1 300 hectares in Scottburgh on KwaZulu-Natal’s mid-South Coast has been granted the go-ahead for the sub-division, as well as Environmental Authorization, to proceed with the proposed Renishaw Coastal Precinct, an initiative by Renishaw Property Developments backed by JSE-listed Crookes Brothers Limited.
“As the first development of its scale on the KZN mid-South Coast, this development will catalyse an economic awakening of the region,” says Renishaw Coastal Precinct managing director, Barto Van Der Merwe. “From Scottburgh to Umkomaas across pristine coastal landscape, this part of the South Coast has never been more primed with such economic potential. For many years, developers and stakeholders have foreseen its coming of age – now finally, it has the opportunity to ignite.”
While its total proposed size spans 13 million square metres, only 2.6 million square metres will be developed with the balance of approximately 10 million square metres converted into conservation areas. The rehabilitation of the Mandawe Wetland the first step towards this initiative.
The precinct has been divided into 5 inter-connected nodes with Nodes 1 and 3 having received approval in terms of the Umdoni Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act. The development philosophy within the precinct will allow free movement between the various nodes by not fencing in the conservation areas and allow for easy traversing by motor vehicles along the arterial routes with dedicated lanes for bicycles and golf carts.
The Node 3 interchange will be the business and social hub of the development with zoning approved for a private school and private hospital as well as a shopping centre, light commercial zones, and office parks. The site will have the latest internet connectivity as well as an independent water supply.
A memorandum of understanding has been signed with the local KwaCele community that provides for their participation in further development projects and includes giving preference to local emerging businesses when appointing sub-contractors. A formal training programme for unemployed youths has already been initiated under the Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA).
