The Umhlanga Triangle, the four-phase development that will effectively link the Ridge to the traditional Umhlanga village, would pump more than R8bn into the local economy in the next decade.

The initiative on the 140ha site would generate 65 700 construction-related jobs, translating into 16 400 permanent employment opportunities and a rates base for the eThekwini municipality of R50m annually.

Moreland Developments’ commercial and industrial development director Mike Deighton said the area currently consisted of sea-facing sugarcane land nestled within a rough triangle created by three major arterial routes. A slice of coastal forest holds the south-eastern edge with a valley forming one of the other boundaries.

In keeping with Moreland’s commitment to environmentally sustainable and sensitive developments, 40ha of the site would be preserved as green space. This included the coastal forest area and would involve rehabilitating some of the land currently under sugarcane.  Water features and a pond system would be incorporated into the available land, further encouraging wildlife and birds to the precinct.

The precinct supplements the consolidated Umhlanga Ridge Town Centre node and fosters the creation of an integrated, people-centred mixed-use environment. As an extension of the New Town Centre, Umhlanga Triangle would provide “a sensitive interface” with the existing areas of Gateway, La Lucia Ridge Office Estate, The Manors, Lower La Lucia and Umhlanga Rocks village.

Deighton said the Umhlanga Triangle would connect the Ridge to the sea via a unique coastal setting that maximised the sea and forest views. Consideration would be given to facilitate smart transportation systems and public transport that built on the existing infrastructure.

“The vision is to build a multi-dimensional sustainable human community within a harmonious and balanced built environment,” he said.

Ridgeside, the first area within the precinct scheduled for development, would include 150 000m2 of mixed-use retail, offices, residential and the R1,3bn Marriott Hotel as the international group’s first foray into Africa.  Construction on the hotel is scheduled to commence before the end of the year. This precinct would also include a 10 000m2 Mr Price new concept store and Design Quarter, a unique new home and décor concept piloted in Johannesburg.

Deighton said the precinct would create public spaces that maximised the opportunities for blue chip investment around focus areas and encompass piazzas and pavement society facilities.

Ridgeside Office Park across the road from the La Lucia Ridge Office Estate would bring 100 000m2 of prime office accommodation on to the market following the success of La Lucia Ridge Office Estate. Construction is scheduled to commence early next year and developments include the Investec head office.

The residential precinct will comprise 20 000 m2 mixed use along Ridgeside Drive (the north south boulevard) and 2 000 residential units in a combination of high-density apartments, medium density townhouses and low-density houses bordering on the coastal forest.

Deighton said that the construction on converting the McDonalds traffic circle into traffic lights as well as a new access into the Umhlanga Triangle for the Marriott Hotel and the Main Boulevard arterial access linking to a new interchange on the M41 to Armstrong Avenue at Crawford Circle is likely to commence before the end of the year pending approvals from the relevant authorities.

For more information contact Mike Deighton on 083 262 6699