Big rate breaks for R10bn Avoc

Artist’s impression of the proposed multi-billion-rand Brickworks development in Avoca, KZN.

Big rate breaks for R10bn Avoca Brickworks development

The project is also expected to create thousands of jobs and economic opportunities for residents and those from surrounding communities.

Big rate breaks for R10bn Avoc

Artist’s impression of the proposed multi-billion-rand Brickworks development in Avoca, KZN.

eThekwini’s Avoca landscape is set for major change after an agreement was signed with Main Street 57, a brick manufacturing and marketing company, to incentivise the Brickworks Development in the Avoca Development Node which sits north of Durban.

The node measures approximately 350 hectares with a potential capital investment of R10 billion.

Deputy Mayor of eThekwini, Counsellor Belinda Scott explained that in terms of socio-economic transformation, the Brickworks development will significantly contribute towards reducing unemployment.

An estimated 23,000 construction jobs and 13,500 permanent jobs could be created. The location of the Brickworks development, along with the other developments in the Avoca Node, such as Caneridge and Rohill (Northfields), will create much needed employment opportunities for the surrounding communities like the Mt Moriah, Duffs Road, Inanda and KwaMashu residential areas.”

Local enterprises prioritised

Investec Property have committed to ensuring that all contractors during the construction phase of the development will be required to create opportunities for local enterprises wherever possible.

This is to ensure that the Brickwork’s development contributes meaningfully towards job creation and socio-economic transformation.

And in order to incentivise the Brickworks development, a rates rebate has been agreed upon for the development period.

As part of the city’s strategy to create a conducive environment for investment, it offers a substantial rates rebate to investors and developers. This forms part of City’s Rates Policy and Economic Development Incentive Policy (EDIP) that aids investment in our city that contributes to job creation.”


The EDIP aims to position eThekwini as a preferred investment destination and it focuses on supporting new investments based on their potential and future contribution to economic growth, spatial regeneration and job creation within the municipal area, in accordance with the municipality’s strategic objectives, Scott explained further.

Three phases

Investec Property intends to develop the site in three phases of approximately thirty hectares of developable land in each phase.

The proposed development will require an investment of over R1 billion in infrastructure development which will take over fifteen years to develop. To address the risks and incentivise Investec Property to proceed with the development, a five-year rates rebate has been proposed for each of the three phases of the development.

Although there will be an anticipated rates rebate of R34 million over the 15-year period, it is estimated that rates income for this site will increase from its current R3,4 million per annum to an estimated R190 million per annum post full development, in addition to the other socio-economic benefits to be realised.

Investec Property Joint Chief Executive David Rosmarin said: The collaborative nature of this undertaking was made possible through eThekwini’s innovative establishment of the City’s ‘One Stop’ Catalytic Project Unit alongside their pro-active and unique Rates Rebate Policy, aimed at encouraging development. eThekwini plays an integral role in the economy of South Africa, serving as the logistics hub and main entry port into the country.

He added that the Brickworks Development will further strengthen and enhance this role while stimulating regional economic development.