"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 over 100 pubs and restaurants buzz with excitement during the holiday periods. Fun, sun and sea is what it's all about," said Schenk.
Less than two kilometres up uMhlanga Rocks Drive stands the Gateway Theatre of Shopping with a wide variety of 350 shops, including world brands such as Topstop, Zaras and La Senza. More than just a shopping centre, Gateway offers fashion, variety, fun and entertainment.
Said Schenk: "Plumb centre between and connecting these two precincts is Ridgeside, a fast-developing node that, because of its central position, has appeal for resident 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 four-star environmental "green" status, an international hotel and other office blocks.
Added Schenk: "The Ridgeside area, with its spectacular sea views, will also embrace lush green parks, tree-lined boulevards, beautiful piazzas and a network of walking and cycling trails interspersed with areas of natural vegetation."
On an elevated site with sweeping ocean views is planned a mixed-use development named Rockridge, which will have a strong emphasis on the residential component. The block will comprise a ground floor comprising 2200m2 of upmarket commercial space and 79 residential apartments on 10 floors, including four luxury penthouses.
Now selling off-plan through Pam Golding Properties uMhlanga, which has been awarded the exclusive mandate, Rockridge will feature drive-up access via ramps to all apartments, sweeping 180-degree sea views in most instances, and a high standard of finishes.
Commented Schenk: "The marketplace is showing substantial interest in this prime-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 that open out on to the balconies. A range of options includes 83m2 one bedroomed, one bathroom apartments selling at R1.75 million, two bedroomed, two bathroom units of 144m2 priced from R3.7 million, and three bedroomed units of 155m2 with two or three bathrooms priced from R3.8 million. Penthouses are a spacious 261m2 and are priced from R8.75 million and incorporate either three bedrooms and two bathrooms or four bedrooms and three bathrooms. A 10% deposit secures your brand new, luxury apartment in this development."
Schenk said that a key feature is the fact that large lock-up garages are attached to each unit, plus there is ample visitor's parking on the apartment levels. The complex will have 24-hour security, CCTV cameras, intercom and high-speed connectivity. There is easy access to major highways while King Shaka International Airport is just 15 minutes' drive.
Architecture is by Elphick Proome and the development team includes Grid Construction as builders of the project, which is scheduled for completion in early 2016.
