requirements of the land . The company successfully managed nearby Zimbali and was ”... largely responsible for unlocking the potential of KwaZulu-Natal ’ s North Coast ,” says Sithembiso Mthembu , development executive of Sibaya Coastal Precinct for Tongaat Hulett Developments .
Fully realised , Sibaya will include hotels , offices , shops , restaurants , educational institutions and recreational opportunities to complement its comprehensive residential offering . The precinct is wedged between the Indian ocean , the oHlanga and uMdloti rivers , and the N2 national highway . Coupled with the unique landscape that is synonymous with KwaZulu-Natal , the location lends the development character . Tongaat Hulett ’ s vision for the precinct is an urban space integrated with the protected natural environment , remaining accessible to all . In the comprehensive planning process , careful consideration was given to the site ’ s topography and natural elements – which are fundamental to the unique lifestyle that Sibaya Coastal Precinct affords homeowners , occupants and visitors .
Tongaat Hulett ’ s ecologically mindful approach to development planning for Sibaya goes beyond mutual respect between man and his surroundings , towards actively encouraging the integration of urban development and the natural environment , so that these elements reinforce one another , creating a brand new urban identity and allencompassing lifestyle .
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ESTATE REVIEW
Top : Sibaya Coastal Precinct location Bottom : Sibaya Precinct Artist Impression
The vision is of a mixed-use urban development where buildings are embedded in the landscape rather than imposed upon it , and the architecture responds to its local context . In the planning process there was a determination to reduce the spatial footprint and elevate the natural landscape , while maximising open space . Seventy-five kilometres of nature trails and 600 hectares of pristine rehabilitated and existing coastal dune forest inhabited by indigenous fauna and flora testify to the developers ’ commitment to low-density living .