The entire Eastern Cape and Garden Route region is poised for growth, with increased investment and a growing tourism market further boosted by projects such as Coega and the positive contribution the Mandela Bay Development Agency is making towards upgrading Port Elizabeth, says Louis van Niekerk, recently appointed regional director for Pam Golding Properties.

Born in Port Elizabeth and having spent the past 17 years in Cape Town, van Niekerk sees sound opportunities to considerably extend PGP's reach and rapidly growing existing network of 67 offices in the Eastern Cape, Karoo and Garden Route, many of which are franchised operations.

"With years of experience heading up the property group's International & Projects Division, van Niekerk has played a key role in facilitating and bringing to the market - both nationally and internationally - major world class projects such as Tamarina Golf Estate & Beach Club in Mauritius - the very first development to be marketed via the new Integrated Resort Scheme (IRS) launched in that country, and Eden Island, a US$300 million marina development in the Seychelles," says Dr Andrew Golding, CE of the Pam Golding Property group.  "In addition to heading up this strategic growth region, he will retain a role in terms of facilitating and marketing special projects such as these, but with a specific focus on projects or developments located within the Eastern Cape and Garden Route region - both new and existing, for example, Fancourt Hotel & Country Club Estate," adds Dr Golding.

Says van Niekerk:  "We believe in facilitating feasible and sustainable projects and are sensitive to ensuring such developments meet the stringent requirements of an often lengthy development process. The challenge for any developer is not just to look at any opportunity but to view it holistically with an eye on a master plan for the future of the region.

"There are selective opportunities available for future residential developments which we are currently investigating, for example in terms of locations in smaller towns or within a one to two hour radius of the hub of Port Elizabeth, areas where there has been an increase in real estate activity. Here demand is mainly driven by those seeking leisure/getaway
investment opportunities in secure, gated environments, and increased interest in coastal hamlets - which are increasingly appealing to big city dwellers. This is coupled with opportunities and a concomitant growing demand for wildlife and eco-tourism developments, particularly given the fact that this is a malaria-free environment."

Van Niekerk says while the Garden Route is already renowned as a golfing mecca, there is also an increasing trend towards lifestyle developments with a strong 'working' agricultural element - with employment and participation spin-offs for the local community - and equestrian estates.

For further information contact Louis van Niekerk on 041 3631272 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..