As the primary land steward, Tongaat Hulett is responsible for the overall development vision and concept framework plan that aligns with public sector policy, plans and objectives.
The first phase of the multiple-phase development, the retail and urban core, will anchor the Ntshongweni Urban Development as a mixed-use, urban precinct centred around a new regional retailing offering. This will be followed by a variety of other uses including residential, logistics, recreational, warehousing and leisure components.
Commencing with essential road upgrades to Kassier Road, the first phase of construction in the retail and urban core precinct will ultimately generate 19,000 construction jobs. Tongaat Hulett Developments MD Michael Deighton says, “The road upgrades are necessary to accommodate future growth, paving the way for this new precinct.”
“The N3 corridor is currently the country’s busiest transport route and will be upgraded in line with the aim of improving the country’s logistics and transport links. Linking into this important strategic corridor, the people-centred Ntshongweni Urban Development will create a benchmark for the way in which new, integrated, inclusive South African urban precincts are developed. From urban planning through to the residential, retail, commercial, recreational, logistics and light industrial activities, the mixed uses of this area are vast,” says Deighton.
Approximately 1,000ha of open space is being allocated for passive and active recreational use. With people’s social needs and those of the environment forming the bedrock of the development’s design, Tongaat Hulett Developments will implement its comprehensive iThuba programme to ensure socio-economic benefits are felt where needed most. Bongani Gumede, Tongaat Hulett’s executive responsible for community, public and private partnerships in execution states that, “This tried and tested approach will embed social relevance, access to opportunities, localisation of skills, enterprise development and the creation of sustainable inclusive communities in every facet of the development execution.”
Over the 20-year construction period, Ntshongweni is expected to generate 400,000 temporary construction jobs, 35,000 permanent jobs, R700m in annual rates for the eThekwini Municipality and R5.1bn in annual tax revenue.
