A multi-faceted, mixed-use development to be known as the Kurland Estate will, if approved, transform the economy of The Crags area, says Elphick. The development, which will provide homes and career opportunities for all income levels in a rural setting, will enclose, and in time transform, the currently neglected and almost forgotten Kurland Village of some 3 000 people.

A number of neighbours have joined Elphick in an application to the authorities for approval to undertake a property development that will include residential, commercial, light-industrial and agricultural components. The proposed development will extend for more than 2 600 ha, from the slopes of the Tsitsikamma Mountains across the N2 national highway to within 6 km of the coast.

The neighbouring properties are located mostly on the sea-side of the N2 where there are existing brickfields, a sawmill and some commercial activity. Kurland, known as one of the country’s foremost polo centres – the annual international between the United Kingdom and South Africa is played here – lies on the mountain side of the N2 and borders an extensive nature area managed by SANParks, and includes Kurland Hotel, one of the Garden Route’s most exclusive country retreats.

The owners of Kurland, the biggest employer in the area, have been part of The Crags community for close on 80 years.

Elphick says the proposed development would go a long way towards creating a balanced and largely self-sufficient community. “In line with the government’s requirements, it will provide the entire spectrum of housing, spread over a number of residential nodules. In addition, it will contain a small commercial village, two mixed-use villages, an area for light industry near the N2, farming operations, as well as a series of parks, wetlands and green belts, sports fields and sporting facilities.

“The inhabitants of Kurland Village will in particular benefit from the proposed development, offering them multiple job opportunities within walking distance of their upgraded homes. This village is presently rated sixth in the Western Cape in terms of composite human needs, and has been described as having virtually no future without major intervention. Our proposed development will provide that intervention. Any investment by the authorities in the upliftment of this community will be negligible.”

The design proposal for the development is supported by professional research into the vegetation, wetlands, wildlife, soil types and water availability. In addition, technical studies cover roads, storm-water management, electricity, as well as the potential traffic and visual impact of the development.

Elphick says the indigenous vegetation and wetland areas on the combined properties have been studied, and ecologically sensitive areas demarcated where no development will take place. “Large areas of the Estate will be cleared of invasive alien vegetation and the fynbos and wetlands areas rehabilitated. Low-profile tourist facilities in the form of hiking and horse trails as well as bush camps will be created. The Kurland Hotel will retain its Relais & Chateau status”.

Soil tests have determined the best agricultural land and viable farming activities will be matched against available water resources. No water for the development will be supplied by the Bitou Municipality.

Although the polo activities, including stabling, on Kurland will continue, substantial farming operations are envisaged, such as macadamias and other crops including essential floral oils. These operations will be labour intensive.

Elphick says the relevant land owners wish to extend the macadamia project to small emergent farmers in the area using a co-operative model. “Our plans provide for between 40 ha and 60 ha of orchards on Kurland. However, we are looking at a nut-processing plant that requires about 200 ha to be economically viable. We will be assisting small farmers to establish nut orchards, provide them with planting material and tree-care training, and then process and market their crops under the ‘Kurland’ brand.

“Macadamia nuts are considered the most viable crop for the area. The development of the estate will act as a catalyst enabling small farmers to establish a financially feasible agricultural venture – research shows that the annual income from 2 ha of macadamia orchards is sufficient to sustain a small farmer and his family.” 

Elphick says he believes the proposed development of the Estate could be a powerful force for the good of the area. “In my view it fully conforms with the Provincial authorities’ triple bottom line requirement in terms of environmental and socio-economic sustainability, and is in line with the objectives set out in the government’s recently announced Accelerated and Shared Growth Initiative of South Africa (ASGISA).”

Ends

ISSUED BY                            
De Kock Communications (DKC)

ON BEHALF OF                    
Kurland Estate

DATE                                     
19 April 2006 

MEDIA ENQUIRIES               
Dr Chris Mulder, CMAI, 044 382 6732, 082 881 2903
Ben de Kock, DKC, 021 422 2690