The $280 million River Club development project will be built in Cape Town, South Africa. The planned multi-functional development zone will be built on an area of 15 hectares. The development design aims to create a 150,000 square meter mixed-use space divided into two areas for commercial and residential purposes. Developer Liesbeek Leisure Properties Trust plans to use 31,900 square meters for residential use.

The proposed development will meet the requirements of inclusiveness and integration. It combines various land uses and income groups by providing market-oriented affordable housing opportunities-the latter will be physically integrated with other residential units in the apartment complex.

Other parts of the project include: 59,600 square meters of office space, 20,700 square meters of retail space, 8,200 square meters of hotel, 4,100 square meters of gymnasium; restaurant, conference, school and event space. According to the developer, 20% of the residential floor area will be allocated to affordable housing opportunities. American retail giant Amazon will become the main tenant and open an operating base on the African continent.

The development of the River Club is expected to be carried out in phases and is planned to be carried out in three to five years. The development of Zone 1 includes mixed use and a construction area of approximately 60,000 square meters. Area 2 will house the Amazon headquarters, which is a building area of 70,000 square meters.

Greatly boosted Cape Town’s economy

"After the Covid-19 national lockdown, the planned multi-functional development will greatly promote the development of the economy and the people of Cape Town. As the impact of the Covid-19 lockdown still exists, the development will have a major boost to Cape Town’s economy It is expected that 5,239 jobs will be created during the construction phase alone. The project will also create as many as 19,000 indirect and induced jobs.

Executive Mayor Dan Plato said that during the appeal process, the city had carefully and thoroughly considered all submitted opinions and concerns. "We are keenly aware of the need to balance investment and job creation, as well as heritage and planning considerations. It is clear that this development has brought many economic, social and environmental benefits to the region. He added: "We are committed to Promote investment to revitalize the slowly recovering economy affected by Covid-19. "

Although the development has been approved as a concept, the conditions require a further approval stage during which the developer must submit a series of detailed plans for the development.Editor/Huang Lijun