Page 13 - KZN Business Sense 12.4 - Terry Flack

IMPROVING PRICES GOES

BEYOND JUST CURB APPEAL

irst impressions count and “While recognising it is the local purchase in areas speaking to
clean neat neighbourhoods, municipality’s responsibility to a sense of history because they
Fwhich are known for service repair pavements and remove the want to continue that tradition
delivery and safety are likely weeds from common space, the – and in Glenwood that means
to add significantly to house reality is this doesn’t happen. By not removing the stained-glass
prices. This is a factor that those pulling together to take action windows and Natal Colonial
campaigning ahead of upcoming rather than bemoan the situation, architecture from listed entities,”
local government elections and neighbourhoods can create a sense she says.
voting for representatives would do of community pride,” she says.
well to note. The Cowies Hill Estate (CHE)
This in turn boosts general was established six years ago by
Anna Rhodes-Jones, Tyson perceptions including security residents wishing to protect the
Property Glenwood director, says and thus property appeal and integrity of another of Durban’s Elstree Court, Denham Place, Glenwood
that one of Durban’s oldest Urban prices. The collaboration among older suburbs, this time in the
Improvement Precincts (UIPs) – the various urban improvement Upper Highway area. It has
often referred to as Special Rating precincts (UIPs) operating across delivered in terms of improved
Areas – is the perfect example of Glenwood in Durban is a case in safety thanks to stepped up street
why curb appeal goes way beyond point. patrols, litter clearance, greening
a seller simply applying a quick The communities are cutting and environmental maintenance,
coat of paint to refresh their house the grass and removing the boosted response to service
or buying a few new plants for the weeds from the spaces in front outages as well as created a vibrant
front garden. chat group that serves as the eyes
of their homes and caring for
Yes, neighbourhoods thrive the parks and green belts in the and ears of the neighbourhood.
on access to good schools and neighbourhood. The outcome Going north, the residents and
universities, hospitals and reflects how a change in mindset businesses of upmarket uMhlanga
proximity to amenities including from “it’s someone else’s have also worked together to
shopping centres and green spaces responsibility” to taking charge make a difference – this time,
– but underpinning that is just can reverse urban decay. with some statistics to prove it.
how appealing the neighbourhood “The residents have taken back The recent UIP Perception Survey
appears when driving through its their community by actively shows stronger ratings and higher
streets. confidence in the area which has
participating in verge clearances
UIPs are not new and are and an improved general been on a clear upward trajectory Clark Ebor, Clark Road, Glenwood
since 2023. The experience rating
designed to protect and enhance impression. Rather than waiting increased to 8.84 out of 10, up from
property values by bringing the for the municipality to fix things, 7.94 in 2025 and 7.55 in 2024.
municipality, local residents and residents are doing the simple
businesses together to improve repairs themselves or applying Safety is a key strength with
safety, cleanliness, and overall pressure on the municipal officials 95% of respondents in the survey
attractiveness of a designated to do their jobs,” she says. stating that they felt safe in the
area. These require the approval of Glenwood dates back to the late precinct which remains one of the
66% of residential property owners province’s property investment
who are prepared to pay over and 1800s and encompasses some of strongholds. 
above their rates bills to provide Durban’s best-maintained Art
top up services. Deco-period buildings listed with
the KwaZulu-Natal Amafa and W: www.tysonprop.co.za
Rhodes-Jones says Research Institute, the statutory
neighbourhoods where body managing the province’s
communities work in unison to heritage resources.
ensure the pavements are free “As with any neighbourhood
from weeds and cracked or broken with era-specific properties, it is
sidewalks are repaired is vital to
attracting new property owners essential to adhere to the by-laws
and buyers. that preserve this heritage. Owners Rick Turner Road, Glenwood

BEYOND GOLF AND DINING

waZulu-Natal’s premium operational the following day, fully equipped gym and access
lifestyle offering has ensuring a seamless experience to scenic walking trails that
Kreached an exciting for early visitors. wind through the estate’s lakes
milestone with the official opening and natural surroundings. The
of the Zimbali Lakes Clubhouse A key highlight of the development reflects a growing
on 21 April 2026. Marking a development is the Big Easy demand for integrated spaces
significant step forward for the Winebar & Grill, which brings a where business, leisure and
estate, the launch introduces a signature dining experience to the wellness intersect.
sophisticated new hub that blends North Coast. Positioned within
leisure, sport and dining in a the clubhouse, the restaurant pairs With bookings now open
single, world-class setting. refined cuisine with sweeping through Zimbali Lakes Golf,
views of the fairways. While the the new clubhouse is poised to
Overlooking the immaculate venue welcomed guests during the become a central destination for
18-hole Ernie Els Signature opening period, a broader public corporate gatherings, networking
Golf Course, the clubhouse is launch is anticipated in May, and premium recreation. Its
designed to elevate both the following exclusive previews in opening signals not only the
resident and visitor experience. late April. continued evolution of the Zimbali
Golf enthusiasts were quick off Beyond golf and dining, the Lakes precinct, but also a broader
the mark, with tee times opening clubhouse introduces a well- shift towards experience-driven
from 18 April, offering play from rounded lifestyle offering. Visitors developments in the region. 
Wednesday through Sunday. can enjoy a resort-style pool, a
Full clubhouse services became W: www.zimbalilakes.co.za

13