Abland plans for wetland development
MAGALIESSIG - Property developer, Abland reassured Magaliessig residents that Montecasino Boulevard developments would protect and improve the local wetland sanctuary.
This was at a meeting with the developer and the Magaliessig community at which managing director of the development company, Richard Cottrill responded to residents’ concerns about the future of the wetland.
The purpose of the meeting, held at Shingara Sands residential complex and facilitated by the Magaliessig Action Forum, was to notify residents that construction on Abland’s new Monte Circle office park development would break ground on 8 September. During proceedings, Cottrill made mention of a second project in the pipeline, Signature Square, a proposed mixed-use development, comprising small retail, residential space and possibly a hotel. Cottrill emphasised, however, that plans were still in progress, and that no fixed date has been set for its commencement.
Cottrill stressed that the wetland which formed part of Signature Square’s proposed site would not be developed when construction began, as it suited Abland’s vision for an attractive development with an emphasis on natural, indigenous beauty. Instead, Abland intended to make the most of this landscape feature by maintaining and enhancing its aesthetic value.
Responding to one resident’s concerns that increased development in the area will exacerbate existing frustrations with inadequate sewerage systems, Cottrill further argued that Abland was no more desirous than residents of seeing and smelling sewage washed into the wetland after rainfall.
Assuring residents of the positive impact that Abland’s development plans would have on the area, Cottrill argued that replacement of empty veld with upmarket developments would reduce the potential for crime in the area, and increase property values as employees of the new businesses would seek residences close to work.
Speaking on behalf of the forum, Mike Hogan expressed the belief that Abland could be trusted to provide the best possible solution for an area in which development was inevitable.
“They are people you can talk to – you can trust them. They’ve been very open with us, they’ve been very accommodating,” said Hogan of Abland.
