Stellenbosch, 9 February 2023; After almost six years of extensive planning, protracted pandemic delays and a stringent development approval process, the Newinbosch neighbourhood is ready to introduce affordable, secure living to the largely exclusive Stellenbosch residential market.

This new generation, green neighbourhood is positioned on the elevated shoulder of the R304 at the northern entrance to Stellenbosch, some three kilometres from the centre of this landmark Western Cape town.

Newinbosch is a sustainably developed, R2,4-billion 48-hectare mixed-used residential development, that is poised to be recognised as the greenest development in Stellenbosch. It is also the largest development that is currently taking shape within the Stellenbosch municipal boundaries. 

The Newinbosch property portfolio comprises a total of 1 320 units across five different typologies. Upon completion, the Newinbosch neighbourhood will provide a new address for between 5 000 to 6 000 residents. The selection of homes stretches the entire property ladder, with unit prices ranging between R850,000 and around R1,3m for sectional title simplex homes and apartments, and R1,8m and R4,3m for full title homes.

Considering its location, affordable price range and ease of access to the Stellenbosch CBD, the Stellenbosch university and all other major employers in the area, the Newinbosch neighbourhood is well positioned to address the high demand for reasonably priced, secure living in closer proximity to Stellenbosch and surrounding Boland towns.

This was at the core of the vision and conceptualisation of the Newinbosch neighbourhood, according to development partners Similan, a Stellenbosch-based residential property development company, and JSE-listed construction company, Raubex.

Harold Spies, managing director of Similan, says the Newinbosch offering directly responds to the huge need for accessible and secure living in well-located residential areas in and around Stellenbosch.

“This new neighbourhood combines the three primary considerations among current homebuyers: ease of access, convenience, and secure, connected living, through its complete 360° live, work, learn, and play solution,” he says.

Spies believes the growing need for accessible and suitable homes in the Stellenbosch area is driven by two main factors: the ever-increasing daily commuter and freight traffic into and through town causing severe road congestion in and around Stellenbosch; and the prevailing semigration trend, with the Western Cape winelands pitched as the preferred destination for relocating families, professionals, entrepreneurs, and retirees from upcountry. 

“This is exacerbated by the perpetual need for suitable alternative properties in the wider Boland area,specifically within the middle to higher income sector,” Spies adds. “Interestingly, we’ve already received significant interest from within the Stellenbosch fold, particularly from graduates and young professionals who are keen to establish here, but are unable to afford suitable living options,” he says.

Challenging the affordability barrier

He says this new Stellenbosch neighbourhood challenges the affordability barrier that has been preventing emerging middle-income families and young professionals from accessing safe and secure living traditionally associated with conventional gated communities and security estates.

“Our vision for Newinbosch is that it will set the benchmark for sustainable residential developments to provide greater access to affordable quality and secure and inclusive living to a new generation of South African homeowners,” Spies continues.

Underpinning this vision is the developers’ pledge to inspire sustainable, and environmentally conscious living. “Newinbosch distinguishes itself as a green development, with a deep respect for the natural heritage of the site at its core” says development partner and managing director of Raubex Building, Barend Badenhorst.

“From the onset, the entire Newinbosch neighbourhood was designed around the principles of sustainable placemaking, and in strict adherence to the UN Sustainable Development Goals that aim to mitigate the impact of the construction sector on climate change,” Badenhorst says. 

“Prioritising innovative, sustainable design and green building practices present several direct and consequential benefits to the Newinbosch neighbourhood and its residents,” Badenhorst continues. “Reducing the environmental footprint and protecting the scarce resources of our country not only ensure the longevity of the neighbourhood, but by doing so, residents are guaranteed to benefit from substantial cost savings through the effective use of energy and resources,” he explains.

Sustainable energy and resources

Given South Africa’s prevailing energy crisis developers aim to install a fully integrated microgrid energy system to ensure reliable access to sufficient and sustainably sourced energy throughout the Newinbosch precinct. Discussions are well under way with the Stellenbosch council and other role players to explore the feasibility of independently managed, micro-generation systems. This will reduce pressure on the Stellenbosch municipal grid while allow the neighbourhood to ‘sell back’ excess power to the grid during periods of high demand.

Access to efficient water supply infrastructure was an equally crucial consideration to ensure the sustainability of the Newinbosch neighbourhood. Developers are currently building a reservoir on elevated western periphery of the neighbourhood to service the interim water supply needs, while working with the Stellenbosch municipality in search of innovative water infrastructure solutions that would benefit both Newinbosch as well as existing and future communities in the wider northern Stellenbosch area.

Inner-precinct water management solutions incorporate the use of central swales to collect and clean stormwater off the road surfaces by directing it through a wetland system, and into a central neighbourhood pond from where it is pumped back into the irrigation system.

Innovative environmental practices

An integrated environmental strategy ensures the sustained environmental prosperity of the Newinbosch neighbourhood. This includes various interventions to restore depleted farmland to reintroduce and encourage ecologically diverse and productive ecosystems throughout the neighbourhood.

Strict landscaping protocols direct the use of indigenous and locally endemic species only, as these require lower irrigation, lower inputs, and minimal maintenance over the long term. 

Unique landscaping projects include the planting of a multitude of indigenous tree species in close range to create ‘pocket forests’ along pathways and open spaces. This not only aids in carbon sequestration, but also creates special habitats and biodiversity corridors.

Green certifications – a commitment to sustainable living

Underscoring the intention to deliver on its sustainable development promise, Similan is in the process of enrolling Newinbosch for the following four internationally recognised certifications:

1. GBCSA Net Zero (Ecology)

This certification applies to construction projects that are committed beyond normally accepted measures to neutralise (net zero), or positively redress (net zero plus) any potential negative impacts as a result of its actions. To this end, Newinbosch has committed to increasing the ecological value of the developed site by actively driving ecosystem restoration as part of its development mandate. 

2. EDGE Advanced

EDGE is a global certification that labels a building, project, or development as ‘green’, and verifying it as resource efficient by demonstrating a minimum 20% reduction in the use of water and electricity which translates into a 20% cost saving on utility costs. An EDGE Advanced certification indicates a further 40% reduction in embodied energy, or on-site energy usage. This means that Newinbosch residents will be guaranteed a minimum of 20% saving on utility costs while benefitting from a 40% reduction in embodied energy. This certification also recognises the development as Zero Carbon Ready. 

3. GBCSA Green Star Sustainable Precinct

This certification extends beyond the evaluation of a single building - it rewards innovation in planning, design and construction of an entire precinct. In line with the specifications of this certification, Newinbosch not only prioritises the environmental sustainability of the neighbourhood, it also actively pursues ease of living solutions that will drive the economic prosperity and wellbeing of its residents. 

4. GBCSA 6-star Green Star

The Newinbosch recreation hub (Grappa Shed) is in the process of being enrolled for this highest Green Star rating, which places a building or precinct in the ‘world leadership’ category. A six-star rating means that the building design followed clearly defined sustainability objectives to achieve energy and water efficiencies. These include the use of highly efficient air-conditioning system, energy efficient lighting, grey and rainwater harvesting systems, water-efficient sanitary fittings, and through carbon monoxide monitoring.

Preferential rates on ‘green’ home loans 

Louise Varga, area manager of Pam Golding Properties in Stellenbosch who was appointed as exclusive marketing and sales agents for Newinbosch, says the proven cost savings associated with resource efficient solutions have led to green properties fast becoming more attractive to homebuyers. “Since these properties will cost less to run, buyers are potentially better geared to service their home loan commitments,” she explains.

“For this reason, and in line with international green financing trends, two of South Africa’s major banks FNB and Nedbank, now extend preferential terms on personal home loans by offering lower interest rates of between 0.25% and up to 0,5% on green certified home loans,” Varga says.

Neighbourhood living

The Newinbosch development is based on the five-minute neighbourhood concept, which means that infrastructure and spatial planning within the development allows residents to reach leisure and retail amenities within a five-minute walk or ride from any point in the neighbourhood. By promoting ease of access and encouraging a walkable community, Newinbosch residents stand to benefit from lower energy consumption, less pollution and minimal traffic congestion.

Open spaces and communal meeting points encourages social connection and inclusion, adding to the sense of safety and security that comes with connected neighbourhood living. Furthermore, substantial investments are being made in leading-edge security management systems and proactive safety measures to help mitigate potential external and internal risks without restricting free movement or compromising the rural atmosphere of this unique neighbourhood.

Newinbosch offers residents one of the largest selections of lifestyle amenities currently available within the Stellenbosch secure living market. These include purpose-built leisure, sport, and entertainment amenities, as well as a range of cultural and recreational facilities.

Among the unique features of Newinbosch is a 3000m² not-for-profit urban farm that encourages a greater awareness of the sustainable sourcing of food. Integral to the neighbourhood’s household food waste composting programme, the farm will grow and sell produce to residents, visitors and onsite eateries and shops. 

Education 

Pret op die Plaas, an established independent preschool situated on a nearby Stellenbosch farm, is opening a second campus at Newinbosch in January 2024. This preschool will accommodate approximately 100 children between the ages of two and six years old and including Grade R and will be open to both resident children and children from the extended Boland area.

Negotiations are also underway with an independent education provider for the development of a combined primary and secondary school in the Newinbosch precinct. The planned school facilities will be launched in a staged approach, and will ultimately be able to accommodate up to 1 200 learners from Grade R to Grade 12. The school also welcomes resident learners as well as those from nearby areas.

Retail

The Newinbosch Village is a 7500m² convenience retail centre developed and managed by Dorpstraat Properties, a specialist convenience retail group with a proven track record in the management of several high-performing neighbourhood convenience centres across South Africa, the centre is scheduled to open in 2025.

Positioned at the entrance to the neighbourhood, this centre will offer safe and easy access to shops and services to Newinbosch residents, patrons from nearby residential areas, as well as to daily commuters and passing trade. The retail mix, with Pick ‘n Pay and Essential Health as anchor tenants, includes established value fashion brands, fast food outlets, restaurants, and coffee shops, and other healthcare and personal care services.

Construction and occupation 

The Newinbosch development will be rolled out in a phased approach over the next four to six years. Construction of services for the first phases commenced in August 2022, with the first phase ready for occupation during the fourth quarter of 2023.

“Together with our extended project partners, among which include acclaimed architecture firm Osmond Lange, Ecolution, the green building and sustainability consultants, and TV3 as town planners, we are beyond excited to see our Newinbosch dream finally turning into a reality,” Spies says. 

“Newinbosch marketing and sales officially launched on 1 February,” he says. “Gauging from the early responses to marketing activations and interaction via the Newinbosch social media channels, we are confident that Newinbosch will capture the imagination of a new generation of homeowners who shares our vision to create prospering communities through social cohesion and connected living.