The buzz is once again growing audible out at Century City, Cape Town, as Rabie Property Projects and their partners, Marc Harries Projects and Nedbank Corporate prepare for the launch of Portofino, the last, most exclusive, and, many would say, best sited phase in The Island Club development - which is now 85% sold out.

"Portofino," says John Chapman, a Rabie director, "is the very best that The Island Club can offer. It is sited directly on a beautiful 3000m2 crescent shaped water body and has pedestrian access to the club’s piazza with its coffee and boutique shops and an easy link with the Canal Walk pedestrian bridge.

The apartments here are generally larger than any yet offered at The Club: the two bedroom two bathroom apartments will measure from 78m2 to 101m2 and, in addition, have balconies averaging 15m2; the three bedroom apartments will be from 110m2. The design here, Chapman adds, makes provision for several of the popular corner and one-off "special" units as well as eleven rooftop luxury penthouses up to 160m2 in size, with some balconies measuring an additional 25m2. On this project the penthouses had been particularly sought after, says Chapman.

"The architects have in this phase ingeniously incorporated numerous small improvements, many suggested to us by the purchasers of the earlier phases." said Chapman.

"They are aware that our buyers are making a lifestyle choice where private spaces and the surroundings are important."

Portofino is, said Chapman, positioned to benefit particularly well from the close proximity to The Island Club’s heated indoor 25m long pool and its overlooking fitness centre that will offer running and cycling machines: the pool opens onto a wind-free sundeck which overlooks the private waterbody fronting Portofino.

The Portofino complex will be between four and eight storeys high with what Chapman describes as a particularly interesting and varied roofline interspersed with towers.

"Window sizes have been maximised and all the apartments have balconies which further contribute to the feeling of spaciousness and light, bright apartment living," he says.

All balconies, living and entertainment areas in these apartments will be north facing and all apartments on the upper floors will enjoy "stunning views" of Table Bay and Table Mountain.

The development will be accessed via a 24 hour manned security gatehouse and the grounds and foyers will be monitored round the clock by closed circuit television and will benefit from Century City’s comprehensive estate security network.

Prices at Portofino will be from R850 000 to R2 million, VAT inclusive. Chapman says that these equate to R9 000 to R12 000 per m2 when the floor areas of the apartments and balconies are measured. He stresses, too, that this A-grade product will only come on stream between March and July 2005 by which time the significant value appreciation is likely to have taken place. Purchasers are required to pay a 10% deposit with the balance on transfer/occupation.

A new sales and information centre and car park have been established at the main entrance on the north/western side of Century City. Visitors to the site will see that Murray & Roberts is in full swing with four tower cranes in operation.

A full-scale model of the development and a virtual reality video, will enable potential buyers to get a realistic idea of exactly what is on offer. They can also view the full selection of finishes available including a completed kitchen with built in appliances.

Chapman concluded, "The general shortage of well situated and zoned land, together with increasing building prices, make The Island Club incredible value in what is surely one of the most exciting residential projects underway in Cape Town. We are offering a secure, lock up and go lifestyle in a very stylish environment."

For further information contact Brian Usher at 021 551 3354.