Sun International has broken ground on a R295-million expansion at its iconic Sun City resort, in the North West.

Forming part of its Sun Vacation Club (SVC) – one of South Africa’s leading timeshare models – the latest development is the group’s first significant expansion at the resort since the establishment of the Aviary in 2004.

The new Lefika Villas will comprise 58 double-storey luxury villas – 48 three-bedroom villas and 10 four-bedroom villas – as well as a recreational area with a resort pool, family restaurant and children’s play area.

“We are experiencing significant demand for SVC accommodation at Sun City and this expansion will help satisfy this demand. We are confident that this development will achieve above-market returns,” Sun International CEO Anthony Leeming told the media during the sod-turning event earlier this month.

The addition of Lefika Villas, which will be able to accommodate up to 400 additional guests, will increase the SVC capacity at Sun City to 478 units once it is completed by November 2023. Civils and earthworks started in July.

The project leaves room for the further development of another 10 four-bedroom units should demand arise.

The development forms part of Sun International’s proposed multimillion-rand masterplan that includes the potential Phase 2 development, in 2023, of Sun Central, which will comprise 200 two-bedroom units on the ground’s previous staff accommodation area.

This will be fully dependent on the success of Lefika Villas and driven by demand.

“Sun City remains perennially popular and post-Covid we have seen an increase in demand from leisure, conference and sporting guests. We have invested significantly in the property and the resort is in great condition. We are also seeing great demand for self-catering units at the SVC,” Leeming continues.

“The Lefika Villas were born from the market demand for a high-end luxury, self-catering product at Sun City Resort. “The SVC Lion suites and the three-bedroom units sold out in record time, highlighting the appetite for more space and more luxury,” explains SVC Group GM Janita Donaldson.

As part of the development, there will be significant inclusion of surrounding communities in upliftment and knowledge and skills transfer projects, with a stipulated 30% build value to be allocated to local contractors, Sun City Resort GM Brett Hoppe adds.

According to the development team, the design of Lefika Villas, which means “stone” in the local Setswana language, draws inspiration from the adjacent stone-walled Itlholanoga heritage site.

The settlement, located on the northern face of the hill overlooking the entire valley, is rated as a Level 5 for historical significance and is a designated provincial heritage site.

Sun International enlisted the assistance of leading archaeological and heritage experts, including Wits Archaeology professor and Origins Centre director Mandy Esterhuyzen, who will assist with the management and preservation of this and surrounding historical heritage sites.

The villas are also designed with as little intrusion of the surrounding natural landscape as possible, with all the units arranged to accommodate existing natural features, topography and views.

“Special attention was also given to the preservation of existing natural features on site. “The new villas have been located around existing natural topographies such as existing rock outcrops and existing trees as far as possible. The serene bush setting feels miles away from the heart of the bustling Sun City Resort, which is literally two minutes away,” says Sun International development manager Mark Pitchers.

Meanwhile, Sun International is continuing with several current upgrade projects at Sun City, which is home to the iconic 327-room Palace of The Lost City Hotel, the 241-room five-star Cascades Hotel, the 380-room Cabanas and the Bush Bungalows with 14 chalets, as well as the 340-room four-star Sun City Hotel.

The group embarked on a complete R208-million refurbishment of The Palace of The Lost City, including the installation of a spa and gym, which will be completed in November when the hotel celebrates its thirtieth birthday.

The exclusive Salon Privé in the Sun City Hotel has also been given a complete makeover.

Sun International has also started its expansion of the GrandWest Hotel in Cape Town to increase the capacity to 103 rooms, from the 39 rooms it currently has running at a 99% occupancy. The expansion is expected to be completed by September 2023.