Latest news with #OceansUmhlanga
IOL News
4 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Southern Sun announces R1. 5 billion hotel project at Oceans Umhlanga
The official roof wetting ceremony of the R1.4 billion Oceans uMhlanga North Tower was held on Friday. At the event were, extreme right, businessman Vivian Reddy, co-developer, Oceans Umhlanga with Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, third from left, with other attendees. Image: eThekwini Municipality The Oceans Umhlanga development continues to anchor major investment in KwaZulu-Natal, with Southern Sun announcing a landmark R1.5 billion hotel and residences project set to open in late 2027. The announcement, made during the official roof wetting ceremony of the R1.4bn North Residential Tower on Friday, further cements Oceans Umhlanga's position as a key driver of regional economic growth. Southern Sun CEO Marcel von Aulock said: 'We're thrilled to be part of this extraordinary development. Oceans Umhlanga offers a world-class setting with unmatched positioning, and we are proud to anchor the hospitality component. 'This new hotel will stand as a flagship for our group and a key asset in our national portfolio.' The new property will be called Southern Sun Hotel & Residences Oceans Umhlanga and will cater to both short- and long-stay guests. It marks Southern Sun's return to the area nearly 60 years after it opened the Beverly Hills Hotel and adds to its existing portfolio of over 90 hotels and more than 300 conference venues across Southern Africa. 'This development represents a new opportunity for us to both increase our capacity in the vibrant Umhlanga Rocks area as well as enter a new market for quality serviced apartments,' said von Aulock. 'We are proud to be able to partner with the Oceans Umhlanga team and look forward to bringing something special to the market.' The partnership with Southern Sun brings the total investment into the Oceans Umhlanga precinct to over R5bn. Oceans Umhlanga co-developer Vivian Reddy stated, 'We evaluated various hotel operators over the past year and selected Southern Sun as the leading hotel company in South Africa. Southern Sun is a household name in hospitality and brings world-class design, operational experience, and a deep understanding of the South African tourism market to a project that caters to both local and international travellers.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. 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Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ He added that Umhlanga faced a chronic shortage of premium hotel rooms. 'Our Radisson Blu hotel has consistently achieved high occupancies and is fully booked during every major event in Durban. Even with five more hotels, demand would still outstrip supply. That's why the Southern Sun Oceans Hotel isn't a competitor, it's a complement. Together with Radisson Blu, it will enrich the guest experience.' Oceans Umhlanga CEO Brian Mpono described the precinct as 'more than a landmark development; it is a catalyst for Durban's long-term economic recovery and its rebranding as a globally competitive investment destination.' 'Our vision has always been to create a world-class mixed-use environment that integrates luxury retail, hospitality, and residential offerings while stimulating job creation, tourism, and investor confidence,' said Mpono. 'Durban's future lies in bold, integrated precincts that attract both local and international capital. Oceans Umhlanga exemplifies that.' He added that the precinct's success is not an isolated one but a multiplier for surrounding communities. 'Our partnerships with leading brands and our commitment to working with government, local businesses, and community stakeholders ensure that the precinct is not an isolated success but a multiplier for inclusive economic growth.' Despite the tough economic climate, Mpono said the project has remained on track. 'The current economic climate, including rising interest rates and construction costs, has required us to be more agile and strategic, but it has not slowed our commitment to Oceans Umhlanga. 'We've adapted by sequencing phases responsibly and managing costs efficiently, all while maintaining the premium quality and vision of the precinct.' Economist Dawie Roodt said developments of this scale can have a major impact on regional economies. 'It will be good for the economy of KZN, especially in that specific region. And it will also be good for sentiment,' he said. 'If people invest so much money, it must be a good place to be, and that will attract other investments as well.' Roodt added that the project would likely improve investor confidence. 'Certainly, it's good for perception and improvement in confidence as well.' The Oceans Umhlanga precinct, which includes the already operational Oceans Mall and Radisson Blu Hotel, has so far created over 25 000 jobs during construction, many filled by residents from nearby communities such as KwaMashu, Inanda, and Ntuzuma. The North Tower, which officially launched on Friday, offers 258 luxury apartments with ocean views, direct mall access, and high-end lifestyle amenities. THE MERCURY
IOL News
4 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Oceans North Tower launch marks new chapter for luxury living and inclusive growth in uMhlanga
Businessman Vivian Reddy having a chat with MC Styles Mbatha at the launch on Friday of the iconic Oceans North Tower. Image: Leon Lestrade / Independent Newspapers A NEW era of luxury and inclusive growth dawned in uMhlanga on Friday evening as the Oceans North Tower was officially launched, accompanied by a surprise announcement of a strategic partnership between Oceans Umhlanga and hospitality giant Southern Sun. The glamourous rooftop ribbon‑cutting event drew an elite gathering of politicians and dignitaries, including government ministers, politicians, eThekwini Municipal Manager, Consul General of the People's Republic of China in Durban, business leaders, local celebrities, international guests as well as investors. Guests were treated to champagne receptions, live entertainment, a lavish buffet and glittering views of the new luxury tower. The North Tower itself marks a R1.4 billion segment of the larger R4.3 billion Oceans Umhlanga development, which includes the award‑winning Oceans Mall and the Radisson Blu Durban Umhlanga Hotel. Featuring 258 luxury units—from studios to four‑bedroom penthouses—with ocean‑facing views, resort‑style pools, concierge and wellness zones, and direct access to the mall, the tower sets a new benchmark for coastal residential living in KwaZulu‑Natal. Beyond high‑end amenities, the project emphasises socio‑economic transformation. About 50 percent of the North Tower workforce comprised of young Black South Africans, with strong representation of Black women. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Over 24,000 jobs have been created during construction, with many sourced from neighbouring communities like Inanda, Ntuzuma, KwaMashu, and Blackburn. Developer and businessman Vivian Reddy called the event a milestone fueled by vision, resilience, and collaboration. He said the celebration was a defining moment in a journey that has been powered by determination and extraordinary people. "The Oceans North Tower is more than just a high rise, it is a landmark in belief that when South Africans unite in purpose we can produce something that is not only world class but something iconic. As I look at this tower I feel immense pride, not just in the architecture but in the human spirit behind over 2400 workers, artisans, engineers and professionals who brought it to life with their skills, sweat and unwavering commitment. The Tower is their triumph," said Reddy. He lauded his co-developer Rob Alexander for his unwavering support as well as other key players including the KwaZulu-Natal Joint Municipal Pension Fund. Speaker after speaker praised Reddy and Alexander for making the province a winning destination, recognising the value and transformative impact that the investment made on the socio economic landscape. Thulasizwe Buthelezi, MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs represented KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli, who was unable to attend, applauded the KwaZulu-Natal Joint Municipal Pension Fund for partnering with Reddy. 'The Oceans Umhlanga development stands as a beacon of progress, vision and commitment to building a prosperous economy in this province. Many of us here have had the privilege of witnessing the evolution of this landmark project from the development of Oceans Mall, one of the largest and most prominent retail centres in South Africa,' said Buthelezi. eThekwini Municipal Manager Musa Mbhele acknowledged the project's significance within the broader urban context. Mbele spoke candidly about the dual realities of a post-apartheid city—challenges of infrastructure and service delivery on one side, and resilience and investment on the other. 'This city has faced immense challenges, from service backlogs to devastating floods. But despite it all, projects like this show our strength and determination. Developers like Vivian Reddy prove that with belief in the city and its people, great things are still possible,' Mbhele said. At the height of the evening, Reddy revealed that Southern Sun will join the Oceans Umhlanga mixed–use precinct by taking significant equity and operational control of the upcoming South Tower hotel and residences. The sweetheart deal has been in negotiations for over a year and cements Southern Sun's long‑term investment in the development. SUNDAY TRIBUNE
IOL News
7 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Oceans Umhlanga launches luxury residential tower valued at R1. 4 billion
Oceans Umhlanga is making waves in the local real estate market with the official launch of its high-end North Oceans Umhlanga Residential Tower, valued at R1.4 billion. The event, scheduled for tomorrow, marks a significant stride in the region's economic and social transformation, amplifying KwaZulu-Natal's ambitious revitalisation agenda. According to Brian Mpono, CEO of Oceans Umhlanga Development, the North Tower is an integral part of the larger R4.3 billion Oceans Umhlanga Mixed Use Development, which encompasses the internationally recognised Oceans Mall and the five star Radisson Blu Durban Umhlanga Hotel. 'The launch isn't just another property unveiling; it's a celebration of Durban's evolution,' expressed an excited Mpono. 'This project reflects a vision brought to life through the tenacity and perseverance of our developers, Vivian Reddy and Rob Alexander.' Mpono noted that the project had already drawn international attention to KwaZulu-Natal's potential. Its North Tower will introduce over 258 luxury apartments, ranging from studios to four bedroom units, all designed to boast breathtaking ocean views along Africa's East Coast. Each unit features premium finishes with direct access to the adjacent Oceans Mall, setting a new standard for luxury residential offerings in the region. Beyond the aesthetics and amenities, Mpono stressed that the real impact of the North Tower was rooted in its focus on transformation. About 50% of the workforce employed in the North Tower's construction comprised young Black South Africans, with a notable representation of young Black women. 'It is critical for us that our development reflects the diversity of our communities,' added Mpono, highlighting the inclusive nature of this ambitious project. Equally significant was the commercial aspect of the Oceans Umhlanga development. Currently, 50% of the retail space within Oceans Mall is owned by Black entrepreneurs, with 12 out of 14 restaurants run by Black owners. This commitment to inclusivity has already generated over 25,000 jobs during the construction phase, many of which had been filled by individuals from neighbouring communities like Inanda, Ntuzuma, KwaMashu, and Blackburn. 'These developments signify a paradigm shift for areas once considered remote from large-scale investments,' said Mpono. 'We are witnessing real change: young people thriving in flagship boutiques, women steering successful restaurants, and fathers securing stable employment in logistics and security. These statistics aren't mere numbers; they represent families with renewed hope and dignity.' Strategically situated on Lagoon Drive, the North Oceans Umhlanga Residential Tower aspires to be a landmark investment for the region, promising long-term value. Envisioned to integrate exclusive lifestyle amenities, residents will enjoy resort style pools, concierge services, yoga zones, children's play areas, and seamless access to the beachfront promenade. Final economic impact statistics, as well as glimpses into future investments, including an anticipated R1.3 billion leisure investment for the upcoming South Tower, are expected to be announced during the anticipated launch event. The event will draw civic leaders and government officials, including the Mayor and the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal. DAILY NEWS
