Carnival City expands into a Lifestyle Estate

Carnival City is a minority shareholder in the development that will offer safe and affordable living. The 50ha R2.5-billion Lifestyle Estate will comprise secure residential districts connected by commercial and lifestyle components. The current casino and hotel complex is situated on 30ha of land directly adjoining the new development.

"Sun International purchased the land well over 20 years ago because the location was perfect for a casino, even though the parcel of land was larger than needed. Over the years, we have weighed up several options for the unused part of the property, including selling it off," explained Sun International CEO Anthony Leeming.

Leeming added that after the R1-billion Carnival City Casino and entertainment complex opened in November 2000, it instantly became the premier entertainment destination in the region, attracting greater development to the surrounding area. This includes a Road Lodge, built by the City Lodge Group, and the four-star Carnival City Hotel Sun International, completed in 2007. 

"Very little of what you see around you [the area surrounding the complex] was here when we opened. Not even the nearby Mall existed back then, so Carnival City was a catalyst for development in this area," added Annemie Turk, Carnival City'sCity's General Manager.

"Over time, there has been growing market demand for a fully integrated community lifestyle experience. This is backed up by our research which indicates that the area will benefit from a new mixed-use estate. This influenced our decision to partner with LivRES Property Developers."

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

LivRES specialises in creating stylish, sustainable developments with modern amenities in vibrant destinations. They aim to offer homeowners and investors the ultimate residential lifestyle at impressively affordable prices. 

"Our plan is to offer the convenience of lifestyle resort living, right here in the East Rand, by creating a people-centric neighbourhood complete with a range of housing, retail, business and office space plus amenities for leisure activities," said Tim White from LivRes.

The modern exteriors of all the buildings will create a visually pleasing space backed up by contemporary interior design. Buildings will also 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.

The existing wetland on the site will be turned into a peaceful green park, ideal for physical exercise and relaxation.

Districts will be completed one at a time and, when complete, will contain the following:

• The existing Carnival City Casino'sCasino's entertainment complex, with over 13 restaurants and multiple entertainment offerings, including live shows and entertainment for families and younger children. 
• 3 000 new homes developed in separate villages across the property. Each distinctive village will offer trendy upmarket apartments or freestanding homes in the East Village, West Village, Greenwich Village, Upper Westside and Upper Eastside.
• Commercial and retail opportunities in the business and commercial districts.
• A private school at the estate'sestate's western entrance, within safe walking distance of the residential districts. The school will offer primary and secondary-level education.
• A lifestyle centre, 10 000m² neighbourhood Market, and a village-style retail centre.
• Central Park with a range of high-quality 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.
• 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, childrens'childrens' play areas, a resort-style pool and clubhouse, a meditation garden and braai areas. All properties will also allow pets and a doggy park for residents to walk their furry friends.

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

Each unit has been designed by LYT Architects, one of South Africa'sAfrica's leading architectural practices, to provide the perfect contemporary balance of high-quality and comfortable living spaces with great finishes and sophisticated architecture. Unit sizes range from 39m² to 72m².

The developers anticipate that construction of the first units will begin by April 2024, with the first apartments ready for occupation by December 2024.

Visit carnivalcityestate.co.za or contact Harcourts at 074 210 7775 or carnival@harcourts.co.za to invest.