Major infrastructure and development boom on the KZN South Coast bodes well for investors

In the past few years, the KZN North Coast has seen massive growth with the region fast becoming in demand for those seeking a relaxed coastal lifestyle. However, recent developments further south along the KZN coastline are gaining investor attention, with the KZN South Coast now primed for large-scale growth.

“It’s been incredible witnessing the development and infrastructural improvements taking place along the KZN South Coast recently, and we definitely anticipate this as a sign of things to come,” comments Reece Daniel, Developer of Serenity Hills, an eco-estate in the region. “The positive knock-on for the people of this area is profound, with local and international investment creating employment and strengthening the local economy. I think this is the start of great things for the area.”

The R800m Serenity Hills development is one of several being constructed on the KZN South Coast showing massive potential. Despite only launching Phase 1 in the second half of 2022, the developers have already sold 50% of its units, with investors coming from all over the globe. Aspects like state-of-the-art security, eco-conscious living, on-site facilities, and notable community upliftment initiatives have kept interest piqued. Transfers have been lodged at the deeds office with the start of home construction planned in November this year.

Serenity Hills is joined by other large-scale developments pioneering the revival of the South Coast, such as the 1 300-ha Renishaw Coastal Precinct in Scottburgh which, through its successful Phase 1 development Renishaw Hills, is on track to be a successful mixed-use precinct. House prices have escalated by an incredible 50% in the past five years. Bahari Bay in Shelly Beach is another such example with this 100-ha luxury eco-estate.

Massive infrastructure projects underway

The region’s accessibility is also being enhanced through a number of infrastructure development projects, among them the recent R11m upgrade of Margate Airport. The road network is also being revamped starting with the N2 Wild Coast Road (N2WCR) project which connects KZN with the Western Cape, the Eastern Cape, and Mpumalanga. Upon completion, travel time is expected to be drastically reduced by 1.5 to 3 hours because of the shorter route and flatter alignment.

The roads are further bolstered by the R580m upgrade of the P395 in Port Shepstone – the KZN South Coast’s economic hub. This has already commenced and the 25km road between Southbroom and Port Shepstone will be rehabilitated over 30 months, improving accessibility to Port Shepstone, which is located just an hour-and-a-half’s drive from Durban.

Speaking at the launch, MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Sipho Hlomuka, was reported as saying: “The project has been welcomed by the communities of South Coast who attended the officiation and expressed optimism that this project would help revive the business and tourism sector, thereby creating job opportunities. It is important for us to focus on places such as the South Coast that have a high attraction for tourists. Good roads and generally well-maintained infrastructure assist in drawing tourists, thus boosting the economy.”

Revival of the KZN South Coast

The region’s economic hub is the seat for both Ray Nkonyeni Local Municipality and Ugu District Municipality, with many businesses using the town as a base for their head offices. Alongside road upgrades, the town has welcomed the development of the R550m Port Shepstone Mall, with completion anticipated for October 2024. Located in the town centre, this is a catalytic project set to be the main service hub of the district with parking for public transport, 30 000m² of retail space, and public facilities. Construction has also been completed on the 25 000m² distribution hub and head offices for Bargain Wholesalers, the region’s largest distribution centre and a contender for the Master Builders Excellence Awards.

This revitalisation is being embraced by a local community that is willing to get stuck in and help. Tidy Towns is an active citizen initiative started by Reg Horne which now has thousands of members in Shelly Beach. Since starting the initiative, teams have replaced paving and pathways, fixed public facilities, cleaned beaches and parks, and more. It’s all about taking pride in one’s town and making a positive difference.

“The way things are going, it’s becoming increasingly evident that those wanting to invest in property on the KZN South Coast are well advised to get in early,” continues Daniel. “The upward trend is only set to continue as public-private partnerships develop and the real value of this area is unleashed.”

To find out more and book a viewing at Serenity Hills, visit www.serenityhills.co.za. For regular updates, follow @serenityhillsecoestate on Facebook and Instagram.