As buyers seek out the security, all-inclusive facilities, and natural resources characteristic of coastal estates, development potential continues to escalate along the KZN coastline. And within the newly launched Renishaw Coastal Precinct on the KZN Mid-South Coast, the release of two key development sites is set to attract significant investor interest.

Surrounded by a dense coastal forest with easy access to the nearby N2 are two hilltop sites zoned for residential use. These are both found within Node 1 which has already received the necessary approval in terms of the Umdoni Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act. The first site of 1.5 hectares is portioned for 38 units, while the larger 5.2-hectare node has capacity for 131 units – both of which are ideally suited to the development of secure eco-estates.

“We’ve witnessed the rampant development of gated estates along the KZN North Coast as buyers seek out secure, family-friendly living environments,” noted Barto van der Merwe, MD of Renishaw Coastal Precinct. “This trend is only set to grow, and with the KZN Mid-South Coast notably lacking in such security villages, there is incredible potential for developments of this kind.”

These two prime sites form part of the 1 300-hectare Renishaw Coastal Precinct, one of the country’s largest property development initiatives by Renishaw Property Developments, backed by the JSE-listed Crookes Brothers. This is the first of five nodes to be developed within this mixed-use precinct, which is set to be self-reliant in terms of water supply and power generation.

“We cannot overlook the fact that going off the grid is now first-option for most homeowners which is why self-reliance is a central tenet of Renishaw Coastal Precinct,” he continued. “For these particular sites, off-grid water and sanitation is being provided, and we are currently in discussions around the provision of renewable electricity.”

A road has already been established with further discussions taking place about the development of a nearby filling station, a shopping centre, a hospital, as well as a school catering from pre-primary to grade 12. This is all set within an indigenous coastal forest with ongoing rehabilitation to remove alien invasives and plant thousands of trees, attracting indigenous birds and wildlife.

The sites are also just off the road leading to Renishaw Hills, a 25-hectare mature lifestyle estate established in Node 1 in 2016. Renishaw Hills is the area’s first billion-rand development accommodating more than 300 residents with some R400-million in sales to date. With house prices escalating by more than 50% in five years, this is an impressive example of the demand for secure, nature-based estates in the area, and the incredible potential these sites offer developers.

Alongside Renishaw Hills and the residential sites, Node 1 includes a Heritage Village consisting of 35 farm employee houses with plans to upgrade them into Natal Verandah-style homes with a modern twist, as well as a further 60 sites for development within this village. There’s the old Renishaw Mill boasting potential for a retail hub complete with artisanal bakeries, coffee shops, restaurants, farm stalls, and an events venue to accompany the old Crookes Chapel. Renishaw Café, a recent addition to the area, has already become a defining feature to set the tone for this family-friendly setting.

Investors are urged to get in early and enjoy the massive economic potential set to be unlocked on the KZN Mid-South Coast.

For more on Renishaw Coastal Precinct, visit www.renishaw.co.za or call Barto van der Merwe on 087 135 5555.