New development to transform uMhlanga
A R3.1-billion development will boast a five-star hotel, apartments and a mall.
THE R3.1-billion Oceans Umhlanga Development was launched by Minister of Home Affairs, Malusi Gigaba, and Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini at Beverly Hills Hotel in Durban on Thursday. The project is the largest private sector investment in development history in KwaZulu-Natal and is the brainchild of entrepreneurs Vivian Reddy and Rob Alexander of Edison and Ducatus property groups.
The ‘Dubai-style’ mixed-use development is also a first in terms of design in South Africa and will incorporate two residential towers consisting of 460 elegantly-designed apartments with sea views. The development will also boast a world-class 33 000m2 shopping mall and a luxuary 200-room five-star hotel. The 90 000m2 project spans a whopping 250 metres from end to end and will be built in the heart of uMhlanga.
It was announced that apartments would retail from R1.6-million to R60-million for the best penthouse in the city, all of which will be 700m2, with a helipad and breathtaking infinity pool 28 storeys up. A Bollywood superstar has already shown interest in it.
“This is a monster project and we wanted to put on a show that matched its magnitude,” said developer, Reddy.
“It took some planning but I think we pulled it off. “
Reddy said Oceans Umhlanga was ‘a dream come’ true for Alexander and himself.
“Let’s face it, this project changes the face of uMhlanga. We are literally converting a village into a metropolis. The scale of this project is immense, so it will dominate the Umhlanga CBD. In fact, it turns the village on its head. People are going to be spinning when they see it.”
He said the development will bring in more style, class and attitude.
“uMhlanga already has vibe and excitement and is brimming with entertainment. But with Oceans Umhlanga we bring the big hitters – the super-brands. We have already confirmed Burberry, Versace, Armani, Boss Orange and Paul Smith, among many others. The presence of these brands places us among the top three exclusive malls in the country, alongside Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront and Johannesburg’s Sandton City.”
