Building Around Gateway Takes Off

The popular, eclectic lifestyle appeal of Gateway, which lies five kilometers north of Durban, is shortly to be complimented by the building of two unusual new developments.

In announcing the launch of both Park Avenue and Central Park this week, marketing agent William Campbell of Lew Geffen Sotheby's International Realty (LGSIR) said the developments were aimed at niche market buyers and investors.

The first, Park Avenue, is a 40 000 square metre, mixed-use development comprising retail, office and residential components. It will also be the setting for a 138 room, five star hotel which will be managed by the Radisson Hotel Group.

Pricing ranges from R25 000 per square metre for retail and R16 000 per square metre for A-grade office space to between R5 million and R8 million for the penthouses. Comprising 10 units in total, the penthouses, at up to 600 square metres in size each, are generously proportioned and luxuriously finished. With views over the Chris Saunders Park, which lies at the end of Palm Boulevard, the entire project is scheduled for completion in October 2008.

Central Park, on the corner of Centenary Boulevard and Twilight Drive, will run alongside the Wave House and Skate Park at Gateway Shopping Theatre. Also a five star hotel, it will offer the ultimate in understated elegance and quality finishes of the highest standard. "Based on the final plans and architect impressions, this hotel will be on a par with the best that Europe or the rest of the world has to offer," he says.

It differs from Park Avenue in that it will cater for permanent residents in the 55-plus age sector. Once built, it will consist of 230 one and two bedroom apartments, all fully air-conditioned and complete with their own kitchens. A sectional title development, it will suit people wanting to downsize while continuing to lead active lives, says Campbell. "Not only will it appeal to those who are tired of maintaining large properties or who want a lock-up-and-go lifestyle but it will also cater for residents who want to live within close proximity of a busy hub, yet demand high levels of security within an aesthetically appealing environment."

Residents will have access to a wide range of services and facilities that include spacious lounges and meeting rooms, a library, a bridge and games room, a mini home theatre and a restaurant and wellness centre. There will also be a concierge service, heated swimming pool, frail care facilities, a well-equipped emergency room and ample parking for residents and their guests. Security will be state of the art, with tightly controlled access to the building.

Campbell says that active business people are also catered for, since there will be a full internet service, business suites and even a full range of secretarial services. Prices for the units range from R2 million to R2.7 million – this includes access to the restaurant, garaging, lounges and meeting rooms. – Ingrid Smit

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