By Tiisetso Motsoeneng

Sugar maker and land developer Tongaat Hulett has obtained approval from the Durban municipal authorities to develop a 140ha Umhlanga Ridgeside site, it said on Tuesday.

The approval of the Development Framework Plan for Umhlanga Ridgeside, granted by the eThekwini Municipality, proposes the development, in phases, of combined residential, commercial and leisure developments.

"The approvals unlock significant opportunities to boost economic growth and job creation in the area," said Tongaat CEO Peter Staude.

Umhlanga Ridgeside will facilitate development comprising 150 000m² of commercial/mixed use space, 100 000² of offices and 3 000 residential units.

The development is estimated to attract between R8 billion and R10 billion in investments to the area. Some 65 000 construction-related jobs and 16 000 permanent jobs are expected to be generated, as well as over R50 million per year in rates income.

The development area has prime sea views and is bounded by the M41 highway, the M4 coastal provincial road, and Umhlanga Rocks Drive. Developments in the area include a R1.3 billion resort, a Mr Price concept store, three hotels and office parks.