The first house has been completed in Kindlewood, Tongaat Hulett’s Residential estate in Mount Edgecombe. At a time when uncertainty reigns in the property market, the event is being hailed as evidence of developer confidence in long-term prospects. Tilana Glen Projects was responsible for construction of the first house in Kindlewood – one of 560 planned for the Estate. Director of Tilana Glen, Craig Mitchell, said, “As Developers and Specialists in this field, we are naturally aware of market conditions and we always have this in mind, but we must continue with a positive attitude as there is still a specialised market that we need to cater for.” The reputation of Tongaat Hulett and Mount Edgecombe Country Estate, a forerunner to Kindlewood, had given Mitchell confidence in the estate. The developer has taken up the challenge set by Tongaat Hulett and included sustainability feature in the construction of the home. These features include the use of open roof trusses in the bedrooms to provide ventilation through the gables. Indigenous planting for low water absorption will be provided and water attenuation system installed. A number of other developers have projects in various stages of construction. Gary Liebenberg of Lorber Projects has begun construction on five freestanding houses and two blocks of “lock-up-and-go” units, with four homes in each block.

<b>Location</b>

Liebenberg has a long history with Tongaat Hulett, having developed properties at Zimbali Coastal Resort, as well as some of the first homes in Mount Edgecombe Country Club Estate 2. “Kindlewood is in an excellent location close to Gateway, offices and schools, and I believe this, combined with its open, expansive, green setting, makes Kindlewood a fantastic prospect.” Warren Bradfield of Northern Lights CC said his company had bought two of the largest sites at Kindlewood, on which a total of 79 houses will be built. “The success of Mount Edgecombe Estates 1 and 2 has shown how well the Tongaat Hulett formula works, and I see Kindlewood as ‘Estate 3’.” “I know I can’t go wrong,” said Bradfield, who has also developed properties within Tongaat Huletts Izinga Ridge. “I’m excited about Kindlewood and I’m confident that when the houses are completed. The market will have begun to turn around, so there will be some excellent opportunities for investors.” Tongaat Hulett executive Mike Deighton said, “We have been through many ups and downs in the property market over the years and we are extremely well positioned to handle the difficult patches, thanks to our integration as part of Tongaat Hulett Ltd.” “Ours is a strong organisation with diverse operations. We are looking at long-term prospects and strengthening our organisation for the future, a key component of which is maximising land values to ensure long-term sustainability,” said Deighton. “We have a track record of delivering world-class developments. We have no doubt that Kindlewood will prove to be just as rewarding for all concerned in the long term,” he said.


Written by: Kindlewood | Date Added: 26 Jan 2009