Building the New Plettenberg Bay

As the "Bahia Formosa" of yesteryear becomes the new Plettenberg Bay, two local bulding concerns are at the forefront of development. The Whale Rock Building Company and Group 433 are currently active in Plettenberg Bay, working on developments initiated by Amazing Estates. At the moment, the combined value of the 15 houses being built by both companies is more than R24 million. And there is plenty of work coming down the pipeline, as plans are submitted and passed and new development phases launched.
"Plett" is in the throes of a building boom; residential developments which mainly lie between the commercial centre and Robberg. This is an ecologically sensitive spot, which requires special treatment by town planners, architects and contractors if the area is to be preserved in all its natural glory. That's why strict building and development guidelines were drawn up by Studio d'Arc Architects, to ensure that the new residential developments blend into the unspoiled backdrop of Robberg, the adjoining wetland and the ocean.
The Whale Rock Building Company is responsible for the Lifestyle Village at Whale Rock Gardens. This includes all the walling and gate houses in the project, as well as the community centre and frail care facility that forms its nucleus. A dwelling in this retirement community takes about four months to complete.By December 2003, 13 houses will have been completed.
Group 433, currently busy on luxury homes at Whale Rock & Whale Rock Ridge, has three construction teams in the field. The group is firmly based in Plettenberg Bay, being partly owned by The Whale Rock Development Company. Group 433 competes on the open market with other firms, since customers who purchase plots are free to employ the architectural and construction firms of their choice. Nevertheless, many purchasers choose Group 433, with its extensive knowledge of local conditions and ties with the area.
Both construction companies source their materials locally as much as possible, and work from a list of approved subcontractors, all of them local. When local labour is factored in, it becomes evident that the economy of the new Plettenberg Bay is receiving a substantial boost from development and construction. As the Whale Rock developments move into later phases, the positive economic effects will continue to grow with the community.