31 31
feature feature
Using Stellendale Village as a model, the company is in discussions to develop a new 83-hectare residential suburb in Klerksdorp in the North West, called Reebokfontein Village, which will provide about 2 000 much-needed houses, apartments and lifestyle suites for the middle income group. “Visual has a long-term vision and we pride ourselves on delivering quality properties that also offer good living and pleasant shopping, working and recreation,” says Charles Robertson, Chief Executive Officer of Visual International Holdings. “Our properties are developed around people and community. We are excited about creating a new suburb in Klerksdorp that will offer residents affordable, good-quality living. “While creating quality housing that meets a substantial market demand, Visual also strives to provide its stakeholders with a positive and sustainable investment experience. We’ve telegraphed our plans to take our tried-and-tested model into new regions, and Reebokfontein Village provides a good fit in an area with a growing middle market driving demand for housing.” Gated community-based residential estates are also popular developments lately. A prime example is Graanendal Estate, which boasts remarkable views, large, open spaces and relaxed, rural-style living in a secure environment. Voted South Africa’s top lifestyle living location in a 2012 survey of the country’s best suburbs, Graanendal Estate recently announced the launch of a second phase. This follows the enormous success of Graanendal phase one, which recorded a 16,7%
growth in house prices over one year – substantially higher than the 1,3% average growth for the year recorded by ABSA. Situated in Cape Town’s value-for-money northern suburbs on the outskirts of Durbanville, adjacent to the Phizante Kraal wine estate, phase two is offering seven pockets of group housing developments as well as 97 individual erven. It will also feature the same green belts and parks found in phase one. Land-owner and developer of Graanendal Estate and owner of the quaint Phizante Kraal wine estate, Andre Brink, says Graanendal phase two was developed in line with the continuing demand for affordable gated community homes that the market is currently experiencing. Brink, who farms next door, says being a neighbour means honouring a long-term commitment as a developer and member of the Home Owner’s Association. “The location is a natural choice for those preferring the northern suburbs,” Brink says. “It links Durbanville with the N1 through Okavango and Brackenfell Boulevards for quick access to town and Paarl, and is situated on the outside of the traditional traffic belts, yet conveniently close to local amenities.” These include a shopping centre, Durbanville Medi-Clinic, banking facilities and a host of primary and high schools within a seven-kilometre radius. Brink says Graanendal phase two is the last serviced gated development in the Western Cape, following a policy decision by the City of Cape Town not to allow any further such developments.
ABOVE Visual International Holdings’ mixed-use suburb development Stellendale Village in Cape Town. A new development modelled on the successful Stellendale Village is being planned in Klerksdorp BELOW Andre Brink, farmer, land-owner and developer of Graanendal Estate (Photograph by Mark Pettipher)
February 2015 l property developer
Residential Revival_SUBBED.indd 31
2015/01/13 1:11 PM