architects, in close consultation with our structural engineers and the entire professional team, have continually had to make changes and variations to the building. These changes have mainly revolved around the structural design and the restraints placed upon us. Fortunately most of these have now been resolved, however the initial restraints dramatically delayed the project.



Delays in purchasers finalizing either their bonds or their deposits or both

To date we have concluded over R420 million in signed agreements, and have secured finance for R360 million (where purchasers have both their bonds and full deposits in place).



For those of you that are unaware, the development bond bank will not open funding until we are in a position where we can confirm that all the above sales have both the full deposits and their required bonds in place. We are working very closely with both the attorneys and the banks to finalise these agreements, and really good progress has been made over the 3 months.



If you are one of the purchasers that have not finalised your agreement and your bond or deposits are currently not in place, the attorneys and banks would really appreciate your co-operation and assistance, as would the developers and your fellow purchasers alike.



To all our owners, it must be remembered that every cloud has a silver lining. These unfortunate delays that we have experienced will have a benefit to you the investor. The purchase price of your apartment is fixed and as such, you will not have to absorb any price increases that the developer may have to meet as a result of these delays. You, the investor will get the benefit of the escalation in resale value between now and the end of the project. This should allow you to experience substantial growth in the value of your apartment, without having to meet any bond repayments over the next two and a half years.

well finally an explination!

Dysan1

I would like to rephrase your first sentence and to have it with a full stop just like this. I quote ”… the developers have been frustrated by their inability.” I wonder if we should add: incompetence?

I wonder from where you get your informations? It seems to me they are quite inaccurate. A friend of mine showed me a paper where the promoter promised to start construction early 2006, and have it ready early 2008. This translates into over 2 years delay. It appears they are more interested in maximizing their profit rather than to think of customers satisfaction.

They also reduced the size of the units only to accommodate more of them with. No corresponding price reduction was given to the customers who are now on the losing end. I like Durbsboi definition of matchbox. They still have over 60 units (25%) they could not get rid off. Who says Shaka is a hit? The news seems to spread that they will not even be ready until the World Cup hence the little interest.

Actually that sentence wasn't written by Dysan, it comes from the developer's press release.

Dysan's just the messenger!

The message was straight from PWR. Also dont moan about them making the apartments smaller. they are entitled to do that, just as you are entitled to demand you money back if you dont agree with them making them smaller.

I understand that there are still a good number of appartments for sale in Shaka's Gate. Unforunately, with the recent increase of the mortgage rates, nobody can afford them anymore. I think the time is close when the property market bubble will burst. Does anyone have insider information if Shaka's Gate remaining appartments prices will soon be reviewed and downgraded? That could be a chance to get on board.

I have also heard some rumours that the construction is now about to start as all difficulties have been cleard. Can anyone confirm this?

^^ Really dont know, Why not call up PWR and find out mate?
Last i heard from them, all was ready to start construction at the begining of April 2008.. As of yet, it doesnt look like its started.

Please let us know what they say when you have a word with them.

Update please. This is one nice development, it has to go through.

Shaka's Gate looks like another "Never Built" project that hasn't gotten off the ground since the all the fanfare in 2005/2006 and needs to be flagged as such.

^^ nope they are still doing sales and i have a unit here i would know if it was canned

Shaka's Gate looks like another "Never Built" project that hasn't gotten off the ground since the all the fanfare in 2005/2006 and needs to be flagged as such.

Don't just assume.

assumptions are pre-determined excuses for failure

and you can quote me on that

Such a nice project, but it seems just too big for PWR to handle. Not only there is no sign of any activity on the site, but adverts and publicity seem also have stopped. Is this a sign that the car parc will remain a car park and no building will ever replace it?

Such a nice project, but it seems just too big for PWR to handle. Not only there is no sign of any activity on the site, but adverts and publicity seem also have stopped. Is this a sign that the car parc will remain a car park and no building will ever replace it?

I think the car park will remain even five years from now unless business confidence returns to the property market.

Oh well, what a waste.

guys guys guys the site has development rights for over 40,000m2, it also has an aspect in it that enforces the development of a multistorey car park. Ushaka already is lacking parking over weekends and holidays and wants this parking asap. so before everyone shoots their mouths off, go and find the details

Die Kapenaar, you really are a very pessimistic person.

I'am new on this site. This project seems to be a quite an exciting one.
Does someone have specific infos about this Shaka project? Not just "it might happen" or "it may not". Whom should I talk to?

great project!

I'am new on this site. This project seems to be a quite an exciting one.
Does someone have specific infos about this Shaka project? Not just "it might happen" or "it may not". Whom should I talk to?

best you speak to the developers

http://www.pwr.co.za/shakas-gate/

Durbsboi,
Anywhere where I can find sort of newsletter or independent report?

The developper used to publish some in the past. But for more than 9 months now, he preferred to stop them because all of his timing committments tumbled one after another. He is not credible anymore and he realizes that anything he can say will just add more to the confusion and hamper his credibility even more.

The message was straight from PWR. Also dont moan about them making the apartments smaller. they are entitled to do that, just as you are entitled to demand you money back if you dont agree with them making them smaller.

Dysan, I really do hope that this project goes ahead as it is a great idea and looks good but just to let you know, I purchased an option in 2005 when it was launched. In 2007 I requested my money back when the developers couldn't provide what they had promised. Basically, after a good few months they agreed to give me half of the R50 000 back. So, my investment in Shakas Gate returned me negative R25 000 over almost 2 years.

Be careful, and don't hold on forever.

Dysan, I really do hope that this project goes ahead as it is a great idea and looks good but just to let you know, I purchased an option in 2005 when it was launched. In 2007 I requested my money back when the developers couldn't provide what they had promised. Basically, after a good few months they agreed to give me half of the R50 000 back. So, my investment in Shakas Gate returned me negative R25 000 over almost 2 years.

Be careful, and don't hold on forever.

Shit, mate i would of given them so much shit about that and taken it much further!

I know Dysan1 is very positive about the development but with all honesty, if construction starts within the next 5 years i will be very surprised.

PWR is one of the most unorganised agents around. They can provide you with no information besides the normal "this is a massive project and we dont want to rush it". They claim that over 80% of units have been sold which i believe is a complete lie. What is there exact reason for the major delay and are those who bought prroperty there not completely frustrated with them? The same goes for Domain Property with regards to Heritage Square - they are always pushing back the comence of construction. Last time i spoke to them (nov/dec) they said construction would begin beginning of Feb (2009) but now their website doesnt even exist anymore. I cant understand why the DPDC do nothing to get them to start construction, the DPDC must get their act together now and stop blaming everying on the outcome of the SCH - enough excuses now!

(Sorry my rant is over now:))

do you have escrow accounts in SA where deposits and staged payments are held?

Shit, mate i would of given them so much shit about that and taken it much further!

I know Dysan1 is very positive about the development but with all honesty, if construction starts within the next 5 years i will be very surprised.

PWR is one of the most unorganised agents around. They can provide you with no information besides the normal "this is a massive project and we dont want to rush it". They claim that over 80% of units have been sold which i believe is a complete lie. What is there exact reason for the major delay and are those who bought prroperty there not completely frustrated with them? The same goes for Domain Property with regards to Heritage Square - they are always pushing back the comence of construction. Last time i spoke to them (nov/dec) they said construction would begin beginning of Feb (2009) but now their website doesnt even exist anymore. I cant understand why the DPDC do nothing to get them to start construction, the DPDC must get their act together now and stop blaming everying on the outcome of the SCH - enough excuses now!

(Sorry my rant is over now:))

After my last project with Domain, I havent spoken to anyone soon. But yeh with regards to the point, most sites are looking at 80% occupancy as a base, and once thats reached they will commence construction. We did that with Point Bay.

Dysan, I really do hope that this project goes ahead as it is a great idea and looks good but just to let you know, I purchased an option in 2005 when it was launched. In 2007 I requested my money back when the developers couldn't provide what they had promised. Basically, after a good few months they agreed to give me half of the R50 000 back. So, my investment in Shakas Gate returned me negative R25 000 over almost 2 years.

Be careful, and don't hold on forever.


Hi Nord,
For my information, can you explain what this "option 2005" is about. Generally, when you take an option on a property, you dont BUY it but ou pay a refundable DEPOSIT. I am lost here, why would they not give you the money back?
Second question: what did the developper promise and did end up not providing?
I was interested in this project, but you scare me...
Cheers

Shaka : What he means is he bought an option in 2005......

and when he requested his money back, the developers only gave him half of his deposit back.

Shaka : What he means is he bought an option in 2005......

and when he requested his money back, the developers only gave him half of his deposit back.

What the hell... and why would he not fight for his right?
I would have taken a lawyer and made so much noise that all Durban would be aware by now! Or is the sales contract allowing them to do so?

I guess if 80% was actually sold, you would have by now over 200 customers pissed off and making noise... Why would they not stand together and start asking the developer to give a professional explanation for the continuous delays, rather than vague excuses?

If I was in the owners shoes, I would not be so patient. Instead I would make sure to build a common front and ask the money back (there are enough other exciting projects out there) and even fight together for damage and interests.

Shit, mate i would of given them so much shit about that and taken it much further!

I know Dysan1 is very positive about the development but with all honesty, if construction starts within the next 5 years i will be very surprised.

PWR is one of the most unorganised agents around. They can provide you with no information besides the normal "this is a massive project and we dont want to rush it". They claim that over 80% of units have been sold which i believe is a complete lie. What is there exact reason for the major delay and are those who bought prroperty there not completely frustrated with them? The same goes for Domain Property with regards to Heritage Square - they are always pushing back the comence of construction. Last time i spoke to them (nov/dec) they said construction would begin beginning of Feb (2009) but now their website doesnt even exist anymore. I cant understand why the DPDC do nothing to get them to start construction, the DPDC must get their act together now and stop blaming everying on the outcome of the SCH - enough excuses now!

(Sorry my rant is over now:))

This note goes to all cheated and frustrated buyers at Shaka's Gate.
It appears that the project will not go ahead. The developers are not in the mood to come forward and tell the truth. They are keen to keep it secret to avoid more troubles.

We have information that many buyers have stepped aside and have now a great deal of problems getting their deposit, options and other monies back.

It seems appropriate that all victims create a coalition and put their feet to the ground to fight back. Don’t let these unscrupulous promoters get away with money they don’t deserve.

Should any frustrated buyer find this offer attractive and be prepared to take action with a common attorney, I would be pleased to take the lead and bring all victims together. Kindly feel free to come forward.

dont all projects in SA have to have escrow accounts which means you can get 100% deposit back as its a trust account?

^^Yes I think its a law, and with regards to ppl that have put down deposits its best that you guys do it together & not each one get a lawyer and run up different cases.

This note goes to all cheated and frustrated buyers at Shaka's Gate.
It appears that the project will not go ahead. The developers are not in the mood to come forward and tell the truth. They are keen to keep it secret to avoid more troubles.

We have information that many buyers have stepped aside and have now a great deal of problems getting their deposit, options and other monies back.

It seems appropriate that all victims create a coalition and put their feet to the ground to fight back. Don’t let these unscrupulous promoters get away with money they don’t deserve.

Should any frustrated buyer find this offer attractive and be prepared to take action with a common attorney, I would be pleased to take the lead and bring all victims together. Kindly feel free to come forward.

I really feel for you guys. On paper this is an amazing property but in reality it is way over ambitions and to be honest (you can also refer back to my older posts) i always believed that this would never ever get off the ground.

PWR is one of the worst companies ever and they never have any info on hand. All the best with this and take it as far as you have to.

This project should be renamed as:

*Cancelled* Shaka's Gate-Mixed Use-13F-Durban Point

It would also be the right thing to do to flag it as such due to the controversies over deposits not being returned and the lack of transparency by the developers about the lack of development of it over the last two years.

I've just heard yesterday that Steffanutti have been awarded the contract to build this chap... looks like it will be going ahead after all.

I would prefer it stay that way because years later I still don't see one saving grace on this architectural monstrosity.

havent been down to the area for a while, any work begun? doubt they will now seeing its holiday season in a few weeks and Ushaka will be buzzing.

I've just heard yesterday that Steffanutti have been awarded the contract to build this chap... looks like it will be going ahead after all.

I don't know Steffanutti. Is this a new developper? Are you saying that he bought the right to execute the project instead of PWR? Can anyone confirm this?

I am owner of an option in Shaka, but did not get any official information about Steffanutti taking over!

I don't know Steffanutti. Is this a new developper? Are you saying that he bought the right to execute the project instead of PWR? Can anyone confirm this?

I am owner of an option in Shaka, but did not get any official information about Steffanutti taking over!

stffanutti is a contractor and in steffannutti and bressan a pinetown based civil contractor

It's called Steffanutti Stocks now.

so how is this development going? any pics???