R3.5bn Beachwood Coastal Estate in Durban North to break ground soon

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19-06-2026
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IOL
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THE first phase of the multi-billion-rand Beachwood Coastal Estate development is set to break ground in about two months’ time. The developer, Gavin Strydom, detailed the process to be followed and the interest in the development. He revealed that work on the development could start as early as August.

The development, located along Durban North’s pristine coastline, has however been met with some opposition, with residents challenging the matter in court. The development will include a range of high-end residential offerings, complemented by carefully curated commercial facilities, including a wellness centre, coffee shop, restaurant, and a signature golf course with the Indian Ocean on its doorstep.

Strydom outlined the development programme and confirmed that construction tenders will shortly be invited.

"It is anticipated that a principal contractor will be appointed by August, allowing the first phase of development to commence. The first phase is expected to take approximately 18 months to complete.” Phase One will include the sale of premium freehold stands, enabling purchasers to design and construct their own dream homes in collaboration with a panel of pre-approved architects, engineers, and contractors. In addition, the developer will construct luxury sectional title apartments to cater to buyers seeking a lock-up-and-go coastal lifestyle.

The first phase represents an investment of approximately R1.2 billion.

According to Strydom, the development has already generated substantial interest from Durban residents, buyers from elsewhere in South Africa, and international investors, resulting in sales commitments of approximately R600 million to date. The second phase, anticipated to commence during the following year, will expand the estate’s residential offering and introduce a range of lifestyle and commercial amenities, including a wellness centre, coffee shop, restaurant, signature golf course, and other supporting facilities.

“While Beachwood Coastal Estate will offer a world-class luxury lifestyle, security remains one of our foremost priorities,” said Strydom. “The estate will incorporate multiple layers of advanced security designed to provide residents with exceptional peace of mind. Our objective is to create an environment where residents can fully enjoy the estate’s amenities in complete safety and comfort.”

He added that the development is ideally located, providing convenient access to Durban’s key destinations, including the International Convention Centre, King Shaka International Airport, major arterial routes, leading schools, and premier dining establishments.

Addressing environmental concerns, Strydom emphasised the developer's commitment to responsible stewardship of the site. “With complete sincerity, I can say that the environmental assets of the property will be preserved, rehabilitated, and enhanced through the development process. Our vision is to create a world-class coastal estate that works in harmony with its natural surroundings while protecting and strengthening the ecological integrity of the area.”

The project has been challenged by residents in that area; the matter is currently in court, and judgment is expected in the coming weeks. The Mercury previously reported that some residents in Durban North opposed the development, saying they had collected more than 3,000 signatures as part of a petition objecting to the development.

The residents raised numerous concerns about the project, including that the area earmarked for development is environmentally sensitive and not suitable for amenities other than the existing golf course. The development also meant they would lose use of the property, as public access would fall away, they said. The eThekwini Municipality has described the project as one of the key investments that aim to transform the city.

In a social media post, City Manager Musa Mbhele spoke of the work underway to facilitate the project. He said most approvals have been granted for the development: “We will be starting with the upgrade and widening of Virginia Airport Circle, together with the roads surrounding it. Then there will also be an upgrade of the Broadway/M4 north interchange, which will happen simultaneously with Virginia Circle. As I said, these are not fairy tale pie-in-the-sky ideas; these are ripe ideas ready for implementation.”

eThekwini Municipality’s Marketing and Communications Director, Mandla Nsele, added: “The mixed-use development is projected to generate an estimated annual revenue of R80 million and create approximately 2,500 jobs during the construction phase, with a further 1,500 permanent employment opportunities anticipated once the development is fully operational.

“The municipality can confirm that the developer has complied with all statutory planning requirements in terms of the Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act (SPLUMA) relating to the township establishment process for the Beachwood Development. The construction period for all phases is expected to run from 2025 to 2035, in line with the developer’s communicated timeframes. No construction work on bulk infrastructure has commenced yet. The developer has only commenced earthworks for the development.”