Take your fun on the rocks
Michelle Funke looks at a new development selling in the popular KwaZulu-Natal north coast seaside town of Umhlanga Rocks
HISTORICALLY Umhlanga Rocks village, with its beautiful beachfront, pavement cafes, open air pubs and restaurants and more traditional feel, was far away — literally and figuratively — from its more chic cousin over the hill, the Gateway Theatre of Shopping.
“The Village”, as it is fondly known locally, is an eclectic mix of old and new, with the glamorous Pearls and Beacon Rock residential developments standing side by side with older apartment blocks, just a stone’s throw from two iconic five-star hotels.
“Quieter out of season, the village’s more than 100 pubs and restaurants buzz with excitement during the holiday periods. Fun, sun and sea is what it’s all about,” says Elwyn Schenk, area principal in Umhlanga and Umdloti for Pam Golding Properties.
Less than 2km up Umhlanga Rocks Drive stands the Gateway Theatre of Shopping with a wide variety of 350 shops, including global brands such as Topshop, Zara and La Senza. More than just a shopping centre, Gateway offers fashion, fun and entertainment.
Says Schenk: “Set between and connecting these two precincts is Ridgeside, a fast developing node which, because of its central position, has appeal for owners and visitors alike. With its commanding views up and down the coast, Ridgeside is a four precinct site of new international hotels, office parks and mixed-use developments — Durban’s answer to Sandton, only better, some say.”
Planning of the Ridgeside precinct is closely aligned to a comprehensive environmental management programme with a buffer zone set aside to protect the remaining coastal forest bordering the development area. The southern and western aspects already incorporate a number of corporate offices, including the Nedbank building with its fourstar environmental green status, an international hotel and other office blocks.
“The Ridgeside area, with its spectacular sea views, will also embrace green parks, tree-lined boulevards, piazzas and a network of walking and cycling trails interspersed with areas of natural vegetation,” says Schenk.
A mixed-use development named Rockridge is planned on an elevated site with sweeping ocean views which will have a strong emphasis on the residential component. The block will consist of a ground floor of 2,200m2 to accommodate upmarket commercial space and 79 residential apartments on 10 floors, including four luxury penthouses.
Now selling off-plan through Pam Golding Properties Umhlanga, who have been awarded the exclusive mandate, Rockridge will feature drive-up access via ramps to all apartments, sweeping 180° sea views in most instances and a high standard of finishes.
“The marketplace is showing substantial interest in this well located development and we have seen an encouraging take-up with numerous units already reserved. The apartments will be substantially larger than average for the area, with large stackable doors which open out onto balconies. A range of options includes 83m2 one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartments selling at R1.75m, twobedroom, two-bathroom units of 144m2 priced from R3.7m and three-bedroom units of 155m2 with two or three bathrooms priced from R3.8m. Penthouses are a spacious 261m2 and are priced from R8.75m and incorporate either three bedrooms and two bathrooms or four bedrooms and three bathrooms. A 10% deposit secures a luxury apartment in this development.”
Schenk says a key feature is the fact that large lock-up garages are attached to each unit, plus there is ample visitor’s parking. The complex will have 24-hour security, CCTV cameras intercom and high-speed connectivity.
The project is scheduled for completion in early 2016.
Price: From R1.75m Contact: Pam Golding Properties Elwyn Schenk 083 325 1606 Office 031 561 5300