The Waterfall Estate in Midrand, is one of 5 multi-billion rand mixed-use developments taking shape in Gauteng.
Mention ‘Waterfall Estate’ and images of tranquil, upmarket homes, meadows and all manner of modern amenities come to mind. Within a relatively short space of time, Waterfall Estate, which is spread out over a 2200 hectare tract of land between Woodmead, Kyalami and Midrand has become one of Gauteng’s most prominent lifestyle estates. Interestingly, it now forms part of an elite group of ‘mega’ mixed use developments which are slowly but surely starting to take shape across Gauteng.
As things stand, there are five multi-billion Rand mixed-use developments currently being constructed across Gauteng. ‘Zendai Modderfontein’ in Modderfontein is the most expensive with an estimated cost of R84bn which will be spent developing 1,600 hectares. Waterfall Estate is next on the list with a projected total price tag of R71bn. Steyn City near Dainfern is third with a development cost of R57bn. Hazeldean in Pretoria East measures 950 hectares which is costing R44bn to develop. Menlyn Maine in Pretoria weighs in at ‘just’ 32 hectares and is set to cost R10bn. Collectively, the developments are worth approximately R265bn.
Where it all began
Waterfall Estate’s story began many years ago. The land originally belonged to the Gibson brothers who later sold it Moosa Ismail Mia. Mia in turn built religious facilities for Indian and black orphans on the property. In later years, part of the land was expropriated by government for the development of Megawatt Park and the Bucchleuch interchange.
When government began to expropriate the land, the Mia family decided to start developing it. Today, the land is held in trust by the Waterfall Islamic Institute which has granted permission to lease it on a renewable 99 year leasehold basis.
In 1997 work on Waterfall Estate officially began. Today, Waterfall Estate comprises several residential nodes including Waterfall Country Estate & Village, Waterfall Equestrian Estate, a variety of retirement villages and Waterfall View which caters to the affordable housing market. Upon completion in 2026, it is estimated that the estate will play host to as many as 10 000 residential units which will could house approximately 35 000 to 40 000 residents. Property prices start at around R600 000 and escalate into the tens of millions.
Facilities
Of course a host of facilities catering to these residents has already been built or are in the pipeline. Facilities include a Netcare hospital which is already up and running, five star hotels, several private schools, an exquisite clubhouse and gym which overlooks a lake, myriad walking and mountain bike trails, parks, a crèche, a cemetery and a Gautrain station.
In a bid to offer a balanced, integrated offering, a large portion of the estate has also been allocated to office, retail and industrial development which will collectively form the Waterfall Business Estate. Developments under this banner include Waterfall Distribution Campus, Waterfall Logistics Precinct, Waterfall City, Waterfall Corporate City, Waterfall Capital City, Waterfall Commercial District and a massive R3, 2bn mall named ‘Mall of Africa’.
It is estimated that the business estate will accommodate an additional 60 000 people. Given the nature of this node, special focus has been given to the flow of traffic, quality telecommunications, access, functionality and the integration of green pockets. It is anticipated that Waterfall’s business estate will become one of Gauteng’s major new business districts in the years ahead. Several major companies have already signed on to take up residence and many more have indicated their interest.
Overall, it would appear that Waterfall Estate has all the right ingredients to become one of South Africa’s foremost mixed-use estates which will cement its position as one of the country’s ‘big five’ developments for many years to come.
