Investment in KZN Mid-South Coast is a Positive Sign of the Region’s Growth

The massive infrastructure upgrades underway in South Africa – amounting to some R445 billion in 2024, according to Nedbank, with a staggering R322.2 billion earmarked for public infrastructure projects in 2025. This construction boom is extending to the retail and hospitality industries, with areas such as the KZN Mid-South Coast seeing a series of recent upgrades and additions.

“The economic reawakening of the KZN Mid-South Coast is being felt throughout the area, with a number of key upgrades and developments over the past few years,” noted Barto van der Merwe, MD of Renishaw Coastal Precinct, the 1 300-hectare, mixed-use precinct located near Scottburgh. “This is significant from a timing perspective as the semigration trend has seen people looking for coastal properties, with the KZN Mid-South Coast offering a comparatively affordable investment with a subtropical climate and holiday lifestyle.”

Van der Merwe said organisations, from hotels to healthcare, were investing millions in the region with the foresight that the demand for property in the region was only set to escalate: “There is a lot more awareness around areas – such as Blue Zones – where nature-based lifestyle and ocean living are actually beneficial to mental and physical health. This region is renowned for its high-quality lifestyle, and now the facilities are matching the increasing demand.”

Reawakening of the KZN Mid-South Coast

1.       Hospitality Sector

In the hospitality sector, two iconic hotels have recently received multi-million-rand rebranding and upgrades: The Blue Marlin All-Inclusive Seascape and Premier Resort Cutty Sark. Blue Marlin, which was bought by Dream Hotels & Resorts, had extensive renovations done in 2024 to include a host of new facilities, providing South African travellers with an affordable resort in line with international standards.

A R65-million investment in Premier Resort Cutty Sark saw this iconic hotel restored to its former glory, improving its 56 sea-facing rooms as well as enhancing the resort’s furnishings, décor and equipment. Guests now enjoy a new bar restaurant, and kids' club with extensive upgrades to the dining room, foyer and reception areas.

2.       Retail Sector

Umdoni Municipality and the KZN Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs recently invested in the construction and renovation of 40 market stalls at Scottburgh Craft Market along Scott Street, with a further 12 at Scottburgh Main Beach selling a variety of goods. Scottburgh Main Beacch, which currently holds pilot Blue Flag beach status, is a major attraction for the region, and the upliftment of the retail offering along the beachfront not only stimulates the local economy, but also creates a vibrant environment for visitors and local residents.

3.       Sports and Entertainment

One of the reasons the KZN Mid-South Coast is such an in-demand lifestyle destination is the year-round subtropical climate that encourages outdoor activity. So, it’s no surprise that one of the country’s fastest-growing sports – Padel - is about to enter the region. Scottburgh Country Club is about to add to the country’s 600-odd courts, providing residents with a fun way to socialise and get fit. This is soon to be joined by Pickleball courts at Renishaw Coastal Precinct – another fast-growing racquet sport which that combines social engagement with physical fitness.

Another engaging outdoor activity is aerial ziplining, with Jikaleza Outdoor Adventures recently opening at Crocworld Conservation Centre in Scottburgh. One of the only aerial zipline adventures of its kind in the region, Jikaleza gives visitors of all ages the chance to enjoy a fantastic workout along a treetop obstacle course.

4.       Healthcare

Residents now have easy access to quality healthcare services on the KZN Mid-South Coast with the opening of Hibiscus Hospital Scottburgh in 2022. The top-class facility includes a one-day theatre, in-house pharmacy, radiology unit, and supporting medical services.

5.       Property

A notable indicator of a region’s economic growth is property development, and there are many new estates burgeoning on the KZN Mid-South Coast and surrounds – with Renishaw Coastal Precinct one of the biggest. Renishaw forms part of JSE-listed Crookes Brothers, with the first development within the precinct – Renishaw Hills – seeing an increase in property values by 60% in just six years. The developers already have 6 pre-sales for Phase 7 of Renishaw Hills, with deals finalised for a petrol filling station and upmarket shopping centre within the precinct. Plans are also underway for the development of a private school in the precinct.

To find out more about this development, visit www.renishaw.co.za or call Barto van der Merwe on 087 135 5555.