A decade after initiating SA's single largest mixed-use expansion, KwaZulu Natal property group Moreland Developments has brought to the market the second phase of the Umhlanga Ridge New Town Centre.

In releasing the 50 ha site north of the multibillion-rand Gateway shopping complex, Tongaat-Hulett's property arm is steering the development of more than 1m m².

Since the mid-1990s, when it began unlocking value from its sugar cane land, Moreland has been the catalyst for more than R10bn worth of new development north of Durban. Stretching across the Umhlanga Ridge, Gateway and the La Lucia Office Estate, the area is recognised as SA's fastest-growing property development sector.

Phase 2, on land between Gateway and the suburb of Prestondale, brings on stream Parkside, an upmarket residential and commercial mixed zone consisting of four- and six-storey glass-and-stone buildings.

"With the launch of the Umhlanga Ridge New Town Centre, Moreland introduced the concept of new urbanism to the Ridge," says Moreland commercial and industrial development director Mike Deighton.

"It has brought to the market an attractive, safe environment where people can live, work, play, learn and pray together by encompassing piazza-style living."

Anchoring the development as a green belt will be the 2 ha Chris Saunders Park, named after the former Tongaat-Hulett chairman. The park will be the focal point, with water features, ponds, shrubbery and lawns offering residents and visitors a sanctuary within the urban landscape.

The park forms part of the group's larger-scale commitment to environmental issues. In November, Moreland received the internationally acclaimed ISO 14001 environmental management system accreditation.

Financial Mail
Publisher: I-Net Bridge
Source: I-Net Bridge