PROJECTVIEW
MARITIME PLACE , PAARDEN EILAND
When designed well , mixed-use developments can significantly drive urban transformation . They create dynamic environments that attract diverse people , including creatives , entrepreneurs , and small business owners who thrive in areas that merge living and working spaces . These developments foster collaboration , innovation , and a unique sense of community . Maritime Place , Paarden Eiland ’ s first major residential project , is set to pioneer this type of urban regeneration . Designed by Bruce Wilson Architects and developed by Rawson Developers , Maritime Place is poised to transform this historically industrial district into a thriving mixeduse hub . Rawson Developers has a strong track record of revitalising areas with innovative developments that combine residential , commercial , and creative spaces . With 340 apartments , a wide array of amenities and 13 large commercial tenancies , Maritime Place promises to follow that tradition . Construction is already underway , with completion expected during 2026 . Bruce Wilson Architects , known for their intelligent and communityfocused design , has crafted Maritime Place to be more than just a housing solution . Their design features softindustrial , contemporary details in natural finishes that seamlessly blend functionality with aesthetic appeal . With the demand for residential space continually rising , Maritime Place is a bold move that opens up a new neighbourhood in Paarden Eiland . It signals the start of an exciting chapter for the district .
THRIVE STUDENT LIVING , UNIVERSITY OF KZN
Thrive Student Living has started its largest student accommodation development yet . Representing a significant R800 million investment , the new purpose-built student accommodation development has commenced immediately adjacent to the main gate of the Howard College Campus of University of KwaZulu-Natal in Berea , eThekwini .
Undertaken by Growthpoint Properties ’ specialist development division , the project will add 2,400 student beds in the region , which research shows has the biggest shortage of student beds in South Africa .
“ Proprietary research commissioned by our team revealed that KZN remains undersupplied with student beds ,” says Kobus Blom , Growthpoint ’ s KwaZulu-Natal Regional Development Manager . “ The province has significant demand , and most students live in environments that are not conducive to student outcomes .”
In response to this need , Growthpoint has commenced the two-year development programme for the new building which is set to welcome its first students in January 2027 under the Thrive Student Living banner .
Growthpoint develops purpose-built student accommodation located and designed around students to help them succeed and make the most of their university experience . In line with Thrive Student Living ’ s ethos of fashioning vibrant campus communities , each unique in its architecture and design to reflect and foster its specific community , it has shaped a beautiful contemporary design for the new 12-storey building incorporating the red face-brick that is an architectural signature in the Berea area .
The design also includes all the added amenities that Thrive Student Living accommodation offers , like study areas and games rooms , gyms and IT rooms , and backup power and water . Uniquely , it has also been designed to include a small element of ground-floor retail tailored towards daily convenience , which will serve building residents , other students , and the immediate community , as there is nothing else in the area fulfilling this need .
The development will also benefit from Growthpoint ’ s recognised green building leadership , creating healthy , sustainable environments and operating with a social consciousness that adds value to communities . Growthpoint ’ s developments boost job and economic opportunities , in addition to having long-term positive socioeconomic impacts of education support .
While this is its first purpose-built student accommodation project in KZN , Growthpoint has a proud track record of leading purpose-built student accommodation developments in the university cities of Johannesburg , Pretoria and Cape Town .
12 Project Watch