Interview with Renishaw Managing Director Barto van der Merwe in KwaZulu-Natal Business 2024/25:
Where is the Renishaw Coastal Precinct?
The 1 300ha Renishaw Coastal Precinct falls within two municipalities: eThekwini in the north and Umdoni in the south. It’s located in the KwaZulu-Natal Mid-South Coast on prime land adjacent to the ocean, just 45 minutes from King Shaka International Airport and with access to the N2.
What is your vision for Renishaw Coastal Precinct?
Our vision is to enhance the Mid-South Coast through strategic land sales that provide essential community facilities such as hospitals, schools and shopping centres. Our focus is community development over profit, which means creating symbiosis with the existing community.
Our pending donation of 142ha of adjacent land to the community of Amandawe under the KwaCele Tribal Council (KTC) and the 10% stake in the development company will be acquired by the KTC through a buy-out process to ensure community inclusivity and prosperity.
How is Renishaw Coastal Precinct different from other developments?
At Renishaw Property Developments, a proud subsidiary of the JSE-listed Crookes Brothers Limited, we prioritise the conservation of the region’s natural beauty. Our development spans an impressive 1 300ha, but unlike other projects that cram as many units as possible into small spaces, we are dedicated to preserving the land.
Only 20% of our property will be developed, with the remaining 80% transformed into a stunning conservation area. This approach creates one of South Africa’s largest and most unique developments, offering a harmonious blend of modern living and nature. With our deep historical ties to the region, we’re committed to building a community that embodies sustainable luxury and unparalleled quality.
Our vision is to create a self-reliant, sustainable commuter development that offers significant investor advantages. With a prime location, subtropical climate, competitive property prices, secure water provision and sanitation, on-site healthcare and education and comprehensive zoning, we’re attracting investors who share our vision for inclusive community development.
Why was Renishaw Hills mentioned at the 5th South Africa Investment Conference (SAIC) in 2023?
Renishaw Hills, a mature lifestyle estate and the first development within the Renishaw Coastal Precinct, represents R500-million of an anticipated R15-billion investment.
As part of Node 1 in a five-node precinct, it promises significant socio-economic benefits. With 2 500 residential opportunities for 7 500 people and thousands of jobs, the precinct was recognised by President Cyril Ramaphosa for its investment pledge at the 2023 South Africa Investment Conference.
Is Renishaw Hills sold out or are stands available?
Phase 5 is completely sold out and the most recent section, Phase 6, is already 70% sold out, with its high-end free-standing units and maisonettes in demand. The highly anticipated apartments are launching in 2024, with Phase 7 set to dazzle in 2025, providing further investment opportunities in this quality estate for those over 50.
We encourage interested parties to visit www.renishawhills.co.za to book a tour now.
Who is attracted to Renishaw Coastal Precinct?
The semigration trend has seen residents from KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng investing in Renishaw Hills, with ex-pats returning to the region to take advantage of the affordability, quality lifestyle, subtropical climate and high-end amenities. The buy-to-rent market is also strong with younger investors buying in Renishaw Hills enjoying great rentals with a long-term vision of living here.
The precinct is attracting interest from reputable organisations, who share our vision for a development that enhances the entire KZN Mid-South Coast. This includes a local company building the filling station, a respected school group that will establish the region’s first private school, a renowned hotel chain and developers of a shopping centre that have invested, with a well-known church group currently finalising a deal.
What are the key attractions of the area?
The KZN Mid-South Coast is renowned for its laid-back outdoor lifestyle and boasts several seaside attractions. Scottburgh Beach is ideal for swimming, surfing and sunbathing and there are world-class dive sites – the nearby Aliwal Shoal and further south, Protea Banks.
There are many great golf courses, hiking and biking trails, nature reserves as well as community events that take place throughout the year.
Biography
Barto van der Merwe is an accomplished Managing Director with extensive experience in the construction industry. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Structural Engineering from Technological University Dublin and is recognised as a Chartered Engineer in Ireland and a Professional Engineer in South Africa.
Skilled in structural and building engineering management and in corporate leadership, Barto is also a strong community and social-services professional, bringing a wealth of knowledge and leadership to his role.
