Sun International has revealed an expansion plan worth approximately R1.1 billion, comprising multiple projects across its Sun City Resort in the North West province.
The group noted last week, that construction has begun on the first phase of the expansion: Sun International’s Sun Vacation Club (SVC) – the first development at the Sun City resort in 18 years.
The R295 million Lefika Villas is the group’s first significant expansion at the resort since the development of The Aviary in 2004. It is aimed at affluent clients, with 48 luxurious three-bedroom and 10 four-bedroom villas that can house up to 400 guests – including a recreational area with a resort pool, family restaurant, and children’s play area.
Sun International is betting on the timeshare vacation club, which according to the group, is becoming increasingly popular as people look for affordable holidays. The Sun Vacation Club has 22,000 members.
“We are experiencing significant demand for Sun Vacation Club accommodation at Sun City, and this expansion will help satisfy this demand. We are confident that this development will achieve above-market returns,” Sun International CEO Anthony Leeming said.
The project is expected to be completed by November 2023, increasing the SVC at Sun City to 478 units.
As part of the development, there will be significant inclusion of surrounding communities in upliftment and skills transfer projects, with a stipulated 30% build value to be allocated to local contractors, said Sun City Resort general manager Brett Hoppé.
“Lefika Villas will enable us to have an even greater impact on the region through jobs created during the construction phase and operationally when the Villas open at the end of 2023,” he said.
Sun International noted that the Lefika Villas is the first of a two-phase expansion at Sun Vacation Club.
The second phase, called Sun Central, depends on the first phase’s success and will be developed where the staff village is currently located, which is set to be demolished.
Sun Central would add 200 two- and three-bedroom units to Sun International’s SVC and, subject to approval from its board, will commence in January 2024.
This two-phase expansion will cost approximately R850 million, with the second phase taking the lion’s share – R555 million.
Lemming pointed to the following upgrades planned for Sun City:
- A refurbishment of approximately 320 bedrooms at The Palace, which commenced at the beginning of 2021 and will be completed in November 2022;
- The addition of a spa and gymnasium at The Palace; and
- The complete makeover of the exclusive Salon Privé – the exclusive gaming area for top-tier members of Sun International’s loyalty programme Sun MVG – in the Sun City Hotel.
“Sun City remains perennially popular and post-Covid, we have seen an increase in demand from leisure, conference, and sporting guests. We have invested significantly in the property, and the resort is in great condition,” said Lemming.
Watch the Lefika Villas product video below.
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