Multimillion-rand developments in the works for La Lucia

Two areas around the La Lucia Mall in KwaZulu-Natal precinct are set for substantial change, with news of a multimillion-rand proposal to construct an office park and a residential complex, reports Northglen News.

The La Lucia Mall site, which is owned by Growthpoint Properties, will see two new additions, a R95 million office development and a seven-floor high residential complex at the site of a free parking lot of the mall.

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Speaking to Northglen News, regional head of Growthpoint Properties Greg de Klerk explained the idea behind the developments, which are still under consideration.

“Both of these developments are very much in the design concept stage. The architect’s impressions are subject to refinement and provided we get the necessary approvals from council, the developments are still at this stage under consideration. We also are yet to have the developments approved through our investment committee before going to the marketplace.

“The office development, situated next to the gym at the La Lucia Mall site, will be tenant-driven. It will be around 4,200 square metres and will be a green star-rated building. The mall site is zoned for offices and we’ve had to apply for a height relaxation on the business side as well as the residential side,” De Klerk explained.

Speaking on the proposed residential development, he confirmed the company had applied for residential rights as well as a height relaxation on the development.

“We have advertised the proposals and circulated letters informing the immediate neighbours of the development and nothing has yet been decided as we are awaiting the go-ahead from council. As far as the residential complex is concerned, the plan is to have 62 apartments, which will be a mixture of two bed, two bath, one bed, one bath, and a few studio apartments.

“We have done extensive market research, and we feel there is a need for higher density residential flats in that node. At this early stage, the apartment would be seven levels high with three levels of parking above ground. All the apartments will have sea views,” he said.

De Klerk said the company had not yet indicated how much the residential development would cost.

“If we get the necessary approvals, we are likely to commence on the office development in January 2020, with the project expected to be completed by December 2020. With regards to the residential development, we expect to begin laying the groundwork in September. It is likely construction would commence in January next year, with a plan to finish the development by April 2021,” he said.

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