[Magazine Article LexpressProperty 73 (February - March)]
As 2023 rolls around, we look at the major projects of these smart cities that are so promising for the future. Between construction sites and investment opportunities, all eyes are on the developments throughout the island.
How did these smart cities perform in 2022? In the coming year, what can we expect from them?
Beau Plan Smart City
“2022 was an eventful year for Beau Plan! We celebrated the one-year anniversary of Mahogany Shopping Promenade and have had more than 3 million visitors since the opening. We successfully delivered Mango Village, our first construction project, and initiated work on the second phase.
Looking ahead to the new year, Beau Plan is pursuing its development aggressively, with new residential offerings in the pipeline. Plans are also underway for a new padel tennis centre and a gym boutique, which are increasingly popular. Progress is well underway on our exclusive office offering, The Strand, and on the Business District, which is scheduled for delivery this year. The Smart City will also host more events in 2023!” Joel Couve de Murville, Head of Sales & Marketing de Novaterra
Moka Smart City
“A lot of developments and events occurred in 2022, supported by a vigorous new culture programme. Many partnerships have been concluded with the authorities and some projects have already been launched to increase the accessibility of Moka.
For 2023, we are strengthening our initiatives on the themes of sustainability and technology in Moka. The city has been growing steadily for more than 15 years in an environmentally friendly manner, and we are now embarking on a new phase with the recruitment of a dedicated team in charge of implementing an action plan that is already up and running. At the neighbourhood level, Telfair, Moka’s future town centre, is to open its doors at the end of the year with a programme of activities, L’Avenir will accommodate new residents and new businesses and Vivéa Business Park will propose a new offering.”
Samuel de Gersigny, Directeur Général, Smart City de Moka
Savannah Connected Countryside
“The launch of Savannah Connected Countryside in 2022 heralded the launch of the South Island’s first Smart Village. The goal of Savannah Connected Countryside is to promote the concept of rural living while still being connected to all the amenities of everyday life. Following the launch, we are marketing the first off-plan units in the village and are offering a rich programme of events at La Place de Gros Bois: Neighbours’ Day, World Cup football on a giant screen, Christmas market, etc.
We have numerous projects for 2023... They involve, among other things, the delivery of the residential plots of land at Jardins de Gros Bois, the sale of new plots of land at Sentiers de Gros Bois, and the opening of a coworking space. We also have the ambition to initiate the works on a sports centre and a farm!”
Vincent Lagesse, Property Development Manager de Savannah
Azuri Smart City
“To mark Azuri’s tenth anniversary last year, we introduced one of the most anticipated projects in the smart city of Azuri: the nine-hole par 3 golf course, The Nine.
This year, we have several projects starting under our Smart City certification: serviced plots of land, high-end residences and villas overlooking the lagoon or surrounding the golf course. Most have already been sold - a clear indication of the popularity of this friendly lifestyle among buyers. In Q2 2023, we will introduce a new villa project as well as an apartment building project on the golf course, with a sea view.”
Elodie Rey, Sales Manager chez Azuri Ocean & Golf Village
Uniciti
“Several key projects were completed last year at Medine Group: the construction lots of ’The Village’; the first constructed units of ’The Grove’; and Pierrefonds development. Furthermore, we also signed a partnership with Mr. Bricolage Mauritius, which will operate from the Cascavelle Shopping Mall.
In 2023, the groundbreaking for the Flic-en-Flac Bypass is expected. Medine is contributing to this project with over Rs 1 billion towards improving access between the west and the centre. Work is also underway on the new residential phases of the smart city, comprising 60 apartments and 10 penthouses at ’The Grove 2’. We will initiate work on the expansion of Cascavelle Shopping Mall, doubling its size - to further strengthen our position as the hub of the West.”
Joel Bruneau, Managing Director, Property - Medine Group
Cap Tamarin
“For Cap Tamarin, 2022 was a year of substantial achievements. Several partnerships were forged with the likes of Swan, UBP and IBL Life, some of the most successful companies in Mauritius. It has also marked the onset of construction of Villas A’loès project and the groundbreaking of the O’Patio project in November. The 3 hectares waterfront park, which is open to the public, is also under development.
The emphasis is on the O’Patio and Villas A’loès development projects this year. We will also welcome the extension of Espace Maison, the regional reference in DIY and decoration, and the opening of the Life I C+S clinic alongside the Cap Tamarin park.”
Yannick Louison, Managing Director, Cap Tamarin
Montebello Smart City
“After the marketing of land for commercial and office space in 2022, the showrooms along the M1 motorway are emerging. The sale of the areas along the central boulevard and alongside Saint-Louis stream is ongoing.
The infrastructure for phase 1 of the smart city is proceeding rapidly. Completion of the 37 lots in the residential part of Rives de Saint Louis is foreseen for the second half of 2023. The worksite for the 10,000m2 shopping mall also gets underway this year. This will include a gallery of 50 spaces for rent between the shops and food hall. The project will also include a petrol station and a drive-thru from an international franchise. Building work will be initiated later this year.”
Ian Dindoyal, Team Leader - Marketing and Communication
