Carnival City Casino, owned by resort company Sun International, is partnering with residential developer LivRES to develop a mixed-use lifestyle estate on vacant land at Carnival City in Ekurhuleni.

Carnival City is a minority shareholder in this development that will offer safe and affordable living.

When complete, the R2.5-billion 50 ha lifestyle estate will comprise of secure residential districts connected by commercial and lifestyle components. The current casino and hotel complex is situated on a 30 ha portion of land directly adjoining the new development.

Speaking at the announcement on site on April 25, Sun International CEO Anthony Leeming said Sun International bought the land well over 20 years ago because the location was ideal for a casino, even though the parcel of land was larger than needed.

“Over the years, we have weighed up a number of options for the unused part of the property, including selling it off,” he pointed out.

According to Leeming, after the R1-billion Carnival City Casino and entertainment complex opened in November 2000, it attracted greater development to the surrounding area. This includes a Road Lodge, which was built by the City Lodge Group. Sun International added the four-star Carnival City hotel in 2007.

The Carnival East Village Property Company has been expressly formed to work in partnership with LivRES to manage the development and the estate, while the Carnival City Casino will focus on its core business, which is running a casino and a hotel.

LivRES specialises in creating sustainable developments with modern amenities.

Buildings will be equipped with solar and generator backup to future-proof the development against interrupted energy supply. Emphasis will be placed on installing sustainable fixtures and fittings to save energy and water.

It was indicated that solar would entail minigrid systems, where an independent power producer, through an agreement, would harness power off rooftops and carports. It is anticipated that between 50% to 60% of the estate’s power requirements would be provided by solar, as well as a four-hour backup. Moreover, this would result in cost benefits for residents.

The existing wetland on the site will be turned into a green park.

Districts will be completed one at a time and, when complete, it will contain the existing Carnival City Casino’s entertainment complex, with over 13 restaurants and several entertainment offerings.

It will also comprise 3 000 new homes developed in separate villages across the property. Each distinctive village will offer either upmarket apartments or freestanding homes in the East Village, West Village, Greenwich Village, Upper Westside and Upper Eastside.

It will also boast commercial and retail opportunities in the business and commercial districts.

There will also be a private school at the estate’s western entrance, within safe walking distance of the residential districts. The school will offer primary and secondary level education.

Also, there will be a lifestyle centre, a 10 000 m² neighbourhood market and a village-style retail centre; and a Central Park with a range of open space and recreation amenities, linked to the estate by a network of green walking and cycling trails, including the newly launched Carnival City Parkrun.

Lastly, it is said to enjoy easy access onto the N17 highway linking the estate to Johannesburg, and less than a 30-minute commute to OR Tambo International Airport.

Other modern amenities and attractions include security with a 24-hour guard, WiFi-ready facilities, co-working spaces, children’s play areas, a resort-style pool and clubhouse, a meditation garden and braai areas.

All properties will also allow pets and there will be a doggy park for residents.

DEVELOPMENT

The East Village will be the first to be developed within the greater estate. The 30 affordable residential units will offer a selection of one- and two-bedroom apartment units. Each three-storey block will be positioned to offer privacy in a fully landscaped setting with green walkways and adequate parking spaces.

Each unit has been designed by LYT Architects. Unit sizes range from 39 m² to 72 m².

The developers anticipate that construction of the first units will begin by April 2024, with the first apartments being ready for occupation by December 2024. It was noted that pre-sales had already begun and were positive.

Sufficient pre-sales are being targeted for March 2024, following which construction of the first phase will begin.