Stefan Botha, Director of Rainmaker Marketing, explains how community, culture and conservation are at the heart of the mixed-use precinct model
Simply put, mixed-use developments bring together residential, commercial, retail and recreational facilities. With all aspects of one’s life in proximity, mixed-use developments become walkable 15-minute neighbourhoods, with everything one might need from schools to medical facilities and grocers – all within a 15-minute radius.
URBAN
According to the World Health Organisation, cities will hold 70% of the world’s population by 2050. About 96% of this growth will occur in developing countries like ours. In SA we have a political history and legacy of poor planning that has left us with a vast public transport dilemma. Many people travel a fair distance to get to their place of work each day. With rising fuel and household costs and increased traffic congestion, the demand for convenience, clean air, and quality urban spaces is imminent.
Within KwaZulu-Natal’s town of Ballito, several mixed-use developments launched over the past two years have seen phenomenal demand due to their combined residential, retail, and commercial offerings. Some upmarket mixed-use precincts drawing particular attention in this region include Collins Residential’s Zululami Luxury Coastal Estate and Zimbali Lakes Resort’s newest and most opulent offering, Tatali.
INTEGRATED
Walkable spaces are healthier, reducing pollution while encouraging community and increasing the economic vitality of the local economy. As we live more eco-conscious lives, mixed-use developments’ pedestrian and people-centric nature has begun to enjoy elevated status.
The Durban-Umhlanga-Ballito corridor, the fastest-growing wealth market in SA, comprises high-network individuals keen to live with everything at their fingertips. For this reason, the Salta Sibaya estate within the Sibaya Coastal Precinct, situated minutes from Umdloti and North Point Ballito, are both popular mixed-use developments coming to fruition within KwaZulu-Natal.
Employing smart growth principles, these precincts include quality housing, varied by type and price, integrated with shopping, schools, community facilities and jobs. Both are located just minutes from the airport and strategically between two ports.
MULTIGENERATIONAL
Salta Sibaya, which garnered a 2022 International Property Award, is a catalyst for multigenerational living, allowing those who are over 50 years of age to live at Capri Village and enjoy being close to their children and grandchildren while still having their independence. It’s an opportunity to live close to a like-minded community, with many facilities, safe outdoor recreational zones, healthcare, the new Marine Walk Shopping Centre, and business hub – all within the vibrant coastal lifestyle estate.
SUSTAINABILITY
With load-shedding and interruptions to water supply due to failing maintenance on municipal infrastructure, we see more developments incorporating “off-the-grid” solutions. The idea of being fully sustainable in terms of power and water is becoming critical as a differentiator for buyers, especially considering how many people still opt to work remotely. Not only are mixed-use precincts looking to incorporate sustainable solutions within their residential offering, there’s also a growing need in the commercial and retail space to have these needs catered for.
LOCATION
Mixed-use developments present many advantages and are often strategically situated near major travel routes, airports, and business districts. Riverfields, just 10 minutes from O R Tambo International Airport in Joburg, is a new urban node with unparalleled locational advantages. This master plan is about guiding responsible and sustainable development so that the area will continue to grow and prosper in the coming decade and for generations to come.
Designed for tomorrow, Riverfields is a R7bn investment to date. Its prime location is within the Albertina Sisulu Development Corridor (R21) and strategically within the Ekurhuleni Aerotropolis. It is fully aligned with the provincial spatial framework and an integrated transport master plan.
LOCAL ECONOMY
Riverfields will create about 160,000 employment opportunities in the construction and operational phases. In addition to the employment opportunities and injection into the local economy, the additional impact over the first phase is estimated to include an economic benefit of some R68bn during the construction phase.
Construction of external engineering services such as new roads, sewer lines, water reticulation, and electrical infrastructure will cost about R2bn, most of which will be handed over to the municipality for the benefit of the wider community. Riverfields will bring in about R354m in additional rates and annual taxes for the City of Ekurhuleni.
Doubtless, mixed-use development is creating a new way of living for South Africans and has become increasingly popular in creating secure neighbourhoods and easy access routes. Those with the right formula and are currently in the market or under way in development will be hugely sought after.