Page 7 - KZN Business Sense 12.4 - Terry Flack

DURBAN’S INVESTMENT MOMENTUM

SIGNALS A CITY ON THE RISE

urban is entering a and transport ecosystem To support this influx
new phase of economic that underpins the regional of interest, the eThekwini
Dacceleration in 2026, economy. Curtis added, “As Municipality has committed
underpinned by a wave of high- Invest Durban, we have had to a phased infrastructure
value investments, strategic the pleasure of working with rollout. Current investigations
infrastructure upgrades, and a Vitol Group previously on are underway to upgrade and
clear commitment to enhancing multiple potential foreign direct widen Main Road 385 and
the ease of doing business. investment projects, and are construction is currently well
For investors, developers, and very pleased with the fruition underway with upgrade of the
entrepreneurs, the message is of this new investment into Hammarsdale Wastewater
increasingly clear, Durban is eThekwini.” Treatment Works.
not only open for business, but In parallel, Durban’s property Market confidence is already
also actively shaping itself into market is experiencing renewed soaring. The past 12 months
one of Africa’s most competitive confidence, particularly in the have seen a flurry of private
coastal economies.
high-end residential segment. transactions, including ground
At the centre of this Developments such as the being broken by Newlyn
momentum is the proactive role Beachwood Coastal Estate, a Development and Catchway
of the eThekwini Municipality, R3.5 billion project in Durban Properties in the newly-
which continues to align public North, reflect growing demand established Hammarsdale
sector planning with private for premium coastal living. Industrial Park. From
sector investment. Through With phase one expected to be the revitalised CBD to the
targeted catalytic projects and a completed by late 2026, this burgeoning light-industrial The Dube TradePort Special Economic Zone remains a magnet for both local
focused economic strategy, the development signals a broader precincts, Hammarsdale is and international investors. Photo www.dubetradeport.co.za
City is leveraging its geographic trend of investment flowing into successfully shedding its “crime
advantage as a key port city lifestyle-driven real estate. and grime” past to become a
while diversifying into high- Industrial and manufacturing high-growth destination for
growth sectors. manufacturing and global
growth continues to be
One of the notable anchored by strategic zones logistics.
developments is the such as the Dube TradePort These investments are
establishment of Africa’s first Special Economic Zone, which reinforced by the City’s
superyacht hub, a project remains a magnet for both local 2026/2027 budget, which
exceeding R1.9 billion. In and international investors. prioritises infrastructure
partnership with Navigo, this Alongside this, the Cornubia upgrades, support for small
initiative positions Durban Mixed-Use Development is businesses, and digital
as a premier destination progressing as a key urban transformation. By focusing
for superyacht refit and development initiative, blending on sectors such as maritime,
maintenance services. Russell residential, commercial, and tourism, manufacturing,
Curtis, of Invest Durban industrial opportunities. logistics, and ICT, Durban is
commented, “Beyond its As industrial hubs in Durban building a diversified economic
prestige appeal, the hub is and Pinetown reach peak base designed for resilience and
expected to stimulate job capacity, Hammarsdale has long-term growth.
creation, skills development, officially transitioned from As these projects take shape,
and growth in marine-related a historic textile node into Durban’s investment story
industries, reinforcing Durban’s the eThekwini Municipality’s in 2026 is one of ambition
maritime credentials.”
primary frontier for industrial backed by action. With strong The establishment of Africa’s first superyacht hub positions Durban as a
Complementing this project and logistics expansion. institutional support, strategic premier destination for superyacht refit and maintenance services.
is significant investment Strategically positioned partnerships, and a pipeline of https://navigotoscana.it/en
in logistics and port along the vital N3 Durban- transformative developments,
infrastructure. The Transnet to-Johannesburg corridor, the the city is positioning itself not
upgrade of the Port of Durban, area is currently undergoing a just as a regional hub, but as a
supported by an R11 billion massive revitalisation, fuelled by globally competitive investment
injection from International a blend of public infrastructure destination.
Container Terminal Services upgrades and high-value private For investors seeking
Inc., aims to expand capacity sector investment. guidance and entry into this
and improve operational evolving landscape, Invest
efficiency. As Africa’s busiest The centrepiece of this Durban serves as a dedicated
port, these enhancements transformation is the R4 billion facilitation agency, offering
are critical in strengthening Keystone Park development. advisory services and support to
Durban’s position as a gateway This 115-hectare, modern navigate opportunities within
for trade across the continent logistics precinct, is set
and beyond. to redefine the region’s the city. 
economic landscape, creating
Energy infrastructure is approximately 5 000 permanent For more information visit:
also receiving a substantial jobs and 3 500 construction www.invest.durban
boost. Vivo Energy is investing roles. Designed with green
R2.1 billion into converting a development principles,
former refinery into a 125,000 Keystone Park provides a
cubic metre fuel storage “clean” industrial solution for
terminal. This project not only businesses seeking immediate,
enhances fuel security but also serviced land in a secure, The Beachwood Coastal Estate, a R3.5 billion project in Durban North, reflects
supports the broader logistics growing demand for premium coastal living.
landscaped environment. Photo: https://beachwoodcoastalestate.com

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