New rainbow development a big hit

A NEW Kidd’s Beach for a rainbow nation is taking shape in the Green Estate development in the coastal resort, with first-time black buyers given the opportunity to access high-quality houses on seaside properties.

The first homeowners have taken occupation of their new properties in Umlele Heights.

The development is aimed at the affordable housing market with a starting price of R595 000.

The vast majority of buyers – 80% of sales – have been black South Africans, with an average age of 36 and mainly single parents or individuals.

The freestanding houses come with 24-hour security.

Government officials working in Bhisho make up the bulk of the new owners, given the relatively short 45km drive between Kidd’s Beach and the provincial capital.

Developer Tjaart van der Walt says the uptake of houses has “exceeded all my expectations”.

Launched in June last year, the first 27 units were sold out in the first month, long before the first showhouse was completed.

The first houses were built in September and 16 homeowners started taking occupation just before Christmas. By March, 40 houses will have been completed and transferred to homeowners.

There are 231 erven in the first six phases of Umlele and, with planning approval for a further 800 houses, construction will continue for the next five years.

Some 300 direct jobs for black builders, carpenters and roofing contractors have been created on the initial phases of what will eventually be a R692-million investment.

Planning is also advanced for a shopping centre to serve homeowners, as well as a private primary school.

The stratified development model includes other gated communities for mid-range and topend luxury mansions, as well as a large retirement village.

Van der Walt’s Mission Holdings has invested R87-million in the infrastructure – including water, sewerage and electricity reticulation – and associated costs to unlock the development opportunity.

The total development will eventually comprise 2600 housings units from entry-level to upmarket houses.