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


Location: Umhlanga Ridge
Size: 142ha
Development: 2million m2
Total Value: R12bn
Timescale: 7-10 years

Confirmed Developments in Ridgeside

1) Marriot Resort - R1,6bn
2) Investec East Africa - R100m
3) Mr Price HQ and 10000m2 concept store - R450m
4) Design Quarter Umhlanga 40000m2 - R800m
5) Westin Durban - R660m

Our changing face

In 4 to 5 years time the face of Umhlanga rocks will be completely different. By then, the sugar cane on the hill above would have gone and the development of the Umhlanga Ridge will have reached down the slope to the sea, linking the ‘ridge’ with the ‘rocks’.

Stylish office parks, hotels, offices, apartment blocks and luxury homes with magnificent sea views will fill the space down to the coastal freeway, with improved links to the existing Umhlanga beachfront and the area still affectionately known as the village.

The new suburb will be known as Ridgeside. Presiding over Ridgeside on the crest of the ridge will be a landmark resort hotel, the first Marriott to be built in sub-Saharan Africa, a statement of confidence in the area by the Washington DC-based international hotel group. Construction of the resort will begin later this year, with the building reaching 185m above sea level.

On the prime sites next to the Marriott along Umhlanga Rocks Drive will be Ridgeside’s office blocks and apartments, a roll-out of the growing Umhlanga ridge new town centre. Below this, sea-facing residential homes will look out over the forest and sea.

A planned feature is a landscaped pedestrian boulevard, which is to run all the way down to the coast, with an underpass under the freeway to link to the beach and promenade for use by pedestrians and the Ridge shuttle.

The buildings, parks and piazza will be terraced to accommodate the steep incline of the land. Ridgeside will be built on a series of “steppes” to minimise the slope of the area, with basement parking to free up open spaces for public benefit.

Alfway down the hill, a new road to be known as Ridgeside Drive will dissect the area, providing access to the Ridgeside office park, a natural extension of the La Lucia Ridge office estate, via a planned new interchange on the M41.

Modern office buildings with underground parking and landscaped open areas will have superb sea views.

The development has been in planning for more than 2 years and has now received final approval. Inquiries are bullish so the developers are confident that the plans will be a reality within a few short years.

Location

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/Copyofumhlangafromtheair2.jpg

Conceptual idea

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/IMGP1708.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/IMGP1710.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/IMGP1711.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/CopyofIMGP6139.jpg

fark me thats awesome, cinderella has finally come to the ball

Whoo hoo! Looks amazing. Thanks for posting.

Yeh...i have a few more pictures on this one...to me this development is going to be incredible...each and every development will have those amazing views of Durban bay to the Bluff

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/umhtri2.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/umhtriangle1.jpg

love the man made lake and funky bridge.
Mike who is the main target market for this development? It looks like residential ( high density appartment type complexes as well as single dwellings), deffinatly a high density corporate enviroment (I get the feeling its a bit like sandton with head offices , in a dense enviroment falling down the hill)

Now who did you have to sleep with to get this info???

It was a rather BIG piece of land just lying there, obiviously Moorelands had something BIG planned for it, & I must say it is .........wow!

Yep looks more like a semi residential/ office park orientated place & the steep roads give it a frisco look, all we need is trams :D

Geeeez.... indeed, Cinderella has come to the ball. In true diva style as well... I'm totally envious of it all. It is amaaazing.

^^ And I don't think it'll be long before the trams come.. it'll give the area even more character.

The majority of the land is going to be mixed use high density development. The aim is for the "Steppes" area to have masses of Retail, with commercial and residential above like in the New town centre.

Running alongside the M41 highway will be the Ridgeside Office Estate, which will mirror the La Lucia Ridge Office estate on the otherside of the highway.

Below the main boulevard will be apartment developments and exclusive residential single dwelling developments, with large plots. Think top end mansions, none below R10m, all integrated with the forest.

The high density stuff is mainly concentrated on the top end of the development, with at least 3 towers of 20F+

It is a WOW development. And the Marriot is only the start.

Giles...

With the development offering 2million m2 of bulk, it is going to be pretty dense. There will be no 2F blocks in the office estate, min of 4F is the limit. Also the apartment complex's are to range from 3F to 8F in the lower areas.

Dev in the upper more urban high street environment will be 8-12F with the few biggies i mentioned going up to 30F.

So it is a monster development aiming to continue the success of the NTC down the hill, while also offering more the La Lucia environment too.

The split is:

50% Residential
30% Commercial
15% Retail
5% Hotels (they have 4 hotel sites...all with AMAZING views)

Stunning stuff! Love the possibility of a new highrise zone in Durbs. And yes, a tram system in that area would be amazing!

This part of Durbs is going to rock in 5-8 yrs!!!

:scouserd:

is there demand for aal this as I see that there are still plots in the office estate up the hill and with all the land still available going from gateway back to the NS still undeveloped we might have an oversupply for the area. Check out google earth now and see the amount of land we are talking about, shit laods!

Yes there is. dont forget that La Lucia ridge is totally sold out. And that the launch of phase 2 of the ntc was sold out in 4 days. there is huge demand, more than i think even i realise. Moreland released a statement saying that they have 2500 people on a waiting list for all their existing projects have been sold out and they dont know what to do until they get approval for their new ones...

I say its only a matter of time before someone comes knocking on my office door, with plans to one of these developments

haha, this thing only made the news today, in the mercury

actually it made the news many many months ago, well in umhlanga's papers and glossy mags at least.

Umhlanga development to provide 65700 jobs

Edward West

KwaZulu-Natal Correspondent

DURBAN — The Umhlanga Triangle development spearheaded by Moreland, the property development arm of Tongaat-Hulett Group, would pump more than R8bn into KwaZulu-Natal and link the Ridge to Umhlanga village.

In the past decade, Moreland has developed about 1200ha of sugar cane land resulting in investment of about R11bn in the Umhlanga Ridge town centre, north of Durban.

Moreland Developments’ commercial and industrial development director, Mike Deighton, yesterday said the development would be between the Gateway shopping complex and the sea, “probably the best site in SA after Table Mountain”.

The 140ha development would generate 65700 construction-related jobs, translating into 16400 permanent jobs and a rates base for the eThekwini municipality of about R50m a year.

The R8bn investment included only buildings, infrastructure and services. Further downstream benefits would be “massive”, he said.

About 40ha would be preserved as “green space” and sea and forest views would be maximised.

Some downstream commercial developments are already earmarked for Umhlanga Triangle. These include a R1,3bn, 150-room Marriott Hotel which is expected to open in 2008 — the international group’s first foray into Africa; a regional head office for Investec; 10000m² for a Mr Price concept store; and 40000m² for a Zenprop “Design Quarter” — similar to the home and decor concept piloted in Fourways, Johannesburg.

Deighton said there was big demand for space at the Ridgeside Office Park precinct, opposite La Lucia Ridge Office Estate. Construction on the 150000m² office park would start early next year.

A residential precinct would include 2000 units which would entail a combination of high-density apartments, including a 30-story apartment block, medium-density townhouses and low-density houses bordering the coastal forest.

Road developments were likely to begin before the end of the year, pending approvals.

Ridgeside is the first of 4 precincts in Umhlanga Triangle.

Work on the roads and services is about to begin. i really hope that bridge looks like the one in the render, cos that is just lovely!!

MIke, I must say that I share your sentiments. These development is advertised eveyr week on DSTV's Channel 55 @ 07:00 in the morning, saturdays and sundays, and gets reapeted during the day. So far they still showing the bridge as it is in this thread. Lets cross our fingures that the nridge stays like that. I LOVE THE BRIDGE and the whole development.

Just imagine.
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/IMGP1708.jpg

But how long and high is it? Imagine the view of the bridge from the ocean.

stunning site

U see that high rise on the top of that hill, my penthouse is in there :D

^^ and i have wings...:)

I have no details on the bridge, trying to get more as we chat. Hopefully it will go ahead in its current form. and yes, that area will be fantastic.

Work on the roads and bridge is to begin in early jan. they are at present clearing the site. speaking to the guys at moreland and they state the bridge will go ahead in its current design form. it is planned to be a feature, just as the millenium bridge is as the gateway to umhlanga ridge.

wow wow wow wow!!! I had to pinch myself. This combined with the existing URNTC will be a superb urban mixed use area. Imagine when it is all done? a huge area of apartrments, high streets, cafes, shops and parks? better than sex!! Imagine the tourism potential of the area when it is all done? And as for the bridge: its the crowning glory!

Personally i think this project will add more to Umhlanga than the main NTC primarily due to its amazing views. However they will really compliment each other nicely and enable people to walk. and due to the density will provide a great platform for 100s of cafes, bars and restaurants.

Yeh nice to walk around, but whilst walking down a steep road, one must trip & fall, cos it wont be a pretty sight tumbling down & down & down

This is really exciting. When do you think the residential part of the development will be started? Will it be sold off as plots so owners can build their own homes or will it be from plan?

We are a young family living in the States for last 5 years and aching to return home in the next 4 years, this would be a great place to settle :)

Great stuff. I moved to SA from New York and it was the best move I have ever made. You are right: Durban is a great city and in a few years time it will be even better with projects such as this totally transforming both the city and the lifestyle it offers.

Mike2005, tell me more! I am aching to return home, the biggest pull is family, however I have 2 small kids and worry about crime and such.

how long did u live in ny? where in sa are you living? how was the adjustment? are you south african or american?

i love the ease of life here but it feels kinds thin and superficial. i miss south africans with their depth and life even tho' its harder in a way?

sa2usa, mike is a pom but is an honary Saffer. Im from Durbs but have lived in Oz and else where for a while and my aussie wife is dead set on returning to our Cape town farm in the forseable future. Spend some time loking through some of these threads and you will see a bit of what is happening and also verios peoples opinions on the subjects.
welcome to the forum and introduce yourself on the intoruction thread. ciao

This is really exciting. When do you think the residential part of the development will be started? Will it be sold off as plots so owners can build their own homes or will it be from plan?

We are a young family living in the States for last 5 years and aching to return home in the next 4 years, this would be a great place to settle :)

Work on the residential component near the forests is to start in 2008. Some sights will be sold and then developed by the owner, however as with all moreland developments the design scheme will be dictated by them. The forest residential area will however not be cheap. The other residential developments will be bought off plan once the developers have secured the land from moreland.

Welcome to the forums. read around and comment whenever u feel there is something u would like to know greater detail about.

As with all moreland developments, this and the New town centre are very safe places to live

The development ideal by the agency appointed by Moreland to prepare an urban design framework for the Umhlanga Triangle development.

Ref: Rory Wilkinson


New centrality - a paradigm shift

In the context of Kwazulu-Natal, and in particular of the eThekwini metropolitan area, peripheral centres are defined as new investment nodes at different levels and with different roles. The integrated development strategy for the Tourist Triangle reinforces the unique opportunities that the Umhlanga node has to offer to accommodate the business, commercial, residential and tourism sectors. The approach is based on the 'principles of permaculture' by Bill Mollison, 1991, - an integrated design system to create sustainable human environments. The philosophy is one of working with, rather than against, nature. The concept explores a new paradigm as a way of ordering the development within the site. It proposes the departure from the imposition of the rigid urban block system towards a synthesis between the landform and the environmental conditions deriving from the site and its surroundings. Building blocks and the street are independent of each other. They bind together through environmental corridors, which combine landscaping, public open space and access-ways. The development is structured along natural terraces with interlocking spaces that allow for the meeting of accidental and purposefully made spaces, such as urban rooms and balconies. In this way, views towards the valley, the seashore, surrounding hills and dunes may be captured. The sub-tropical coastal climate, characterised by on-shore winds, summer rainfall patterns combined with high temperatures and humid conditions throughout the year, requires windbreaks and cooling passages between buildings for which specific guidelines related to building placement, heights and the general landscaping will be developed in consultation with environmental and landscape architects.

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

http://www.ridgeside.co.za/Portals/10/LOCALITY.jpg

Even tho they state it will be a R6bn development, i somehow feel this number is way way way short.

Already you have:

Marriot - R1,8bn
Investec - R200m
Mr Price - R450m
Design Quarter - R800m

Thats already R3,25bn.... and that is but a tiny fraction of the site

whats the Mr price R450mil? new head office?

Its there new HQ and an 11 000m2 new concept store.

^^ Heard about that Mr Price thing, if we doing it, this site will be the first to here on anything.

Flip this Ridgeside is bigger than I thought. No news on any residential units coming up here?

^^ the residential areas are the ones bordering the lower lake and forest, those are phase 3. The mixed use res areas are in phase 2 which should be released this year, along with more land in the ridgeside office park bordering the M41 highway.

All land in phase one is sold. So a few more announcements soon i'm sure. Phase 1 was all land bordering umhlanga rocks drive (except the site reserved for a 30F tower), and some sites in the office park.

The only residential released are the residential sites in the Notae resorts/ marriot hotel development

Just another look at the plan for the area

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/IMGP1954.jpg

It looks very spaced out, abit too spaced out, but Im sure that will change when the projects get proposed.

lower areas (which Im assuming are resi) is very low density.
I personally dont think the 2 towers are warrented in that location and should have been developed in the denser part around gateway

40ha of the 140ha is to be left as open space...personally i like that. it will create nature trails, lakes for boating and kayaking, and public recreation areas. Thats what every good urban area needs.

The eastern areas are low density housing (very expensive homes) and due to their proximity to the forest have to be low density, so that no damage occurs to it. Trails will go along the forest edge.

The areas that are high density, will be very dense. The office park has a min height of 3F, while most sites in the office park are min 5F, unlike the existing la lucia ridge office estate.

And the "steps" area is min 7F throughout. Work on a 2500 underground parking area starts in feb

lower areas (which Im assuming are resi) is very low density.
I personally dont think the 2 towers are warrented in that location and should have been developed in the denser part around gateway

The towers have been designed for that location to maximise the sea and amazing coastline views. They are existing highrise sites, whereas the URNTC was never allowed those rights.

Wow! Looks amazing! This entire area (greater Umhlanga and immediate surrounds around Gateway, including recently announced developments) has to rate as one of the most ambitious and visionary developments on the continent. Props to Moreland for this vision and Ethekwini for facilitaing everything.

the spacious feel is a good thing, very exciting project

I hope they blend it well with the surroundings & dont make it too much of an Eco estate feel

You have been working on dodgy projects for too long DB that you have become pesimistic lately...

^^ya true, its the same old bullshit, getting tired of Riverhorse & ballito now, I want to go back to Point & Umhlanga :cry:

work is on for land clearing and the establishment of new roads in the precinct. work is imminent on the marriot, mr price and design quarter

UPDATE:

Marriot is starting. The infrastructure and services are being put in so full construction can begin.

Mr Price are in the final stages of their new concept development which faces Umhlanga rocks drive and the marriott. and as you will see below, the designs for the Design Quarter are out.

Interesting to note that Design Quarter includes a 200 room International Hotel. This one totally surprised me. Design quarter is 80 000m2 in extent, of which 40 000m2 is retail.

It’s all in the design From The Ridge Magazine

Opening on the Ridge in 2009 is a sensational design and food shopping showcase

A mouthwatering designer shopping complex, with major anchor tenants that include a new décor-focused Woolworths Home and Food store, is to be built on the seaward side of Umhlanga Rocks Drive near the Umhlanga Hospital.

Based on the successful Johannesburg concept at Fourways, the Durban Design Quarter will also include Boardmans, Coricraft, Weatherly’s and Osiers, @home livingspace, line shops, top restaurants, showrooms, offices and a 4 storey 200-room international hotel in a development the architect describes as “giving the impression of a contemporary hill-top town”.

The huge R600m complex, developed by the Cape-based Zenprop Property holdings, will spill down the slop towards the sea, with open-air piazzas, glass covered arcades and underground “super basement” parking for 1200 cars.

The developers hope to begin construction in July this year, complete it by the end of 2008 and begin trading in March 2009.

The architect, Imraan Ho-Yee, told an audience at the One on One convention centre at Gateway that the site provided an opportunity to build a unique upmarket décor and leisure destination – it is going to be “a great place to be”.

The huge Washington DC based Marriott Hotel complex is a near neighbour. Apart from Mr Price (which is developing its own bold concept centre on an adjacent site), all of the major tenants in the Johannesburg Design Quarter will be establishing major décor and food stores on the Umhlanga Ridge.

Zenprop believes “Durban is more than ready for the successful Design Quarter concept first introduced at Fourways two years ago”. The Johannesburg one-stop design and décor destination was a new concept in retail design and the Durban Design Quarter will be a significant progression on this. “To prolong the ‘dwell’ time within the centre, new concept restaurants and other popular eateries and cafes will encourage consumers to make Design Quarter a destination, a day out, and a place in which to relax, socialize and shop,” say the developers.

It’s all in the design

Opening on the Ridge in 2009 is a sensational design and food shopping showcase

A mouthwatering designer shopping complex, with major anchor tenants that include a new décor-focused Woolworths Home and Food store, is to be built on the seaward side of Umhlanga Rocks Drive near the Umhlanga Hospital.

Based on the successful Johannesburg concept at Fourways, the Durban Design Quarter will also include Boardmans, Coricraft, Weatherly’s and Osiers, @home livingspace, line shops, top restaurants, showrooms, offices and a 4 storey 200-room international hotel in a development the architect describes as “giving the impression of a contemporary hill-top town”.

The huge R600m complex, developed by the Cape-based Zenprop Property holdings, will spill down the slop towards the sea, with open-air piazzas, glass covered arcades and underground “super basement” parking for 1200 cars.

The developers hope to begin construction in July this year, complete it by the end of 2008 and begin trading in March 2009.

The architect, Imraan Ho-Yee, told an audience at the One on One convention centre at Gateway that the site provided an opportunity to build a unique upmarket décor and leisure destination – it is going to be “a great place to be”.

The huge Washington DC based Marriott Hotel complex is a near neighbour. Apart from Mr Price (which is developing its own bold concept centre on an adjacent site), all of the major tenants in the Johannesburg Design Quarter will be establishing major décor and food stores on the Umhlanga Ridge.

Zenprop believes “Durban is more than ready for the successful Design Quarter concept first introduced at Fourways two years ago”. The Johannesburg one-stop design and décor destination was a new concept in retail design and the Durban Design Quarter will be a significant progression on this. “To prolong the ‘dwell’ time within the centre, new concept restaurants and other popular eateries and cafes will encourage consumers to make Design Quarter a destination, a day out, and a place in which to relax, socialize and shop,” say the developers.

sorry for quality of scans

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/IMGP6009.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/IMGP6004.jpg

Hopefully all aspects of the development will maximise the sites' incredible sea and coastline views.

Hey, thanks for scanning and posting this. My mouth watered when I saw this in the magazine. This will be one amazing area when completed. Add in the other mod architecture in the precinct and elevated sea views from the Ridge, and it will be in a class of its own.

Now THIS looks like a great place! It will be a huge asset to Umhlanga. As nice as the area is, it's been a little short on true upscale shopping. This development marks a great change in that.

It creates a different feel to the area, one of more class & gives Umhlanga a nice "buisness" area so speak. Very proffesional, I like :okay:

The marriot retail section will be the most upmarket of the lot. it is offering 9000m2 of only high end retail stores. Think top european brands and 5 star restaurants

Now THIS looks like a great place! It will be a huge asset to Umhlanga. As nice as the area is, it's been a little short on true upscale shopping. This development marks a great change in that.

when u are next over, take a walk around the courtyards of the buildings infront of gateway. that is providing good upmarket shopping. with great restaurants and stores opening. and it has a very good feel to it.

also the new northern village expansion will create great upmarket precincts in the existing umhlanga rocks. Nautical pride and Impilo are the first dev's there and set the std

I like the idea of street shopping, something that many of us dont do now-a-days because of the high crime levels in the CBD, its nice to see developments like this & UNTC are bring the concept back to Durbs. Malls are nice, but you need to get out & about as well.

This is the best retail development I've seen in ages. Finally not just another generic mall.

when u are next over

My wife wants to start a family. So the next time I'm over, Umhlanga will probably be the largest city in Natal, Zuma will be in his second term as president, and the Olympic torch will be winding its way toward Durban. :lol: Kids are so bloody expensive. And I hate sitting on a plane listening to someone else's screaming child for 16 hours, so I'm not about to subject the rest of the world to my screaming children. :lol:

When I was down last year, I did walk around the street (Palm Boulevard?) between the restaurant side of Gateway and the rest of the Town Centre. It looks very good - and a huge improvement over what I saw in 2003, when pretty much the only thing there was the City Lodge (not complete then). I did do a couple of driving loops around the rest of the area (once because I wanted to see the area, and twice more because I got lost :lol:), and I think it has great potential. At the time, however, the overwhelming impression was of a construction site. I think once alot of the workmen and equipment clear out, the area will look fantastic.

I still remember my first visit to SA in 1988, when the entire ridge was nothing but cane. There were only two buildings of any consequence on that ridge - the Sharks Board (then called the Anti-Shark Measures Board!) and the Tongaat-Hulett HQ. I never in a million years would've guessed then that the ridge would look like it does now.

I like the idea of street shopping, something that many of us dont do now-a-days because of the high crime levels in the CBD, its nice to see developments like this & UNTC are bring the concept back to Durbs. Malls are nice, but you need to get out & about as well.

i still go into central durban to shop and soak up the atmosphere at least once a month. Was down on wed. Had a great lunch at Piato, with views over smith street to the city hall. And i love dinner at the Royal Grill. Town is definately making a comeback. just gotta more people from the burbs to visit.

^^Yes you, & I , & maybe a few other's, but mainly the black population are in the CBD shopping, & a few other's from the copperate companies in the area, but you are right, town is making a comeback, but lets hope number's will improve, also this feel UNTC is developing is different to that of the Durban CBD, one of a more modern type of street vibe.

I personally believe that Ridgeside, The New town, the point and the CBD will compliment each other very nicely. Each offering unique mixed entertainment, working and living environments. I think each area will encourage more people to go out and live on the streets of the city and each zone will provide an atmosphere for differing times/moods/events.

Spend the day rubbing shoulders with the tourists in The point, or the Bling bling umhlanga momma's in ridgeside... mingle with the business crowds in the cbd or the NTC... mingle with aspects of the real africa in rememberance square before darting off to parkside to mix with all the uni students. Then topping the night off in Florida road. There are a diversity of options that will portray themselves in due course. Each complimenting and adding to the Durban lifestyle product.

A great view of the entire development i found in the latest issue of PiVOT magazine.

3 highrises can clearly be seen, and 1 much taller than the marriot. The image is quite a sight, especially all the densification


http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/CopyofIMGP6139.jpg

I'm confused. I thought the Marriott will be where that tallest tower is shown.

Or, is that the Marriott, but the other 2 towers on the other side of the ridge are actually taller (but from a lower base elevation)?

the marriott is the one on the left of the picture, near the crease line. it is opposite the mcdonalds on umhlanga rocks drive. the other two buildings are much closer to the sharks board and the part of umhlanga rocks drive that goes down to the village

Wow. My sense of scale is completely f*#ked up in that picture. In the picture, it looks as if the Marriott (now that I know where to look!) is on the 'back' side of the ridge.

You posted the same picture back in August. Have there been any additions to it? (I can't see any, but I haven't looked closely.)

I added this new image to my first post in this thread for continuity, thats why its also in the august post now, but only put it there today :)

The reason it looks "down hill" is cos the picture goes over the join in the magazine and when i scanned it i could not get the spine completely flat :) The ridge is completely flat along the top, so the Marriot and the other high rise on umhlanga rocks drive have the same base height. The one lower down will have a lower base and therefore greater overall height. dont forget that top of the marriott will be 208m above sea level, while only being 100m or so. shows just how steep that hillside is

The difference now is that 3 high rises are proposed, whereas there were 2 previously and the area has been allowed more bulk.

Thanks for posting, M. Looks amazing. I am intrigued by two things and happy about 2 others:

Intrigued:
1. Is that a dam / lake below the 3 highrises? Seems to be a dam of sorts with a dam wall.
2. Is that a clump of highrises in the distance to the right of the last highrise to the North of the picture? Is that the area around Gateway (seems unlikely as it should then be represented somewhere betw highrise 1 and 2, (from left to right) or some sort of new suburb? If the latter, Cornubia perhaps?

Happy:
1. I like that bridge to the left of the lake / dam. Will soon become an icon for the area like the Millenium Bridge, although this one seems longer.
2. I like all the green spaces around the new developments. Retains and integrates Durban's lush feel very well.

Thanks for posting, M. Looks amazing. I am intrigued by two things and happy about 2 others:

Intrigued:
1. Is that a dam / lake below the 3 highrises? Seems to be a dam of sorts with a dam wall.

It's a lake with a raised eastern wall. The reason is due to the slope of the land, and the fact that the lake will be man made, it needs a retaining wall or else it will be impossible to build.

2. Is that a clump of highrises in the distance to the right of the last highrise to the North of the picture? Is that the area around Gateway (seems unlikely as it should then be represented somewhere betw highrise 1 and 2, (from left to right) or some sort of new suburb? If the latter, Cornubia perhaps?

Thats part of the Parkside residential development north of Gateway, but before prestondale. The buildings on the top of the ridge in that area have a maximum height of 13F and will probably include 6/7 highrise blocks. It abutts the Sharks board.

Cornubia is on the other side of the N2 highway, so far from here.


Happy:
1. I like that bridge to the left of the lake / dam. Will soon become an icon for the area like the Millenium Bridge, although this one seems longer.

The bridge is more than double the length of the millenium bridge, and as seen by the designs of it from previous pages, has an iconic design.


2. I like all the green spaces around the new developments. Retains and integrates Durban's lush feel very well.


There will be over 5km of trails around the 2 lakes, waterfall (which already exists but no one knows its there) and through the forest. There will be loads of public squares, parks and recreational facilities. a true walking environment, bar the steep areas, but then you will hike i guess...lol

Thanks for the clarifications.

I can see that dam and the trails becoming very nice attractions in and of themselves. I can just imagine it: abseiling off the dam wall with fantastic views of the Indian Ocean behind you; rowing or sailing with stunning views of the ocean. This is very rare to find anywhere (usually dams are not so close to the ocean, or if they, they are at the same level and don't have views. That strip gets lots of rain in summer so it will serve as a good catchment area too.

That bridge is stunning.

So much part part or all of Umhlanga is labeled the 'ellite' will the Ridgeside be *ultra ellite*? i.e starfish island ellite?

Well the homes bordering the forest are aimed at the elite, with a moreland press release stating that stands will be large with the aim of all free standing homes being priced from R8m. So not the top top of the house bracket, but rather high.

For comparisson homes in Executive village on La Lucia ridge are from R10m and there are only 54 in the development.

Apartments in the Marriott, notae resorts development sold from R3,5m to R16m, and free standing homes sold from R12m to R22m. Subsequent resales have been R14,5m for a R12m home.

So yes, Ridgeside will probably be the most expensive area in Umhlanga, mainly due to the incredible coastline views all the way to Durban.

And the "cheap" apartments are those near gateway.

Have news that land zoning is nearly complete, which means the July start on Durban Design Quarter, Mariott, Mr Price and the other developments is on track.

At least a 4-month delay, according to Moreland. (From today's Daily News (http://www.int.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=13&art_id=vn20070716091427650C623534).)

Victory for residents

July 16 2007 at 10:12AM

By Heinz de Boer

What is meant to be one of Durban's flagship property developments has been put on ice after an almost unprecedented environmental victory by a determined group of residents.

Property giant Moreland Developments will have to fork out hundreds of millions for new infrastructure after the Minister of Agriculture and Environmental Affairs upheld the environmental impact assessment (EIA) objections of 52 Umhlanga residents.

Moreland's Ridgeside Development and associated Marriot Hotel, which will stand adjacent to the Umhlanga Hospital, will not go ahead until a new environmental impact assessment. Moreland has admitted that the delay could cost them at least four months in planning, and millions to install new road and bulk sewerage infrastructure.

The shock decision came after Minister of Agriculture and Environmental Affairs Mtholephi Mthimkhulu, overturned his own department's EIA authorisation and chided the eThekwini Municipality for not "fully applying" their minds before backing the project. In a scathing 35-page report, Mthimkhulu systematically found flaws in Moreland's planning process and ordered the developers to institute another EIA to resolve the concerns of the residents that made objection to the project's current format.

At the heart of the dispute was Moreland's proposed link road that would have joined the 140 hectare housing and business estate to the central business district.

Residents also raised concerns over the region's ageing road and essential services infrastructure, saying it was incapable of sustaining heightened traffic and population volumes.

Vowed

The minister agreed and has vowed not to let the development go ahead until Moreland addresses ratepayer concerns.

The refusal has, meanwhile, also exposed the widening cracks between Moreland and the council, which has historically bent backward to accommodate the developer.

In commenting on the EIA and its added financial burden, Moreland's planning and environment manager Rory Wilkinson lamented the fact that the private sector would have to foot the bill for infrastructure that should have been taken care of by the municipality.

It was bad for investment in the region, and was only part of the added burdens the city was imposing on major developers, Wilkinson said.

"This is bulk infrastructure that the city should be contributing. We can bear some of the costs, but it seems the city wants us to bear all of it.

"This certainly is no incentive for anyone to invest as the city is clearly putting increasing burdens on the private sector. We also don't have much of a choice - if we don't pay we don't get approval.

While Moreland and the council lock horns over infrastructure, local councillor and one of the main objectors, Rory Macpherson, warned that the first in a new series of public meeting would be held tomorrow. "I am concerned at the lack of advertising of this EIA presentation.

Once again I get the feeling that Moreland is trying as best as possible to sideline as many interested parties as possible. I am, therefore, appealing to all stakeholders to attend the EIA presentation," Macpherson said.

The meeting will be held at the Natal Sharks Board on Monday.


This article was originally published on page 2 of Daily News on July 16, 2007

Macpherson is a useless DA councillor.

But on the main matter, Moreland have been less than transparent on the roads development. They have made promises to people that have bought into the development, yet not been open with them. this could affect them in the future.

However the city should be playing a bigger role in this as they are the ones that stand to really gain from this development in terms of rates. They are against it primarily because they want some form of Low cost housing included...which is daft in the extreme.

I read this & was also quite surprised to be seeing it put on hold, what these residents complaining about? its on a totally new developent part of Umhlanga that currently nobody is occupying???


......& wtf happened to my avatar? & why cant I upload it anymore???

they are complaining just like they did with the pearls. They are the same people that drive up to the new town centre and moan. They are the original inhabitants of umhlanga that really dislike the new inhabitants who clearly out number them. They see everything negatively. and i mean everything. They even grouped together to change the design of some residents wall because they were unhappy with it, thats how petty they are. But dont worry, they are old and will not be long in this world.

I can understand why some people may be upset about the Pearls but this is ridiculous. The Marriot is in a "new development" area with new infrastructure being built. I can't understand what the problem is.

they want all the road expansions complete long before development even starts on the land. which is not feasible. and they reject the new road through the ridgeside development and its link to the traditional umhlanga for they believe it will lead to greater traffic on ridge road and marine drive

Oh come on, they just going to need 1 entrance to site which will obviously be some along UR drive.

there are going to be 7 access points to the ridgeside area, from all 4 directions

I meant for the Marriot site, ok prob about 3 for safety reasons.

there concern and what is holding up the dev is nothing to do with the individual developments, but they are against the entire development. They dont want a new access road built from the m4 into the ridgeside zone for that will lead to increased traffic noise in their opinion to homes in ridge road.

They dont want the ridgeside boulevard connecting with umhlanga rocks drive near the manors for they think that will lead to greater traffic into the village. Basically they want to keep everything the way it is.

The only reason they have got their way so far is that moreland were less than open and transparent with traffic studies and that the city is demanding a low cost housing and moreland refuses to build them in ridgeside, suggesting that cornubia is designed for that purpose.

had moreland been more proactive and possibly transparent with the traffic studies i doubt we would have been in this position. i hope they learn

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/Photo0044.jpg

sorry for the poor quality of the above render. it shows the intergration of cycle paths into the urban fabric of the ridgeside area. ridgeside will have lots of public open space, with over 8 piazza's in addition to the steppes.

The following link is for the Umhlanga Ridgeside Traffic and Infrastructure EIA. public comment closes on 4th September.

http://www.thdev.co.za/downloads/EIR_UmhlangaRidgeside_0807_Draft4PublicComment.pdf

That render really looks nice, I feel like living there now.

The entire Ridgeside precinct received approval from the kzn environmental minister this week. as such there is a buzz of activity around the site, with work allowed to commence immediately. that means that Design Quarter Umhlanga, Mr Price Lifestyle centre, Investec east africa hq, Courtyard suites hotel and the Marriot resort complex can all now rise from the ground.

(Original article found here (http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article.php?a_id=123729).)

Tongaat Hulett gets approval for Umhlanga property development

By: Liezel Hill (http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/author.php?u_id=103)
Published: 18 Dec 07 - 16:50

Sugar, starch and property group Tongaat Hulett has received municipality approval for its framework plan to develop a 140-ha mixed-use property in Umhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal, the JSE-listed firm said on Tuesday.

The property on which the development will take place was previously used by Tongaat Hulett for sugarcane farming.

The Umhlanga Ridgeside development will eventually include 150 000 m2 of commercial and mixed-use space, 100 000 m2 of offices and 3 000 residential units, Tongaat Hulett CEO Peter Staude said in a statement.

This will include a R1,3-billion, 80 000 m2 hotel and resort.

The Ridgeside project is expected to generate 65 000 construction-related jobs and 16 000 permanent jobs, Staude said.

“The initial development will be a mixed-use area adjacent to Umhlanga Rocks Drive and a commercial office area created alongside the M41.”

Associated road upgrades will include the creation of new interchanges and access routes, as well as additional lanes, turning lanes and signalised intersections on existing roads, which will be implemented in phases to minimise disruption..

The first of these, scheduled for early 2008, will be an upgrade of a section of Umhlanga Rocks Drive, north of the Seaview Interchange (M41), and the construction of a new Ridgeside Drive.

Water, electricity and sewerage infrastructure have been planned and will be implemented, in conjunction with the local authority, on a phased basis, the statement said.

Edited by: Creamer Media Reporter (http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/author.php?u_id=1013)

Those are great news Umhlanga, how long will the whole project take?

:applause: Finally bridge is gonna be built :applause:

:bow:

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/IMGP1708.jpg

I hope its gonna lights around it, especially the luminiscent ones. If I had money I was gonna but an apartment either here or at the Point.

There was a big article on it in the Mercury yesterday. Work on the Design quarter, Mr Price concept store, Marriot and 3 other developments will start early in the new year, mainly from an infrastructural and leveling side.

There was also a new render of the feel the area will have, looks greater than the NTC, and uber plush.

There was a big article on it in the Mercury yesterday. Work on the Design quarter, Mr Price concept store, Marriot and 3 other developments will start early in the new year, mainly from an infrastructural and leveling side.

There was also a new render of the feel the area will have, looks greater than the NTC, and uber plush.

YOU mean uber luxurious... with not just a R1.3 billion Marriott Resort but a SIX STAR Arabella Sheraton Westin Grand Hotel

cross post here from the Durban thread!

Besides Zuma...

looks like we will be getting our first SIX STAR hotel!!!!

V

... so the Sheraton is actually a much more luxurious Arabella Sheraton Westin Grand Hotel on RIDGESIDE!!!

Six-star hotel project for Umhlanga

By Barbara Cole
20 December 2007

AN iconic, luxury six-star hotel, the Arabella Sheraton Westin Grand Hotel, is being planned for Umhlanga - and now all that is needed is the necessary council permission.

The hotel, the likes of which Durban has never seen before, "is going to be the focal point of the Gateway area", said developer Alan Rankin.

The only six-star hotel in the province, it will be known as the Westin Grand Durban, which is a higher grading than the five-star Arabella Sheraton hotels. While Rankin said that South Africans were unfamiliar with the brand, it was well known to the discerning international traveller.

He said that it would "make a statement for Durban", and that the flagship hotel would be as iconic for the city as the world-famous Burj Al Arab Hotel (which is shaped like an Arabian dhow sail) is for Dubai.

It will be on the Ridgeside mixed-use site, next to the five-star, 150-room Marriott Hotel, which is also due to go up in Umhlanga, but will command a higher position and also have magnificent sea views.

The R600-million hotel, which will be developed by Rankin and operated by the owners of the Arabella Sheraton group, will boast 220 world-class rooms, conference and wellness centres, several res-taurants (including one at the top of the hotel) - as well as upmarket, privately-owned sectional title residences on the upper part of the hotel.

Rankin, managing director of Winchester Asset Developments, has bought the land from Tongaat-Hulett and now that Tongaat-Hulett has received the council's go ahead for its mixed-use development project at Ridgeside, it will be transferred to his name.

The next step is to get planning permission and Rankin has his fingers crossed that the process can be fast-tracked so work can begin on the project towards the end of next year and enable the hotel to be ready for the 2010 Soccer World Cup.

"We've got to try and catch up lost time. Obviously, I am not just building a hotel for the World Cup, but it would make sense to be ready by then. It would be an opportunity to show international visitors what is available here."

Rankin and Tongaat-Hulett representatives hope to give a presentation about the plan to the council next month.

"If we get planning permission by April, we might just be able to make it," he said.

Rankin is unable to say exactly how high the Westin Grand Durban hotel will be, as that will depend on the council planning department, but he says there will be "some 20 or so storeys".

He said the region was in desperate need of more hotel accommodation and there were only about 800 five-star beds available in the Durban area.

The "delighted" deputy mayor Logie Naidoo, chairman of the city's economic development committee, said the Westin Grand Durban was a "brilliant hotel" and that the council would support it wholeheartedly and would try to fast-track planning approval "with-in reason".

However, the record of decision into the environmental impact assessment of the area says that before work begins on such projects, the infrastructure would first have to be upgraded. The council was legally bound to follow the ruling.

"We have not yet signed the dotted line on that issue yet, but when we do, it will be A for away," he said.

• This article was originally published on page 2 of the Daily News
SOURCE: http://www.dailynews.co.za/index.php?fSectionId=2947&fSearch=1&fQuery=%22Sheraton%22



FANTASTIC NEWS... & I bet Tongaat Hulett have a lot more up there sleeves ... in Umhlanga and further north upto the new KSIA!!!

LOVE IT, LOVE, LOVE IT!!!!

Mikey, your Durban hotel list is going to have to be amended...

I can't wait.

Mikey, your Durban hotel list is going to have to be amended...

It will indeed, and i will get right on it now :) Great addition. So far 3 hotels confirmed for this zone.

Westin Grand ****** 220
Marriot ***** 150 (but been told increased to 200 now)
"Design Quarter Hotel" (no operator named yet) **** 250

Developing nicely...and all will have amazing views!

Below is a new render i found showing the NTC (foreground) and Ridgeside. The towers are quite visible in this render and give a good indication of how they will both be iconic. the third tower is not shown in this render, i dont know where it will be exactly

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

Green light given on R10bn Umhlanga Ridgeside Development


(New Developments) DURBAN (December 28) - Tongaat Hulett has received confirmation that the eThekwini Municipality has approved the Development Framework Plan for Umhlanga Ridgeside.

The 140 ha development will be completed in phases of combined commercial, residential and leisure developments, according to a company media release.

CEO Peter Staude says the approvals unlock significant opportunities to boost economic growth and job creation in the area.

Umhlanga Ridgeside will facilitate development comprising 150 000 m2 of commercial/mixed use space, 100 000 m2 of offices and 3 000 residential units which is estimated to attract R8 to R10 billion in investment to the area, is expected to generate 65 000 construction-related jobs and 16 000 permanent jobs, as well as over R50 million in annual rates income.

The eThekwini Municipality has proactively dealt with the overall Development and Infrastructure Framework Plan for the entire development, in order to ensure a fully sustainable development that does not overburden existing services and infrastructure.

“The Development Framework Plan for Ridgeside is a robust and sustainable framework that provides a basis for management of the entire site. It is a tool that ensures integration with the immediate surrounds as well as responds to the sub-regional context, commented Lekha Allopi, Manager: Land Use Management Systems, eThekwini Municipality.

“The location presents an opportunity that very few sites in the cty do. From an economic perspective the mix of land uses will provide sustainable jobs and the site enjoys good linkage to the main transport routes. The site also reinforces the mixed and multi-use urban environment, at the same time still preserving residential amenity. The provision of public transport has been another significant turning point in this development and the principle of "new urbanism" will be further endorsed by the high level of pedestrianisation of the area,” she said.

Tongaat Hulett has a successful working relationship with the eThekwini Municipality and the two parties recently received the main Partnership award at the FNB KZN Top Business Portfolio Awards. The awards, which recognize organizations that ascribe to best practices and contribute to the province’s socio-economic growth, acknowledged the extremely successful Riverhorse Valley Business Estate, a joint venture between Tongaat Hulett and the eThekwini Municipality.

The development area has prime sea views and is bounded by the M41 highway, the M4 coastal provincial road, and Umhlanga Rocks Drive. “Tongaat Hulett’s comprehensive plans for infrastructure and access to Ridgeside, including road upgrades and the management of traffic and other bulk infrastructure impacts, were pivotal to the Record of Decision and subsequent rezoning,” said Staude.

“There are a number of milestones that we have committed to in order to commence work on each phase of the development. The initial development will be a mixed-use area adjacent to Umhlanga Rocks Drive and a commercial office area created alongside the M41.”

“The mixed-use area will encompass a 40 000m2 Zenprop Design Quarter and a 10 000m2 Mr Price concept store, as well as a number of new Hotel/Resort developments. R1, billion is being invested in an 80 000m2 rsort, which will cater for thousands of visitors to the region each year. This is one of three hotels planned for the development, two of which are marked as five-star facilities, which would be an excellent opportunity for the upcoming 2010 Football World Cup. The commercial office area will feature a 100 000m2 office park, which includes new regional head offices for several leading national companies.”

“Future phases, according to Staude, comprise primarily residential units, and once complete will create a total of approximately 3 000 residential units throughout Ridgeside, ranging in price from R250 000 to R4 million.

Residential options will range from stand-alone units to four- to eight-storey apartment blocks, and from absolute luxury through to practical affordability.




Submitted: 28 Dec 2007

Confirmed developments

Marriot Resort - R1,8 billion
200 room 5 star hotel
140 residential units that may be put into hotel pool
9500m2 High end retail offering
Theatre
Many restuarants and bars
Recording studio

Westin Grand Durban - R600m

220 room 6 star hotel
Multiple restaurants
Residential units

Design Quarter - R750m

40 000m2 home and dining focussed retail centre

Design quarter hotel - R200m

180 room 4 star hotel with sweeping sea views above the western edge of the retail centre

Mr Price Concept store - R65m

10 000m2 concept store for SA's most future thinking retail chain

Investec East Africa HQ - R??
10 000m2 offices to house Investecs East African coast divisions

This already amounts to close on R3,5 billion in investments

......render of Design Quarter Durban from Zenprop website.....hotel is built into the mall.....visited the Showrooms at the Fourways branch recently.....magical and soooo....delicious!

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x31/Upington/Gaonet/design.jpg

^^ nice thanx for finding!!

To me Umhlanga is really impressive. The Gateway is really cool. If only we had a place like this in europe.

other news just in is that Toyoto SA and Japan's new HQ is to be built here next to the Westin on Umhlanga rocks drive (there are two separate operating structures at present with Toyota SA based in Joburg and Toyota Japan's SA offices based at the plant in prospecton - they are to be consolidated in Umhlanga)

Sounds a big important move

That is a HUGE move.... and is going to irritate ALOT of ppl... plus its going to be costly, I was in Toyota's HQ 2 weeks ago and their server room alone is HUGE with lots of equipment.

^^ Toyota japan have been pushing for the move ever since they gained more control of the SA unit (it makes much more sense for everything to be based in Durban). They have had to wait to gain more influence to make the change happen, and i am sure some in the Joburg office wont be happy, but thats life hey. Important gain for umhlanga tho

Toyota Japans offices are currently in the Embassy building, went to see someone there the other week. Will be a good move for them.

Massive Move and big win for Durban. what other International companies have there SA /Africa HQ in Durban.
Lever Bros
Toyota
Huletts (even though they are SA they are massive)

Unilever is also in Durbs

I'm sure quite a few people are rather happy about the move to Durban.

Research International
Spar
Sara Lee (ambi pur, kiwi, radox, sanex)
Beiersdorf (Nivea and cant remember others)
Quite a few in the IT field, but names escape me
Illovo

spar,sara lee and Biersdorf are in pinetown correct?
MAN trucks in westmead

Yeah, Spars HQ is right next door to Knowles Super Spar... actually VERY VERY nice officespace.

Sara lee in pinetown and Beiersdorf are in westville

Boxer Superstores HQ was in Pinetown but they now have moved next to their sister companies regional HQ (PnP) in Westway office park. Also Robertsons spices HQ is on the Ridge.

^^ Robertson's is a division of Unilever. Their old building has been the AMET HQ (Africa, middle east and Turkey) for unilever since that function moved from london to durban 2 years ago

Trellicor which operates in 50 countries has its global headquarters in Durban.

And shipping companies like Grindrod have operations in several other countries.

But Gringrod will most likely stay in the Vic Embankment area, dont see them moving offices.

Not sure if anyone has mentioned it, but is Mr Pricey not headquartered in Durban?

Yes of course, but they were asking for international companies with HQ in durban.

Mr Price is in Dubai and Maylasia

didnt know that... they are going into another new area this year...very different from all their other offerings

China as well...

Just some more images of the site

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

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/umhlangaridgeside1.jpg

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

Just an update on the site, sales and what not.

There are 96ha of developable land
Split into 4 precincts

In 2007 when approval was given:

12ha were sold in 9 sales transactions
This contributed R130m to Tongaat Hullet
This offers 160 000m2 of development rights

Work on these developments should start shortly, once council approval of each set of plans is given

First new development to be launched is Bascule - its a mixed use development of apartments, commercial and retail, near the steppes precinct.

these are initial renders of it.

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/bascule1.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/bascule2.jpg

Alot of the bulk infrastructure is now in place, i have no idea though when developments will be allowed to go ahead by the city though

Another astonishing development from Durban. Thanks for the update Dysan1! :okay:

looks like a parking lot

^^ lol

So here is the bridge images i included in the bridge thread, as well as a plan for the area showing the bridge.

work on the new interchange from the m41 into ridgeside, and ridgeside drive are both to start before year end as approvals have been given for both.

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/ridgesidebridge1.jpg

Looks great! Thanks for posting. This precinct will be fantastic when done.

that looks awesome. those 2 towers on top leaves me itching for more info.

well the one on the left is the marriot

oh, I thought marriot was on the right,

right would be Westin

oh, thanks for that. Still no info on those hey. My informative is sitting in Australia

expansion of the M41 is underway to 6 lanes. The new interchange that will form the start of Ridgeside drive forms part of this project, as do the 2 new parallel link roads between the intersection of umhlanga rocks drive and this ridgeside drive interchange.

Work on ridgeside drive has also begun.

Armstrong avenue is to be expanded to dual carriageway with median, this is expected to start before year end. Ridgeside drive will start at the Crawford College circle on Armstrong avenue and continue under the highway (M41) all the way to the lower section of Umhlanga rocks drive (going down the hill to the village).

Finally this precinct is starting to develop

about time, no way in hell will any of it be ready by 2010 now :(

Finally Armstrong will be 2lanes...

I HATE the traffic in the morning.. even though I'm going into the first building at the bottom of the hill :p

^^ a mr derivco?? see that there is a big expansion going on there...

i face the traffic on Umhlanga rocks drive, a 2km drive can honestly take me 25mins.

no i dont think you can expect any of this to be ready for 2010, due to the wonders of our EIA procedures, but it is good to finally see some movement

Vodacom Ridgeside

Posted Date:02/12/2008

Movement is taking place at the anticipated Ridgeside Park site alongside the M41 highway, the M4 coastal provincial road and Umhlanga Rocks Drive. The location has been a point of interest for many in the region and for local residents and office dwellers.

Development of the area will comprise of 150 000m² of mixed use space within the commercial sector, 100 000m² office space and 3000 residential units.

J.T. Ross has broken ground nearby the M41 highway with the commencement of a 5 storey 17,000m2 regional head office for Vodacom. Three of the levels will be visible from the ground level upward, with two levels of parking being built into the hillside and therefore not visible from certain perspectives.

Sea views are a plus for many of the buildings scheduled to rise in the area, including Vodacom’s planned offices, and parking facilities are adequately provided for.

Completion is expected to be November 2009

The Winsport development - 25,000m2

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/winsport1.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/winsport2.jpg

Just thought i'd include the renders fo the developments taking place and confirmed so far

Name: Investec Regional HQ
Location: Ridgeside, Umhlanga
Floors: 4
Use: Office (15,000m2)
Completion Early 2010

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/Picture1-1.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/Picture2-1.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/Picture3-1.jpg


Ridgeside bridge

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/Scene2_8lowres.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/Scene2_6lowres.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/Scene1_2jpglowres.jpg


Name: 16nineteen
Location: Ridgeside, Umhlanga
Use: Mixed use (Commercial/residential/retail) - 45,000m2
Floors: 12F

Development value - R750million

Sagnelli architects and COA joint design.

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/r5.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/r1.jpg


http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/r2.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/r3.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/r4.jpg

Tongaat Hulett is asking the KZN Dept of Agriculture to amend the record of decision for the Umhlanga ridgeside development. They want to increase the number of residential units from 3000 to 3444 to comply with governments policy of inclusionary housing. The units, to be known as Progressive Lifestyle Units, will add 8.7% more sqm to the overall development.

Comments on the ammendment can be made before the 20th February by contacting Dechni Naicker from Nemai Consulting on 031 208 7470 or DeshniN@nemai.co.za

Update

Just let you all know...

Vodacom and the next door Investec developments are well underway. The 150,000m2 office park has sold all development sites in it, so many more will start work this year too.

The HI Express is opening in here contrary to what i said before about it opening next to Liberty Life in the new town, that will be a different hotel. Work on it has also started.

Road works are advancing well and developments in phase 1 (next to umhlanga rocks drive) are about to start as well...that being the Mr Price complex and the Design Quarter

Thanx dysan1 :)

Btw what's happening with the bridge?

check the bridge thread :)

Ok so according to DB we can add BDO to the list of developments underway here.

The list of u/c developments reads:

Investec
Vodacom
BDO
HI Express
(there are two others i see, but no info on them yet guys)

I made a trip up to the top of Ridgeside this afternoon and took a few photos...

But it turns out I had a lovely piece of sensor dust, so they all have this black mark in them... I'm bleak, but I'll just have to make the trek out there again sometime soon...

I know how that feel Toxic. One thing that I just can't help to wait for there is construction of their iconic bridge.

we dont mind the dust, post some pics! :D

now that this zone is full steam ahead, thought it would be good to look at the landscaping plans...

Ridgeside Urban Precinct, Umhlanga
Project type: Urban master planning & development

Client: Tongaat Hulett Developements

Landscape value: R 122,000,000

Project description: 26 Ha of indigenous coastal forest forms part of the triangular piece of land which was being utilised for sugar cane farming up to now. The site is being developed by Tongaat Hulett Developments and consists of commercial and office space as well as parks and low to high density residentially zoned areas. The open space design and development is done in conjunction with Albonico, Sack & Mzumara (ASM) Urban Designers where NLA is responsible for the overall landscape strategy and principles as well as the design and implementation of all major open spaces and road verges on the property.

The concept of eco-urbanism is motivated by the design: amongst the rehabilitation of the natural forest and the shaping of green networks, the landscape strategy also involves the retention and re-using of storm water on site for irrigation purposes. Also high on the priority list is the protection, rehabilitation and sensitive utilization of the naturally occurring forest on the lower part of the site. As one of the first activities on site, the forest rehabilitation program is carefully conducted in collaboration with local ecologists. Similarly, the new planting palette is being chosen with the input of a local specialist to be indigenous to the region. Landscape codes further determine the use of the same indigenous planting palette for each of the development sites. An on-site procurement nursery is being prepared in association with the Wildlands Trust – an initiative to create employment opportunities and ensure the availability of sufficiently sized indigenous planting material for the whole development.



http://www.newla.co.za/Portals/0/Gallery/Album/31/516-RIDGESIDE-Riverene-Park-central-retention-pond-(1)-080331.jpg

http://www.newla.co.za/Portals/0/Gallery/Album/31/516-5-east-west-park.jpg

http://www.newla.co.za/Portals/0/Gallery/Album/31/01-06-forest-park-plan-with-labels.jpg

http://www.newla.co.za/Portals/0/Gallery/Album/31/Ridgeside---Image-02.jpg

http://www.newla.co.za/Portals/0/Gallery/Album/31/07-02-15-Masterplan-poster.jpg

http://www.newla.co.za/Portals/0/Gallery/Album/31/516-RIDGESIDE-Parks-master-plan-080212.jpg

http://www.newla.co.za/Portals/0/Gallery/Album/31/Ridgeside---Image-04.jpg

http://www.newla.co.za/Portals/0/Gallery/Album/31/Ridgeside---Image-05.jpg

awesome updates Mike, nice to see that they will be keeping the area nice and green always a big plus in modern urban planning.

Looks good...

Will be interesting to see what the Residential portion looks like.

VERY nice. I'm still trying to figure out where exactly this proposed forest is though.

Along the the highway. Its already there

Still working on that Pano, but here is a photo of the current construction...


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3369/3580860699_c24770cd65.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/toxicbunny/3580860699/sizes/o/)

Here it is.. finally....

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2477/3582087778_8a2c00db49_b.jpg

Sorry for it being so small, but thats what flickr does to the damn thing.. and the original sized one is 280megs.

Still working on that Pano, but here is a photo of the current construction...


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3369/3580860699_c24770cd65.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/toxicbunny/3580860699/sizes/o/)

good stuff mate.

The development closest to the camera is Investec, and the one in the distance a bit is Vodacom

Here it is.. finally....

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2477/3582087778_8a2c00db49_b.jpg

Sorry for it being so small, but thats what flickr does to the damn thing.. and the original sized one is 280megs.

its going to be an awesome one to see in a few years time as that area just explodes

Yeah my thoughts exactly.. :)

If you're thinking the two cranes in the background are Vodacom, I think you're mistaken.. they're Derivco's.... and that building is going up at a pace as well

No the one's lower down the hill in ridgeside. That whole building is not just for you folks at Derivco though...Shepstone and Whiley attorneys are in it too

Ahhh ok... good..

I thought you were going a bit crazy in your old age :P...

Yeah I know, its not just for Derivco... Hell that would be insane if it was just for Derivco.

dont they already have a building on Amstrong Ave?

Yeah they do... there is another building going up next door....

Another development has started work next to the HI Express development, but this is on Umhlanga Rocks Drive. No boards up yet, but will do some snooping

Another development has started work next to the HI Express development, but this is on Umhlanga Rocks Drive. No boards up yet, but will do some snooping

^^
http://dc159.4shared.com/img/121470136/cdf1ba5d/cant_remember_its_the_4_star_hotel.jpg (http://www.4shared.com/file/121470136/cdf1ba5d/cant_remember_its_the_4_star_hotel.html)

You mean this site in front of the HI Express?

nope its to the south of this development, towards McDonalds. They have started the roadworks for access to ridgeside around here and will be building the extra lanes and intersections in the coming months, so the traffic on Umhlanga rocks drive is set to get even worse. it already takes you 15mins to go 500m...AVOID it if you can

Heard today from a reliable source that Hyatt have taken over the Marriot site and work on the development is imminent... will try get more info

Sounds exciting, cant wait for designs to be released.

Yummy! Finally some action on this prime site.

Indeed. I look forward to seeing more. The roadworks are getting well advanced now and another site near the holiday inn development has some action on it, this zone is going to be a massive hive of activity

I feel rather sorry for the inhabitants of Umhlanga Manors with all that red dust and sand to live with for the next couple of years though....

^^+1 also for the current occupants at Point, with the approval of the SCH and EIA ALOT of work will start and the sand and dirt mixed with strong winds wont be nice.

You should see my windows and balcony because of the construction of the Stevedores. And that's small-scale construction!

Locational layout plan to see where the developments are

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

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/ridgesidethdv09.jpg

Thanks for the layout pic. I was wondering where the Investec and Vodacom buildings were going to be located.

Re: master plan - I love the part about the 80,000 m2 hotel resort best of all. Could this be the Hyatt / Marriot site?

^^ yes it is that site

Interesting article on Crowie that highlights the development of the R4billion Ridgeside Jewel development within the Ridgeside suburb being developed...

Had a small render in the Financial mail with completely glass facades and a 30F tower... keep on the look out. (see below)

http://free.financialmail.co.za/report09/crowie09/8-crowjewelx150.jpg

Initiating the supply chain
By Lynette Dicey


Property development company Crowie Projects specialises in identifying property opportunities, unlocking value and realising clients' vision for their property.

It was formed in 2000 by Rowan and Clinton Crowie, initially specialising in project management in the area of construction. However, in response to more complex needs in the market, it merged to form Focus Project Management, which is currently the largest black-owned project management company in the country. The name Crowie Projects was retained and the business restructured to form a property development company.

Headed by MD Rowan Crowie, Crowie Projects - a wholly owned subsidiary of Crowie Holdings - plays a pivotal role in the group by initiating the value chain. The company has developed highly specialised skills in the retail, commercial, industrial and residential sectors where it focuses on property development, turnkey development and development management.

It acts as both a property developer and investor and undertakes projects in association with a range of experienced service providers.

In addition the company offers a comprehensive consulting service to property developers and investors as well as the procurement and management of a range of service providers including design consultants (architects, consulting engineers, interior designers and space planners, for example), marketers, leasing agents, project managers, sales agents, financiers, main building contractors and specialist subcontractors.

Crowie Projects has been involved in a number of prestigious developments such as the Bridge City Regional Shopping Centre, Central City Shopping Centre, Garankuwa City Shopping Centre, Lillipark Office Park, and student accommodation at the University of KwaZulu Natal and University of Witwatersrand as well as a residential development at Gold Reef Sands in Ormonde, Jo'burg.

The company has a number of projects pending including the development of Parkside Ridge, a R100m development situated in Umhlanga, consisting of sectional title offices and a retail component; Newtown Mixed Use Development, a R316m development, which will feature a hotel, conference centre, gym and retail centre; Kingsgate, a R603m value retail centre located on the Potchefstroom highway; and Felapeng, a R273m inclusionary housing development situated in Fairlands, Jo'burg.


The Bridge City Regional Shopping Centre and Bridge City Intermodal projects are valued at R830m and R107m respectively. According to project director Misha Tolksdorff, the company has spent the past four years developing the project in association with Tongaat Hulett Developments, the eThekwini Municipality and Passenger Rail Agency of SA. Both the shopping centre and the intermodal facility are part of the Bridge City Precinct and will service areas such as Phoenix, Inanda, Ntuzuma and KwaMashu.


The project has three distinct phases. Phase one has been the development of an underground train station; phase two involved the development of the 52 000 m² shopping centre, while phase three involves the development of an intermodal facility consisting of a bus and taxi rank. Additional phases to follow include the extension of the shopping centre and the development of 700 apartments above the shopping centre.


Construction of the shopping centre, due for completion by November 2009, has been carried out in a joint venture with Crowie Holdings subsidiary Enza Construction and Grinaker-LTA Building East. The intermodal facility, also due for completion in November, has been carried out by Enza Construction.


"The project has been challenging from a number of perspectives including the fact that it will be operating under a complex sectional title scheme," says Tolksdorff. " Also, it is vital that we get the tenant mix right and have unconditional lease agreements timeously in place."


However, in spite of the challenges, the project is due for completion on time and will be the first shopping centre in the country with a dedicated train station and intermodal facility. The development employed more than 1 200 people, 70% of whom came from the local community. An onsite training scheme provided local community members with the skills required for the project. "The intention is that the people who have been trained will go from project to project within the Bridge City Precinct," he says.


A community-driven art project will result in glass artwork being fixed to the façade of the development, while a community-owned trust fund will benefit local community members. "Not only is there a huge need for a development of this nature in the area, but we're also determined that the centre is sustainable and benefits the local community," he says.


The Ridgeside Jewel is situated in the heart of Umhlanga, one of the most desirable addresses in the country. It is a R4bn mixed-use development consisting of retail, commercial and residential space and will form part of the new Umhlanga Ridgeside Precinct being developed by Tongaat Hulett Developments.

"We're still in the planning stages of this project so we're considering adding a hotel component," says Tolksdorff. "Once the new airport at La Mercy has opened we believe this will be one of the most sought-after addresses along the KwaZulu Natal coastline."


Phase one of the project is due for completion in 2012 and though the development has yet to be marketed, Tolksdorff says interest in the project is high.

This sounds very yummy and intriguing.

Who put sand in my manor?
Homeowners and developers in big dust-up
Oct 8, 2009 11:35 PM
By NIVASHNI NAIR

Residents of Durban's posh Umhlanga Ridge are sick and tired of having their priceless antiques ruined by dust from a nearby construction site, so they're preparing to take the matter to court.

'Our water bill is over R1500 because our clothes are red with sand'

Eight residents have clubbed together to pay for a lawyer to help prevent further damage to their expensive carpets, curtains and plush pools.

Marie Fourie told The Times that homeowners are now considering legal action against Tongaat Hulett Developments for breaking the law and violating their "right to a particular living style".

Fourie and about 30 of her neighbours, including some from nearby Umhlanga Manors, presented Tongaat Hulett with a lawyer's letter during last week's quarterly meeting between the developers and residents, accusing them of contravening their own environmental management plan.

Resident Melanee Pillay told The Times that the developers failed to erect proper barriers to stop airborne sand and that they're also not watering the area properly to prevent the sand from blowing away.

"They should know all of this because these are the guidelines in the environmental management plan.

"But the developers are not sticking to the proper methods to control the sand," she said.

Pillay said her 10-year-old daughter is asthmatic and her allergies have recently become worse.

"It is really an ordeal because we moved here to provide a safe environment for our child.

"We did the best that we could do by making sure that we don't have carpets and providing her with dust-free toys," she said.

"But now we are upset because her allergies are becoming worse because of something that can be controlled."

Pillay complained that "sand was everywhere" in the sea-facing neighbourhood.

"Our water bill is over R1500 a month because the clothes are red with sand.

"I don't know how it gets in, but it settles on the counter-tops in the kitchen, the furniture in the lounge and just about anywhere and everywhere," she said.

Tongaat Hulett, which is also a sugar, maize and aluminium giant, began building the Ridgeside development on sugar-cane land two years ago.

Development director David Jollands told The Times that he was surprised when the residents came to the meeting armed with a lawyer.

"We decided that the meeting was in the spirit of a joint effort to settle the dust.

"However, it is their right to have a lawyer and to threaten legal action," he said.

Jollands admitted that the sand does invade neighbouring properties and this was due to "a long dry spell with no rain" and "unexpected high winds since the end of September".

He said the developers made every effort to reduce the dust, including issuing a R5000 fine to a contractor who began digging without suitable sand barriers in place.

"We will continue to send water trucks in to water the dust as well as put in more shade-cloth fences and barriers," he added.

The construction of Ridgeside, which is expected to bring in at least R8-billion in investment to the area, will continue for the next 15 years.

http://www.timeslive.co.za/news/article143719.ece

always going to be a problem with construction happening near your home, same problem guys at the Point going to have soon. Thats my only gripe with phase development, the guys in phase 1 no doubt going to be the worst affected.

Those locals will probably find the development not so yummy!

I dont blame them moaning when they popped out no less than 5mil for their homes. But its a long journey ahead here

Infor from WSP

Construction of infrastructure and services for the Ridgeside development, as well as the widening of Main road 41


Client: Tongaat Hulett Developments

Location: Umhlanga, KZN

Value: R120 million

WSP role: Client’s Health & Safety Agent

Brief:

The creation of an integrated, people centred, diverse, mixed use, hospitality, entertainment, office and residential node near the Umhlanga Ridge Town Centre.

The WSP Health and Safety team were appointed as the client’s health and safety agent and used pro-active techniques to mitigate and reduce risk and thereby reduce the potential for injuries and diseases. The overall project has an accident frequency rate of 0 (project to date). The client has been entered into the regional health and safety competition for their commitment to health and safety and prevention of injuries and diseases.

http://www.wspgroup.co.za/en/Sectors-Africa/All/Property/Ridgeside-Development-Umhlanga/

^^

some know the OHSA some at their cost dodge it.

chancers

PD.

To me Umhlanga is really impressive. The Gateway is really cool. If only we had a place like this in europe.

You should check out Westfield London - it is also very impressive!

Some more buildings going up - The Ridge Office park - 37,000m2

http://www.cavaleros.co.za/images/land_sale/the_ridge/ridge480_2.jpg

http://www.cavaleros.co.za/images/land_sale/the_ridge/ridge480_3.jpg

http://www.cavaleros.co.za/images/land_sale/the_ridge/ridge480_6.jpg

http://www.cavaleros.co.za/images/land_sale/the_ridge/ridge480_7.jpg

http://www.cavaleros.co.za/images/land_sale/the_ridge/ridge480_5.jpg


This new 35 266 m² office park will continue the success of the La Lucia Ridge Office Park which is home to many of Durban’s multinational and blue-chip companies.

Located a mere 15 minutes from the Durban city centre and 20 minutes from Durban International Airport; Gateway Shopping Centre; and the Umhlanga Hospital and Medical Centre; this bustling business node will see the development of modern office buildings with breathtaking sea views and underground parking. Landscaping will create ample open spaces and healthy outdoor areas.

With the Crescent Lifestyle Centre, residential suburbs, schools and health clubs in close proximity, this is the ideal address for discerning businesses.

http://www.cavaleros.co.za/the_ridge.php

Some more buildings going up - The Ridge Office park - 37,000m2

http://www.cavaleros.co.za/images/land_sale/the_ridge/ridge480_2.jpg

http://www.cavaleros.co.za/images/land_sale/the_ridge/ridge480_3.jpg

http://www.cavaleros.co.za/images/land_sale/the_ridge/ridge480_6.jpg

http://www.cavaleros.co.za/images/land_sale/the_ridge/ridge480_7.jpg

http://www.cavaleros.co.za/images/land_sale/the_ridge/ridge480_5.jpg


This new 35 266 m² office park will continue the success of the La Lucia Ridge Office Park which is home to many of Durban’s multinational and blue-chip companies.

Located a mere 15 minutes from the Durban city centre and 20 minutes from Durban International Airport; Gateway Shopping Centre; and the Umhlanga Hospital and Medical Centre; this bustling business node will see the development of modern office buildings with breathtaking sea views and underground parking. Landscaping will create ample open spaces and healthy outdoor areas.

With the Crescent Lifestyle Centre, residential suburbs, schools and health clubs in close proximity, this is the ideal address for discerning businesses.

http://www.cavaleros.co.za/the_ridge.php

I love these mod designs. I also see 2 lakes in those renders. This area will be so damn sexy in 5 years time.

Holiday Inn

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g160/amgosai/Pearls/DSC08755Medium.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g160/amgosai/Pearls/DSC08689Medium-1.jpg

Now we just need Umhlanga Rocks Drive coming down from the Ridge to the Rocks to be widened...

Nedbank ploughs money into big Umhlanga property development
20 January 2010

Bank part funds transformation of hotel into new leisure, commercial development.

Nedbank Corporate Property Finance has part funded a new leisure and commercial development on Umhlanga Ridge, Durban on behalf of Zenprop Property Holdings.

Zenprop is currently developing a Holiday Inn Express and prime grade offices to be occupied by BoE, with the balance of the land remaining vacant for future development.

Construction of the hotel and the offices has already commenced, and the developments are due for completion by April and October 2010 respectively.

The hotel is a 240 roomed 3-star "Holiday Inn Express", being developed in conjunction with ISO Leisure Property Holdings (Pty) Ltd (ISO Leisure), who will be co-owners of the hotel development.

The operating company for the hotel is a wholly owned entity of ISO Leisure Holdings, which is a newly formed entity to house the roll out of the Holiday Inn Express hotels across the country.

The office development comprises a three storey office complex with a total gross lettable area (GLA) of 6,420.50m². The development is split into two blocks, with each floor being joined by a covered link and parking provided at basement levels. BoE, a division of Nedbank Retail, will occupy 73% of the GLA in this development.

Key decisions in funding the development include: the excellent location of the property; the strong demand within the Umhlanga area for hotel space, as well as advantageous comparative average room rates and strong potential for high occupancies; the long-term relationship with the developer stretching over nearly 13 years, and cemented by strength of the developer and their sound property management experience.

Brian Roberts, Divisional Executive of Nedbank Corporate Property Finance said, "These are exceptional developments given that they are situated in what can be described as one of best remaining pieces of real estate on the KwaZulu Natal coast, with good macro and micro access and panoramic elevated sea views. As this is the best remaining parcel of sea facing land in Kwazulu Natal, any developments here will escalate in value over the medium to long term."

The property is very well located within an area known as the "Umhlanga Triangle". The site, being on the eastern side of Umhlanga Rocks Drive, enjoys exceptional sea views. It has frontage onto Umhlanga Rocks Drive, Ncondo Place and Ntusi Road, with the access being off Umhlanga Rocks Drive and Ntusi Road. The node forms part of the greater La Lucia Office Estate and Umhlanga Newtown Precinct, which is home to premier gated office parks, the Gateway Theatre of Shopping and the adjacent Newtown mixed use node.

A number of new developments are underway or in the planning stage, which include the two properties above and new office premises for Investec, Vodacom, BDO, Shepstone Wylie and Cox Yeats.

Zenprop Property Holdings (Pty) Ltd is a South African-based privately-held property investment, development and management company, which was founded in 1998. It has in-house expertise covering all facets of the real-estate industry, and employs a staff of 95 in its various business units in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban. Since inception, Zenprop Property Holdings (Pty) Ltd has grown into one of South Africa's premier property development and investment companies. The portfolio is spread across the retail, commercial and industrial property sectors in the major centres in South Africa.

ISO Leisure Holdings was formed between Amabubesi and the Phelps Consortium. The Executive Directors of ISO Leisure are Steve Phelps and Sango Ntsaluba. Both Phelps and Ntsaluba are Chartered Accounts and have extensive experience in the commercial sector.

Gavin Watson is the Managing Director of ISO Leisure and brings the skill and experience of hotel management and operations and development to the team. He was instrumental in the consortium which brought Radisson to South Africa, as well as being involved with the Bay Hotel and The President in Sea Point. He is also involved with a number of hotel developments in African countries along the West Coast. Recently he has developed a 175 room Holiday Inn Express in Cape Town City Centre, a 155 room Holiday Inn Express in Woodmead, Johannesburg and a 305 room Holiday Inn Express in Sunny Park, Pretoria. Currently still under construction is a 235 room Holiday Inn Express in Umhlanga, Durban and a 158 Holiday Inn in Rosebank Johannesburg.


http://www.realestateweb.co.za/realestateweb/view/realestateweb/en/page197?oid=54402&sn=Detail

Now we just need Umhlanga Rocks Drive coming down from the Ridge to the Rocks to be widened...

very much so. it can take up to 20mins on some days!

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/DSC03728.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/DSC03729.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/DSC03730.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/DSC03731.jpg

Dont know where the thread is, so...

Source: property24.com

Commercial project taking shape in KZN
22 Jan 2010


A new leisure and commercial development is currently being developed on Umhlanga Ridge in Durban.

The Holiday Inn Express and prime grade offices will be occupied by BoE, with the balance of the land remaining vacant for future development.

The hotel and offices are due for completion by April and October 2010 respectively.

Nedbank Corporate Property Finance has part funded the project on behalf of Zenprop Property Holdings.

The hotel is a 240-roomed, 3-star Holiday Inn Express being developed in conjunction with ISO Leisure Property Holdings (Pty) Ltd (ISO Leisure), who will be co-owners of the hotel development.

The operating company for the hotel is a wholly owned entity of ISO Leisure Holdings, which is a newly formed entity to house the roll-out of the Holiday Inn Express hotels across the country.

The office development comprises a three-storey office complex with a total gross lettable area (GLA) of 6,420sqm. The development is split into two blocks, with each floor being joined by a covered link and parking provided at basement levels. BoE, a division of Nedbank Retail, will occupy 73% of the GLA in this development.

"As this is the best remaining parcel of sea-facing land in Kwazulu Natal, any developments here will escalate in value over the medium to long term," says Brian Roberts, divisional executive of Nedbank Corporate Property Finance.

The property is very well located within an area known as the "Umhlanga Triangle". The site has frontage onto Umhlanga Rocks Drive, Ncondo Place and Ntusi Road, with the access being off Umhlanga Rocks Drive and Ntusi Road. The node forms part of the greater La Lucia Office Estate and Umhlanga Newtown Precinct, which is home to premier gated office parks, the Gateway Theatre of Shopping and the adjacent Newtown mixed use node.

A number of new developments are underway or in the planning stage, which include the two properties above and new office premises for Investec, Vodacom, BDO, Shepstone Wylie and Cox Yeats.

good one!


b r a s i l - one people, one reason

Work on the new BOE regional HQ, the crane behind is for the Holiday Inn Express

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/DSC03775.jpg

Access roads off Umhlanga rocks drive to Ridgeside

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/DSC03778.jpg

Investec on right, BDO on left

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/DSC03782.jpg

Roadworks for M41 interchange - the connecting road under the highway to Armstrong avenue at the Crawford circle

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/DSC03783.jpg

That interchange will hopefully ease the traffic quite a lot at the bottom end of Armstrong in the morning... all the soccermommys will take that route instead hopefully.

Have the images of the new BOE development...impressive to say the least. Will upload asap

....still waiting Mike...

^^ has been uploaded here...

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=54176407#post54176407

Alot of building going on in this precinct now with 15 sites u/c

Cox Yeats Attorneys

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/DSC04335.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/DSC04336.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/DSC04339.jpg

Shepstone and Wylie Attorneys

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/DSC04334.jpg

Shepstone on right, Cox yeats on left
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/DSC04340.jpg

View from Ridgeside drive to new M41 interchange and Unilever in the background

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/DSC04343.jpg

BDO

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/DSC04341.jpg

BDO right and Investec

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/DSC04342.jpg

Investec

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/DSC04338.jpg

This place is boiling with activity. Nice.

with these 2 massive law firms moving out of the city whats happens to salmon grove and more importantly the plan to have kingsmead as a legal hub close to the courts?

Salmon grove is still doing well, we redid the place 2 years back. there is demand by up coming lawyers for the place

with these 2 massive law firms moving out of the city whats happens to salmon grove and more importantly the plan to have kingsmead as a legal hub close to the courts?

Salmon Grove is the traditional base for advocate chambers. It's still popular but needs upgrading. The two law firms that are moving to Umhlanga, are attorney firms.

Haven't heard anything about the Kingsmead plans. Besides, this will only be convenient for lawyers (largely attorneys) practicising in the Magistrate Court, which is situated near Kingsmead. The Durban High Court (frequented more by advocates) is situated at Victoria Embankment, a stone's throw from Salmon Chambers and the main CBD.

Salmon grove is still doing well, we redid the place 2 years back. there is demand by up coming lawyers for the place

The tenants are already screaming for another upgrade. :lol:

lol, I can imagine.

Giles, they all will still maintain a small presence in the city, but their main interaction is with their clients who are on the ridge. Alot of the time they outsource their actual court work to other firms

Pity they all look the same...thank goodness i`ll never rely on lawyers...why does Durban have so many lawyers i ask...hmmm.

Salmon Grove is the traditional base for advocate chambers. It's still popular but needs upgrading. The two law firms that are moving to Umhlanga, are attorney firms.

Haven't heard anything about the Kingsmead plans. Besides, this will only be convenient for lawyers (largely attorneys) practicising in the Magistrate Court, which is situated near Kingsmead. The Durban High Court (frequented more by advocates) is situated at Victoria Embankment, a stone's throw from Salmon Chambers and the main CBD.

a lawyers a lawyer in my eyes

Pity they all look the same...thank goodness i`ll never rely on lawyers...why does Durban have so many lawyers i ask...hmmm.

cos theres lots of crooks there

Pity they all look the same...thank goodness i`ll never rely on lawyers...why does Durban have so many lawyers i ask...hmmm.

you should be the first person to know the reason for this ;)

every city has 1000s these days...take a trip to london or USA much?

you should be the first person to know the reason for this ;)

i hereby declare...i am not a lawyer:lol:

Update on development

Buildings complete (3):

Investec
Vodacom
Holiday Inn Express

Under construction (12):

Cox Yeats
Shepstone and Wylie
BDO
Eris Development
Vista Development
Ridge 1
Ridge 3
Ridge 5
Ridge 7
BOE/Nedbank
Zenprop Regional
BA Group HQ

There are alos 5 additional developments sitting with the planning office

Umhlanga - the new resort for great fun
24 Aug 2010
Sne Masuku

MHLANGA Rocks is becoming more and more of a tourist haven as fine hotels spring up all over the bathing resort.

http://www.sowetanlive.co.za/incoming/article104326.ece/RESIZED/Small/470098_227853.jpg

It is named after the Ohlanga River, which reaches the Indian Ocean 3km north of the town.

The suburb was formed in 1972 through the merger of Umhlanga Rocks, a seaside resort town, and the suburb of La Lucia.

http://www.sowetanlive.co.za/incoming/article104327.ece/RESIZED/Small/470098_227852.jpg

Since then it has become the focus of development in the greater Durban area, with many businesses moving from the city centre and new ones developing.

One such venture is the new Garden Court Hotel, which rivals any of the mansions that line the streets of upmarket Umhlanga Rocks.

Aptly called the "village", Umhlanga Rocks is one of Durban's poshest 'suburbs' and there's no doubt that the Southern Sun Group had this in mind when they decided to build the hotel smack in the heart of the "village".

The new King Shaka International Airport is a stone' s throw from the hotel.

Visitors can have a great time in the area. The hotel is within walking distance of restaurants, shops and Blue Flag beaches.

Our first stop was the Inanda Heritage Route, about 12km from the hotel.

The Inanda Heritage Trail allows visitors to experience some of Durban's most important historical sites, places where South Africa's future changed for the better because of the bravery of a few individuals.

Our next stop was the Phoenix Settlement. This is where Mahatma Gandhi developed his philosophy of passive resistance, which is lauded the world over. Gandhi's home has been turned into a monument and is dedicated to lasting peace and justice.

Then we went to Inanda township to visit the Ohlange Institute, which was founded by John Dube, the first president of the African National Congress.

This township is also home to the Inanda Seminary High School, one of the most famous and oldest schools for girls in South Africa. Some of the country's finest black women leaders were taught at this school.

Then it was back to the hotel to relax, but with the sea roaring in the background we could not resist the call of the ocean and quickly made our way to one of the county's most renowned surfing spots - Umhlanga Beach.

With surfers dotting the shoreline we were in for a treat. Hubby donned his baggies, I my sarong and bikini top and we spent two hours just splashing in the waves. The beach is renowned as an ideal surfing spot and in true Durban weather style the sun shone brightly in the middle of winter.

Ravenous, we headed for our room. It was a suite furnished with walnut timber.

Dinner was outside, near the pool area, which open log fires where hotel chefs demonstrated their culinary skills with sushi, prawns and kebabs.

With dim lights and a slight chill creeping into the air and mellow music in the background, we settled in and enjoyed the sumptuous feast.

Then it was time to work and the hotel took us on a tour of the 200 rooms that are nearing completion.

Umhlanga Garden Court forms part of Southern Sun's collection of 90 hotels, with 14,112 rooms in total. Plans are now on the cards to expand to Kenya, Zambia, the Seychelles, Tanzania, Mozambique, Dubai and Nigeria.

No visit to Umhlanga would be complete without a stop at the biggest shopping centre in the southern hemisphere - Gateway Theatre of Shopping.

The centre boasts The Wave House, the hottest entertainment venue with an awesome fusion of all board sport cultures and cool spots for the youth to hang out.

Or you can climb the rock, the world's highest indoor climb, with amazing adrenaline-pumping activities. Then, of course, you can shop until you drop.

With the sound of the magnificent sounds of Umhlanga Beach still echoing in our ears, we headed home thinking all the time: When can we return to Umhlanga.


http://www.sowetanlive.co.za/incoming/2010/08/24/umhlanga---the-new-resort-for-great-fun

not really ridgeside related bud... there is an umhlanga thread

http://www.ridgeside.co.za/assets/img/front/development-profile/2.jpg

Work on the M41 Ridgeside Drive interchange. The old M41 has been widened from 3 to 8 lanes

http://www.ridgeside.co.za/resize/640/uploads/gallery/2010/08/Bridge_on_M41.JPG

The Holiday Inn Express Umhlanga Ridge
http://www.ridgeside.co.za/resize/640/uploads/gallery/2010/08/Phone_Piictures_040.JPG

Side view of the Holiday Inn Express up to Umhlanga Rocks Drive and Umhlanga Hospital
http://www.ridgeside.co.za/resize/640/uploads/gallery/2010/08/Precinct_One_Holiday_Inn.JPG

BDO's new offices
http://www.ridgeside.co.za/resize/640/uploads/gallery/2010/08/Office_precinct.JPG

Shepstone and Wylie Attornies

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/DSC04562.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/DSC04563.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/DSC04564.jpg

Cox Yeats Attornies
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/DSC04565.jpg

Vodacom
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/DSC04566.jpg

BDO and Investec
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/DSC04567.jpg

Thanks Dysan. Pics are amazing, just disappointed with Vodacoms office, so un-inspiring

have to agree on the Vodacom building. clearly lacking anything to set it apart

Well I spose it will make directions easy....

They can just tell everyone to look for the boring building in amongst all the fancy ones :)

Thanks for the updates! I must say I agree that Vodacom's building looks terirbly bland compared to all the others in this area.

Thanks Dysan. Pics are amazing, just disappointed with Vodacoms office, so un-inspiring

& brown

^^ maybe thats Vodacom's version of going "green"

Continuing the trend of Durban's top legal firms moving into the ridge, ENS (Edward Nathan Sonnenbergs) have moved into a new building in Ridgeside

Two SA properties receive Green Star ratings

By: Christy van der Merwe
21st September 2010

The Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA) on Tuesday handed out two project certification awards to South African property developments, which achieved Green Star South Africa ratings.

The first project, the Nedbank phase-two head office in Sandton, achieved a four-star Green Star South Africa ‘as built' rating under the office version-one rating tool.

This building received its ‘design' rating in November 2009. Nedbank project manager Ken Reynolds said that the project team worked hard and made continuous improvements to achieve the four-star ‘as-built' rating.

The building was designed by GLH & Associates Architects, with construction by Group Five, and significant involvement by WSP Green by Design consultancy.

The second project certification was awarded to Zenprop, for the Ridgeside project in Umhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal, which received a four-star design rating.

Ridgeside was only the second office building in South Africa to achieve the design rating, and the first to do so in KwaZulu-Natal.

GBCSA technical executive Mandfred Braune explained that after a decline in projects registering for Green Star South Africa certification towards the end of 2009, the registration process had picked up in 2010.

There were currently 18 office building projects registered for certification with the GBCSA, located in Gauteng, Cape Town, KwaZulu-Natal and one in Limpopo.

The GBCSA's second rating tool for retail developments was launched in 2009, and two projects were registered for certification, with the industry waiting to see which would scoop the accolade of the first Green Star rated retail development.

http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/two-sa-properties-receive-green-star-ratings-2010-09-21

http://www.sapropertynews.com/wp-content/themes/arras-theme/library/timthumb.php?src=http://www.sapropertynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/KZN-commercial.jpg&w=630&h=250&zc=1

Please check the individual threads for building specific progress

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/DSC05315-1.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/DSC05306.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/DSC05297.jpg

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http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c128/dysan1/DSC05300.jpg

Thanks for posting all the updates in their respective threads! The progress on all these projects is amazing. I wasn't even aware some existed!

Great area

new area landscaping not as nice as old area wrt verse up to black boundry fences. whe i did the 2nd buildingto be built in ridgeside in 1997 the verges and landscaping was in and who betite anyone messing it up

Sorry but cant fully understand what you wrote.

This area is still far from fully developed and the major landscaping is only planned to commence when key areas are completed. Whats the point of putting plants in when they will be destroyed? It will take a number of years to settle down like La Lucia Ridge has.

we are really lacking in the high rises. but we appreciate

if you read back in this thread you will see that there are only 3 highrise sites in the Ridgeside area. Also the images i have posted are of the Ridgeside Office Park component which conforms to normal office park. It is however more dense than La Lucia Ridge with buildings 3-6F (and two icon sites of 10F and 12F)

The high rise (12F+ sites are along Herwood drive in the NTC but wont be more than 15F. The three specific high rise sites in Ridgeside are 20F+ sites.

Westin Grand ****** 220
Marriot ***** 150 (but been told increased to 200 now)
"Design Quarter Hotel" (no operator named yet) **** 250
where are these??

Never built.

The Marriot site is still going to be developed as a resort hotel development, but no mention on who or what, but thats what the site is set aside for.

The "Westin" development will still go ahead as a tower development say the developer, but will not confirm hotel operator and say will only start work end of 2012.

The design quarter was scrapped by Zenprop and they are developing 6 office buildings and the HI Express on that land with a central plaza full of restaurants. The BOE building and the HI Express are the first completed developments of this overall development, but all the basement levels for the whole development have been completed. Work on two more buildings is about to start

Sorry but cant fully understand what you wrote.

This area is still far from fully developed and the major landscaping is only planned to commence when key areas are completed. Whats the point of putting plants in when they will be destroyed? It will take a number of years to settle down like La Lucia Ridge has.

because thats how we did it in phase 1 14 years ago and it worked. I see areas aroudn hOliday inn and they look shit. loads of the buildings along the drive were built with landscaping in place in order to establish. Once the black wire fence is in place around the precincts then the common road side landscaping should commence

Well according to the landscaping documents this time around they clearly learnt from expensive replacement mistakes last time. Landscaping is only to take place after a site is completed

so it looks shit house for the next 10 years as by that logic it will only start after last building complete.
It looks like Dubai with rambeling broken construction hoarding, weeds every where, un mowed verges , signboards all over the show. Doesnt look too inviting as a tenant?

In teh 2 photos above the central meridian is terrible with stone (and weeds) or just plan weeds, take your pick.

not ten years. landscaping is done around each site/block once complete, as is currently been completed around Investec and BDO, Vodacom and COX Yeats. Work has started around Shepstone and Wylie.

I do agree however that work needs to be done and can be done on those central medians

cool as long as work is done once black boundry fence is in .

What a bummer that the Design Quarter will no longer be. Was looking forward to it. Loving what they're doing in Umhlanga, i'm just not a huge fan of apartment living. Developers seem to be going that route in Dbn. I wanna buy a nice secure freestanding cluster home, nothing above R2.5m in the area. I know there are areas like Izinga but they're too expensive. Will there ever be anything affordable kinda like the homes they have in Craigavon, Fourways and Broadacres in Jhb?

If you have R2.5m to spend, then there are LOTS of options in the area for Free standing homes... even cluster places as well actually.

But where can I find those gated estates? I really thought Izinga was great but the homes that i liked go at R4m and above. Ilala is okay but people seem to be living on top of each other. La Gardens was perfect until I saw the price tag.

^^ Umhlanga/La Lucia is expensive. If you want better value for money you need to look into the clusters in Glen Hills/Anil or Umgeni Park. Even Umhloti.

Apartment living is good for densities, take it you from Joburg and are not used to living like that but for many people in Durbs its been the norm for ages (look at the Berea).

The moment you look into a gated estate in Umhlanga the prices rocket. The most reasonable would be in Umhlanga Manors, but they will need work. You dont expect to find that price range in central Sandton, so dont expect it here either.