| Project | Description | Status/Progress as of July 2026 |
| Oceans uMhlanga | Oceans uMhlanga is a R4bn mixed-use development situated strategically within the core tourism node of uMhlanga Rocks village. The mixed-use development consists of the Raddison Blu Hotel, a retail mall and 600 apartments. | The focus for this year continues to be on the South Residential Tower for the developer, and in finding an alternative public transport solution that will resolve public transport issues in the node.
Progress: ·South Tower: On 18 May 2026, the Developer resubmitted the Deviation Plan addressing comments from Line Departments. The plan is being assessed by relevant Line Departments. Construction continues. · Permanent Taxi Holding Facility: Following the adoption of the Council Report on 30 April 2026 which mandated the CM to conclude the MoA with the Taxi Industry, ETA has drafted the MoA which is currently being reviewed by Legal. Engagement on the MoA with TI to follow post legal vetting. ·Temporary Taxi Holding Facility: Two sites in Cornubia have been identified for this purpose and need to be readied for use. This is required to enable the approval of the wayleave application for the South Tower construction activities · SPLUMA submission for Bulk Allocations: The SPLUMA is currently under circulation with two comments still outstanding comments from Electricity and Water. |
| Sibaya Coastal Precinct | Sibaya Coastal Precinct is situated in the North of Durban within the city’s Aerotropolis region. The 7 nodes of mixed-use developments with a range of land uses will house offices, retail, restaurants, educational institutions, recreational opportunities and more, to complement a residential offering, with an estimated investment value of R48 billion and will continue to 2036. | Node 1 (Portion 1 of Erf 5 — Porsche Site): A Section 47 certificate has been received, marking a significant planning milestone for this node and positioning the site for the next phase of development.
Node 5 — Retail Centre: Construction is progressing on Heleza Boulevard and the new retail centre at 1 Heritage Drive, with the developer targeting tenant occupation in August 2026 ahead of a planned retail launch in September 2026. The developer has made payment in respect of the electricity invoice, and the electricity connection is anticipated to be finalised in August 2026. Node 6 Phase 2 (previously Node 7): Planning is advancing, with the developer (DevMco) having prepared a draft sewer report and layout for formal submission. A stakeholder meeting is being coordinated to present the proposed sewer design and collectively determine the most effective servicing strategy to ensure the development progresses without delays. M27 Upgrade: Last PSC meeting was held on 14 July 2026. Construction is progressing across all work fronts on both the DoT and SANRAL sections. The project is approximately 14 days behind schedule, with the contractor having submitted a recovery programme. Practical completion of the DoT section is targeted for 13 November 2026, with full project completion on 26 November 2026. The project remains on track for completion by December 2026. Local employment stands at 79 workers, well above the 30% target.
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| Avoca Node (Northfields, Brickworks and Upgrading of ONCR) | The R10 billion Avoca Nodal Development consists of 3 precincts located along the N2 corridor comprising The Brickworks, Northfields industrial developments and Caneridge residential development.
The City received funding from the Budget Facility for Infrastructure (BFI) for the upgrading of Old North Coast Road which is the road that will support the traffic that will be generated by the Avoca Node developments. |
The municipality has advanced well with the upgrading of Old North Coast Road (ONCR) and is anticipated to be completed by February 2027 (excluding the KZN Department of Transport (DoT) portion) due to delays with approval of additional funding required to complete the works.
The budget allocation for ONCR Phase 1 after reprioritisation in May 2026 was R35.53 million for 2025/26FY. However, due to challenges and delays arising from unforeseen circumstances (ground conditions, rainfall events, embankment failure and relocation of critical services) an additional budget of R29 million is required for the completion of the works in 26/27FY. A major amendment to contract is required due to additional contract authority amount and additional time to complete the works. A reprioritisation report was tabled at EXCO & Council on 26th & 29th May 2026 respectively and the additional R3.3 mill was approved for 2025/26FY and R27 million approved to be allocated for 2026/27 FY. Reprioritisation report indicating source of additional funding from other projects within the directorate is scheduled to be tabled at Council meeting of 30 July 2026. The budget allocation for ONCR Phase 2 (KZN DoT portion) was R28 million for 2025/26 FY. Due to SCM delays, the budget was re-allocated (mid-term adjustment) to other projects that required additional funding. Spending for ONCR Phase 1 for 2025/26FY remained at R 25,703,956.00 representing 72% spend as at the end of June 2026. The city is still waiting for funding commitment from KZN DoT for the value of R114 million. Anticipated award of contract is January 2027, with commencement of works on site anticipated in February 2027. Brickworks Phase 2 development SPLUMA application was advertised for public comments on 15/09/2025. No objection received. Council approval was through the City Manager’s approval via Regulation 28 (b) of Rule of Order By-Law, 2014. This approval was subsequently rectified by Council on the 29th of January 2026. Decision Notice was issued on the 23rd of February 2026. |
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Shongweni |
The 2000-hectare precinct, located along the SIP 2 Corridor is an integrated mixed-use development for a new economic hub inclusive of retail, mixed- typology residential, lifestyle and tourism-based development, new lifestyle estates, high-quality office and business parks and logistics.
First phase, known as the Urban Core, has at its centre a regional mall with associated mixed uses (Phase 1A), and is the subject of an MOA which was signed between City and private sector Developer in June 2022. |
The Catalytic Projects Unit has enabled the development of Westown Square through co-funding the bulk infrastructure required to support the development. This has unlocked the remainder of the Ntshongweni Urban Development which will be catalysed by Westown Square, which was launched on the 27th of March 2025.
The construction of the bulk infrastructure for Phase 1A is nearing completion. The construction of phase 2 of Kassier Road is required to unlock the remainder of Westown. The Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA) study to test the economic viability of the Kassier Road project is close to completion. The target is to submit a funding application to BFI in the 26/27 financial year. With the conclusion and launch of Westown Square, plans are underway to formalise the partnership between the Municipality and the Developer to continue with the implementation of the next the Phases of the Development. The city is therefore in the process of appointing engineering consultants to assess the costs of Phase 1 and Phase 2 of Kassier Road in order to determine the amount that the City can contribute towards the upgrades. The construction of the West Private Hospital is expected to commence in September 2026. The Balwin Residential Apartments are currently under construction and building Plans have been submitted for Parc ferme. |
| Cato Ridge Freight and Logistics Hub | Cato Ridge Logistics Hub or Dry Port is a logistics, warehousing and light industrial precinct envisaged by eThekwini’s Local Area Plan. This will be the catalyst for the Cato Ridge Nodal Development, help with decongestion of CBD and Port by improving logistics efficiencies on N3 / SIP2 Corridor to include a Road/Rail Intermodal Container Terminal, a Mega Truck Stop and Staging Facility, a Logistics and Industrial Park, and a Tank Farm. | KwaXimba Interchange and R103 upgrades are required, enabling works required to unlock the first phase of the development and as well as to facilitate future developments within the broader corridor. These include strategic projects such as Insimbi Ridge and Cato Ridge Dry Port.
Specialised studies are currently being undertaken by the respective developers to inform the implementation roll out plans. The City, KZN DoT and SANRAL are in the process of finalising an MOA, which is a requirement to form part of the ISA funding application. |
| Cornubia | The Cornubia Integrated Human Settlement development is a 1300ha mixed-use mixed-income development, incorporating industrial, commercial, residential, and open space uses. It is a joint venture between national, provincial department of Human Settlements, eThekwini Municipality and Tongaat Hulett as a presidential project. | . CPD are exploring a way forward to complete a CBA using the CRI appointment currently in place. This will enable us to apply to the BFI for funding for the remaining infrastructure required to unlock the precinct.
Cornubia Blackburn to P1 Bulk Water Pipeline: The contractor is proceeding with work on site as according to programme. The contractor was paid on PC4 and has submitted the fifth payment certificate. Preparation of the new tender for the Cornubia Boulevard Phase 1 is in progress. This will then be followed by the submission to Bid committees and appointment of the contractor. |
| Dube Trade Port | Dube TradePort (DTP) is a 3,950 ha SEZ development located 30kms from Durban CBD, combining an international airport, dedicated cargo terminal, warehousing, offices, retail, hotels, and agriculture. The trade port will eventually provide 150,000 permanent jobs with a total rates contribution of R180 million annually. The overall investment value is R13 billion. | Planning application progress of Trade Zone 3 and Support Zone 2 remained a key focus area during July 2026.
Trade Zone 3’s SPLUMA application continues through circulation. ETA PTP issued comments on 10 July 2026, Zutari responded 13 July, and ETA’s confirmation is still outstanding, now escalated internally. An amended TradeZone 3 Wastewater Services report, with a flow breakdown per cluster, was submitted to EWS to address outstanding comments. A meeting was held with KZN DoT on 27 July 2026, SANRAL comments remain outstanding. The water reservoir design report was submitted to EWS on 16 July for in-principle Bulk Water approval. Support Zone 2 received in-principle PTP support on 29 July 2026, following the Addendum submitted 3 July. Outstanding items now sit with ETA Traffic Engineering and KZNDOT. Public transport planning within Dube City continued, focused on interim arrangements and longer-term solutions ahead of the iZiko building’s occupation and associated staff growth. Several building plan applications remain under circulation, including the DTPC Spec Building (Trade Zone 2), the AgriZone Satellite Building, and infrastructure plans for Agrizone 2 The DURAMP MOU was concluded 20 July 2026, with all parties, including the Dube TradePort CEO, having signed. |
| iZinga Development -Herrwood Drive Stormwater Upgrade | iZinga Balwin Development is situated in Umhlanga. The site covers a gross area of approximately 107 Ha.
The R6.14 bn development is predominately residential but will also include a school with a sports centre which includes padel courts, soccer fields, gyms, swimming pool, restaurant as well as a retail centre including a restaurant, fuel station and convenience store. |
The Combined Section 91A Exemption and Rezoning Application for Erf 2256, Umhlanga Rocks Extension 21 was submitted to LUMS in July 2026. The application seeks a Section 91A exemption together with the rezoning of the property from Special Residential 1250 to Administration to facilitate the development of municipal stormwater attenuation infrastructure. The application has been earmarked for consideration by the Joint Advisory Committee (JAC) on 11 August 2026.
Following Council approval on 4 June 2026, Erf 2256 was expropriated, with the Notice of Expropriation issued on 11 June 2026. Ownership and possession of the property vested in the eThekwini Municipality on 15 June 2026, enabling the Municipality to proceed as both the landowner and applicant. The construction tender (Contract No. 1N-35389) for the stormwater attenuation infrastructure was advertised on 22 May 2026, a compulsory clarification meeting was held on 2 June 2026, and tenders closed on 12 June 2026. The tender is currently under evaluation, and subject to a budget reprioritisation. The developer continues the finalisation of his iZinga Eco Estate Phase 1 development, with the Phase 2 underway with planning approval status. |
| Keystone | The 152-hectare, R6.5-billion Keystone Park Light Industrial Warehousing and Logistics Precinct currently being developed by Keystone Park CC, located immediately adjacent to the N3 Hammarsdale interchange. | Project has been successfully registered with Infrastructure South Africa (ISA) project pipeline to access funding from the national fiscus. The City is working with ISA to secure funding for upgrading and widening of the MR385. |
| Redevelopment of the Virginia Airport Site | After the non-award for the EOI, Virginia Airport Redevelopment was approved for RPF advertising by the City’s Investment Committee.
Property Valuations and Management (RE) to finalize the request for approval from the Council to release the asset as per Section 14.2 of the Municipal Finance and Management Act (MFMA) for disposal. A request to permanently accommodate Search and Rescue operations on the Virginia site was received from Metro Search and Rescue (S&R) office. The item was tabled at Capital Investment Committee (CIC) on the 09th of March 2026. The team presented at CIC the cons of accommodating this request. CIC approved the CPD position for the request to not be accommodated at this stage but rather Metro S&R to submit a business case for the request made together with full budget allocation and Quality Assurance Certificate. Metro S&R are in the process of finalising their Business Case, which will contribute to the finalising of the 14.2 report. Parallel to this, the Request For Proposals (RFP) in being prepared. |
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| Centrum Site | The R9.4 billion Durban Centrum; Gugu Dlamini Sub-Precinct is a mixed-use precinct, a basement parking garage with public service buildings, integrated with high-density residential, hotel, retail, and commercial development. The 9,7ha site comprises the largest single area of the central city and offers potential for comprehensive redevelopment. the site will complement the adjoining central business district while trying to preserve the city’s heritage in terms of its historic buildings. Project to provide 3,350 construction and 1,350 permanent jobs with annual rates of R67m. | After the non-award for the EOI, the item was tabled at Capital Investment Committee (CIC) on the 09th of March 2026. CIC approved the team to proceed with the reviewed Development Framework by proceeding with the RFP process for the redevelopment of the Centrum Site, subject to Council approval in terms of MFMA Section 14(2).
Subject to the approval of the recommendation, that the team will manage and engage with the respective line departments on the Removal of Soldier’s Way taxi rank and road from the Centrum Hand Plan and use of sites for private development, along Bram Fisher. The Property and Valuations team have amended the Hand plan, and the Valuation is being finalised. A baseline business case including funding implications for the interested Line Departments will be updatd circulated to affected departments. The team has also engaged Human Settlements on the residential approach for Centrum. These engagements are ongoing. |
| Point Waterfront | As part of the City’s initiative to redevelop and regenerate the Inner-city, the first phase commenced in 2017 with the construction of Point promenade, completed in November 2019. The next phase which started in Feb 2020 was the Point watermains which entails increasing water supply capacity to point waterfront in anticipation to growth in the area. It also includes a Public Realm upgrade. The rest of development involves private sector via foreign direct investment over a 10-15-year horizon at between R30-R35 billion investment value.
When the Point precinct is completed, the development will create 6,750 permanent jobs and provide 11,000 construction jobs with annual rates of R200 million. |
The dissolution of the PPT and the DIDT was noted by Council on 4 September 2025 and Legal is assisting with the dissolution. Awaiting all signatories from the approved trustees to sign the appointment forms for submission to Master of the High Court.
Council approved replacement trustee report on 4 June 2026.l The transfer of the Promenade from DPDC to the City was concluded on 10 April 2026. Property Valuations and Management Directorate is drafting a compensation agreement to resolve any contractual matters, including the historic electricity bill. The revised Rates Deferment Report is currently being reviewed by Legal Services for resubmission through the committee process. The report was withdrawn from the Executive Committee (EXCO) on 26 March 2026 to allow the eThekwini Municipality Property Rates Policy to be amended to incorporate clear rates deferment criteria. Council approved the revised Rates Policy on 4 June 2026, and these amendments have now been incorporated into the revised Rates Deferment Report. |
| Durban Bay Waterfront | The Waterfront forms part of the City’s initiative to redevelop and regenerate the inner-city as per the Inner-City Local Area Plan and Regeneration Strategy. The development of this waterfront could result in the promotion of a world-class tourism, water sport and recreation venue, establishment of a productive, diverse and appropriate Waterfront Development with maximum public access and involvement and the introduction of viable commercial development opportunities and an Improvement of positive linkages and interactions between the Yacht Basin and the Inner City. | A meeting was convened on 25 February 2026 between the Office of the City Manager and the Office of the Port Manager of Transnet National Ports Authority to discuss the current status of the project. The primary outcome of the engagement was to revisit the delivery approach and overall programme with a view to accelerating implementation and shortening the project timeline.
The Catalytic Projects Unit intends to procure professional services to undertake the pre-feasibility and feasibility studies during the 2026/27 financial year.
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| Durban Film City | The R7.5 billion Durban Film Studio development is a private sector led project and envisaged to be a world-class film studio complemented by tourism and leisure elements. The Studio will be constructed on the present Natal Command site. | The land transfer from the municipality to the Developer was completed on 15 December 2022. The Natal Command site is now under the ownership of Rinaldo Investments.
Site Framework Plan (SFP): The Site Framework Plan was approved, and a Decision Notice was subsequently issued on 19 January 2026. The approval permits a total gross bulk of 169,000 m².An appeal to the decision notice was submitted by Property Valuation & Management unit in February 2026. The Town Planning Appeals Committee, which convened on 8 July 2026, dismissed the appeal. The Town Planning Appeals Committee requested that Developer to submit the Master Plan to the Municipality for approval within 24 months from the date of the appeal. Some of the challenges for the development are the following: Rates Objection: The developer is currently pursuing a rates objection process with City. Revenue and Property Valuations and Management (RE) departments submitted a formal response letter to the Developer on 7 August 2022 and requested for clarification on the development bulk of 665,000m² which influence the rates value for the sites. RE issued an objection outcome to the Developer on 24 November 2025 and dismissing the objection to the Market Value. On 30 January 2026, a meeting was held with the Office of the Presidency (Presidential Working Group) to discuss the matter. There was no resolution; however, the meeting was adjourned and rescheduled for the next sitting, with dates yet to be confirmed. . The matter is currently awaiting determination by the Valuation Appeals Board, and the hearing date has not yet been confirmed. Notice of Breach: The Developer has also failed to comply with the provisions of Clause 20.2 of the Sale Agreement, which required development of core activities to have commenced within twelve (12) months of the transfer (December 2022). City Property Valuations and Management (RE) Directorate has sent a letter of notice of breach of contract to the developer. The letter of demand was served on the 3rd of September 2025. The developer had 60 days to adhere to the demands. |
| Durban Country Club (DCC) Development | City received proposal from Durban Tower Development Company in 2016 to build a R6 billion, 88-storey skyscraper near the Moses Mabhida Stadium, which would become the highest building in the southern hemisphere – to be built over 5 years and become operational by 2029 should construction commence in 2024/25, following approval of the project. | A formal letter was received from DCC in March 2022, giving consent to the Municipality to excise a portion of the leased property.
Property Valuations and Management (RE) advertised a ‘Request for Proposal” for the development of a portion of DCC land for leasing. The tender closed on 13 December 2024, and no proposals were received. RE has prepared a non-award report for approval by BAC. It is anticipated that BAC approval will be obtained in Q4 of 2025/26 financial year. A formal letter has been received by RE from the Board of DCC requesting that the City withdraw its proposal for the expropriation of land earmarked for development. The City is currently engaging with the Board of DCC to explore a constructive way forward regarding both the existing lease arrangements and the proposed expropriation. |
| KZN Auto Supplier Park | The R6.5 billion Auto Supply Park (ASP) development is a strategic priority for both national and provincial governments to attract FDI and facilitate the competitiveness of Toyota. The development will accommodate at least 100 hectares of developable industrial land. The approval of the South Illovo Local Area Plan will include the development of 3,792 residential homes, 1,316,207m2 of industrial space and 51,810m2 of commercial space. | Due to delays in getting the Illovo site ready for operation in 2024, Dube TradePort Corporation (DTPC) has identified the old Durban International Airport site to be used in the interim as the Auto Supplier Park (ASP). Currently the site is owned by Transnet, and they have agreed to the proposal by Dube Trade Port Corporation to use the site to meet the tight timelines. Specialist studies were undertaken which reduced the original site extents thereby making the proposal unviable. A Masterplan would be required for the Old Airport Site to determine the way forward.
In respect to the illovo ASP development, DTP requested for an extension of time to complete specialist studies. Extension granted by DFFE. EIA specialist studies are ongoing. One seasonal sampling has been complete and currently undertaking winter studies, with formal public participation in FY 27/28. Once studies are complete, the project will proceed to integration and analysis phase and impact of wetland study thereafter EA process will commence. ASP has been elevated to the PEWG 8 Focused Intervention Team (FIT) – Manufacturing and Industrial Zones for escalation. |
| Beachwood Lifestyle Estate | The Beachwood property size is approximately 430 333m² and this includes almost 120 000m² of coastal dunes and mangrove forests, in proximity to the Kingsmead Sporting Precinct, Umhlanga Rocks, the Durban Central Business District, the Harbour, and the N2 Freeway. The Developers’ vision is to provide the first 7-star feet in the sand dining contemporary urban resort in South Africa, nestled into a luxury housing estate with indigenous tree-lining boulevards. | The construction for the Beachwood Development commenced in March 2025 for the northern precinct.
Building Plans Approval: The building plans for The Gate House have been approved. The building plans for Duplexes C, D, and E have been referred pending submission of the Subdivision Title Deed by the developer. Block B Drive-up apartments currently pending line departments clearance. The developer has submitted an application for the amendment of the Decision Notice to facilitate the phasing of the development and amendment of the layout. The phasing of the layout will allow for the developer to comply with the conditions of establishment for the Phase 1, and ultimately have the building plans approved.
Legal: Notice was filed in court during May 2024 by Friends of Beachwood to set aside SPLUMA and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) approvals for the development. The city submitted the answering affidavit to the notice. The city thereafter received the applicant’s condonation application on 9 September 2025. Pleadings have closed, and the matter will be referred to the opposed roll for argument once the Applicant has complied with the practice directive by filing Heads of Arguments. The matter has been fully argued and finalised on 26 March 2026. Judgment has been reserved, and the parties will be notified by the Judge once a date for delivery of the judgment has been determined. |
| GIBA Business Estate | Giba Business Park development is situated south of the Marianhill Toll Plaza, freight, and logistics corridor from Durban –Free State- Gauteng Known as SIP2. The Project is aligned with the National Development Plan (NDP) which encourages developments along the N3 corridor that promotes freight and logistics to take advantage of the Harbor and the existing road network. Development size: 200 000 Sqm of light Industrial
•The main land use on the Giba Business Estate is warehouses which will be used for logistics purposes. •Phase 1: Construction of about 22 platforms and engineering services •Phase 2: Top structures
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The construction of Ingweni road is near completion. Target for the 2024/25 financial year was to achieve 80% complete for the construction of Ingweni Road
The total project cost as per the MOA is R 63,5 million. The total spent to date is R54,5 million, which translates to 94% work done in road construction and 45% of the water supply. The allocated budget for the 2025/26 FY is R17.6 million, of which 100% has been spen as of June 2026 Project has reach practical completion for Ingweni Road and streetlighting. With regards to water supply pipeline there has been changes in scope, which necessitated a minor amendment with an additional amount of R 9 348 527.97 which translates to 17,9% totalling to R 72 697 069.78 |
| Whetstone Business Park | Light industrial, logistics, and general business development over 4 phases, spanning an 81-hectare site strategically located adjacent to the Dube Trade Port Agri-zone and only 2 km from King Shaka International Airport along the R102. | Construction of the Liebherr Distribution Centre under Phase 1 remains ongoing, with practical completion anticipated in January 2027 and client occupation expected during May 2027. The electricity connection process has progressed following finalisation of the electricity invoice during June 2026.
The Phase 2 SPLUMA rezoning application has progressed to the statutory public participation phase, with the application closing for public comment on 09 July 2026. A third SPLUMA-related process concerning the removal of restrictive title deed conditions also remains underway. The Phase 3 Basic Assessment Report (BAR) has been received and is currently under circulation for comment by the relevant authorities. The AH Grocers building plan has received internal municipal approval and is expected to unlock investment of more than R230 million within the precinct. The remaining matter relates to the ATNS aviation assessment process, which has been escalated to ATNS management. |
| Kings Estate | Kings Estate straddles eThekwini and KwaDukuza Municipal boundaries and integrates industrial, commercial, residential, educational, and agricultural components. The project is structured for phased implementation over a 10-year horizon and is aligned to the broader Durban Aerotropolis Masterplan and provincial economic growth objectives.
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Strategic coordination relating to the Development remained a key focus area during July 2026. The SPLUMA application for Phases 2D and 2E remains subject to one outstanding comment from the Department of Transport (DOT), which continues to prove difficult to engage. All other line department comments have been received.
In respect of the broader Kings Estate development area, the legal opinion on the validity of the historical planning approvals applicable to the remaining development portions has been received. |
Monthly Budget Statement ETHEKWINI ECONOMY ‘AT A GLANCE’ July 2026 – CATALYTIC PROJECTS DIRECTORATE (CPD) UPDATE
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Nonhlakanipho Mnguni
- 07/08/2026
- Economy
