NEWSWORTHY
GIBA BUSINESS ESTATE , ETHEKWINI
The R1.9-billion Giba Business Estate , the largest light industrial and logistics development to break ground within Durban ’ s Outer West in more than three years , will not only create hundreds of short term and permanent jobs but also significantly boost the greater eThekwini region ’ s GDP . Speaking at the official sod turning for the development on Wednesday , August 16 , the spokesperson for developers Sultex Investments explained that the development marked the opening up of new land for industrial development that was up until now zoned for agricultural use . “ Sultex Holdings is a black owned company with a level one BBBEE score . It comprises a group of local Durban businessmen who are collectively undertaking this prestigious project as an expression of its commitment to the eThekwini region . This substantial investment in this project is testimony to their confidence in the region ,” the spokesperson said . Westmead Industrial Park and the Mahogany Ridge Industrial Park lie to the north-east of Giba Business Estate , making this a natural extension of this sought after industrial node along the busy Durban Gauteng corridor . The development , which has been earmarked as one of the city ’ s key catalytic projects by the eThekwini Municipality , will see the development of 220,000m 2 of platformed sites of various sizes . The Giba Business Estate comprises 22 sites aimed at light industry , warehousing and the allied logistics sectors and will be developed in two phases . Work has already begun on the infrastructure and platforms for the first phase which is due for completion in July 2024 .
VENICE HOUSE , CAPE TOWN
Step into a new era of city living at Venice House , a re-imagined boutique development that celebrates the rich heritage and architecture of the existing building and its surrounds . Just around the corner from the bustling bars , art galleries and restaurants of Bree and Long Street sits a nearly century-old building . Developed by Prospekt Property Development , this slice of history will become Venice House , a boutique development of just 36 apartments . Bruce Wilson Architects were tasked with preserving and restoring the beautiful European architecture of this truly unique and authentic heritage building . Using contemporary design interventions to complement the rare craftsmanship of Venice House , the result is a distinctive development that combines the best of both worlds . Unlike many refurbished buildings in the city , which are ripped down and replaced with modern structures , Venice House will celebrate the original building ’ s charming façade .
The apartments , many of which are built around lightwells , have European-style high ceilings , rounded and arched windows and balconies that one would expect on the streets of Venice or Paris . Each of the units have slightly unique features . You could have high ceilings with large arched windows , while a neighbouring apartment has charming porthole-style windows with a balcony .
There are also New York-style basement lofts making Venice House one of the few developments in the city to offer this . An artisanal eatery and deli will be located next to the grand foyer with its impressive domed ceiling .
With 24-hour concierge and security services , back-up power for WiFi and communal areas and an in-house gym , Venice House has all the conveniences for an inner-city lifestyle .
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