Sleek urban living with a ‘village’ atmosphere
Green Point is one of Cape Town’s most cosmopolitan neighbourhoods and combines big-city convenience with a laidback, easy-going vibe. Michelle Funke looks at a new development
THE suburb of Green Point/De Waterkant in Cape Town has developed into a sought-after cosmopolitan area to live, work and play. It is the area’s convenient location and atmosphere that is contributing towards making it an option for buyers who want upmarket amenities but who also want to be a stone’s throw from the beach and parks.
According to Pam Golding Properties, the appetite for wellpriced developments is returning after a lengthy lull in the development sector, with a number of new projects selling well. New developments in Green Point include the trendy new apartment buildings of The Odyssey and The Legacy situated on Main Road, near the Cape Town Stadium. These developments saw rapid sales during 2012 and attracted young professionals in particular.
“People staying in Green Point can get home from work in the city within minutes, go for a jog around the Urban Park, enjoy a cocktail at any number of local restaurants and bars or stop in at the Cape Quarter to pick up dinner,” says Basil Moraitis of Pam Golding Properties.
In terms of commercial space, Lydon McGrane, marketing manager of Galetti, reports that vacancy levels have remained low in Green Point with existing tenants mostly choosing to remain in the area and a steady stream of companies looking to move there.
“There is much to love about Green Point. It is well situated, with the CBD, V&A Waterfront and Atlantic Seaboard all being within a five-minute drive. The suburb itself plays host to many of the city’s most popular restaurants and other retail offerings, it’s easily accessible via public transport and it’s well-pedestrianised. Combine that with its safety and general cleanliness, and there’s little reason not to have an office in Green Point,” McGrane says.
Prices have increased significantly within the past decade. A big contributing factor was the establishment of the Green Point City Improvement District in July 2001, providing supplementary services such as street sweeping and visible policing. Vacancy rates remain low despite it being the target of development, especially in De Waterkant, a niche area.
The opening of the Cape Town Stadium precinct and particularly the Urban Park have played a role in the development of the area and interest in Green Point.
One of the latest development offerings is The Richmond, Signatura’s eighth development in a year. The Richmond will offer res- idents the option of enjoying Green Point’s unique buzz while being able to retreat to quiet garden apartments fitted with double window glazing to ensure tranquillity and relaxation.
“The Richmond perfectly combines urban living with the luxuries associated with a Signatura development,” says Signatura founder and development visionary, John Rabie.
“People don’t want to live far from exciting shops, top restaurants and other work and leisure options — mixed-use precincts are livelier and more desirable to many buyers, especially those who want to cut down on long commutes. Green Point has almost a ‘village feel’ found in the boroughs of London and New York City.”
Designed by renowned architect Juan Bernicchi, The Richmond will be a sleek modern apartment block characterised by an impressive glass façade accentuated by exterior “fins” to break up the light and provide eco-temperature control.
All units will be equipped with individual solar-powered geysers to cut water-heating costs by up to 40% and reduce pressure on the national electricity grid.
The 14 apartments will have significant secure underground parking with direct lift access. Two apartments will open up onto indigenous, low-maintenance gardens while the spacious duplex penthouses afford great views.
Residents have an easy stroll to the Urban Park, a Virgin Active, a beautiful golf course and the Sea Point Promenade. Price: From R1.495m Contact: Signatura Anton McElhone 083 506 7829 Enver Deedat 082 263 3337