As 2020 begins, Mauritius is progressing towards a better future! We have witnessed several changes in recent years owing to our Smart Cities. While some have already flourished, others are still in the developing phase... Which makes you wonder: where do those Smart Cities–which promise an integrated and sustainable development–stand? LexpressProperty proposes a summary of six developing projects
Cap Tamarin Smart & Happy Village
Construction is progressing swiftly. One of the first construction sites, including its infrastructure (representing a Rs 550 million investment from the Trimetys Group)–consisting of roads and cycle paths, power grid, drinking and rain water and fibre optic–are about to be completed. New operational sections since the end of 2019.
2020 will mark a new development phase with the opening of a C-Care clinic (emergencies, radiology, consultation, etc …), a three-acre riverside park and a shopping centre including a Super U hypermarket. At the same time, the commercialisation of residential units, shopping and office spaces is moving at a good pace, confirming the enthusiasm for this project among Mauritians as well as foreigners. From small apartments to luxury villas, Cap Tamarin Smart & Happy Village provides a diverse and accessible real estate opportunity. The next deliveries are scheduled for beginning of 2021.
Mon Trésor Smart City
Launched in 2015, Mon Trésor Smart City is the country’s first project to receive the Smart City Certificate in 2016. The first phase of Business Gateway has hosted Omnicane’s headquarters since 2018: award-winning building at the last African Property Investment Summit 2019 in recognition of its eco-reliability.
In terms of the free port area’s infrastructures, the areas currently under development are the activity and light industrial areas and the educational hub. This year has also seen the launch of its first residential phase presented to Mauritians and foreign buyers. The Smart City combines coastal liner spaces, green areas, living, leisure and working environment and residential zones in line with the Live, Work, Play concept: a harmoniously planned ensemble meeting with the Breeam Communities’ standards. Development is based on a 50 years forecast, in a 480 acres area.
Uniciti
This Smart City has rapidly become a reference in terms of education in the Indian Ocean through its comprehensive educative ecosystem. The city attracts investors, local and international companies, all convinced of its strategic location and the investment opportunities it brings, along with the intellectual pool and the students’ expertise within the Uniciti Education Hub.
More than 10 000 people frequently visit the daycare centre, the Uniciti Education Hub schools and universities, the Cascavelle Shopping Village, Uniciti Office Park’s office, the sports centre SPARC, the restaurant and the Student Life University campus, within a concordant setting comprised of “green by design” buildings. Ultimately, Uniciti will count 22% of green spaces, as well as 80 acres allocated to common spaces, such as the Magenta Park over 15 acres and a cultural and artistic centre.
Moka Smart City
Moka, a well thought smart city, is as of this day the first and only Smart City to market land under the Smart City Scheme. It benefits from real enthusiasm as much as for its residential and commercial offers. In addition to its projects, the Smart City of Moka proves its dynamism with the recent inauguration of La Promenade and even more so with the opening of a Decathlon shop located at the very centre of the island.
Telfair, its greatest project and Moka’s upcoming town centre, promises to make the headlines. The City also distinguishes itself by revolutionising our lifestyle: expansion of photovoltaic stations in Moka, impending electrical bikes promoting easy travel, voluntary waste drop-off in the coming months to facilitate sorting and recycling… One thing is for sure: Moka Smart City will continue to surprise and seduce us.
Mont Choisy Smart City
Presented with the development certificate by the Economic Development Board on the 2nd of May 2019, Mont Choisy Smart City aspires to be a participative, connected and sustainable city. At the heart of the most popular seaside resort of the country, the city will blend urban intelligence, social inclusion, valorisation of heritage and technological innovation.
Made up of numerous businesses, office spaces, residential units, a reception and leisure centre, a high-end sports centre as well as an aparthotel and a university, to only mention a few of their projects…. Moreover, the boulevard and the promenade–which the completion of its first phase, spanning 1.5 km–is expected for the beginning of 2020. Eventually, the city will offer more than 4 km of cycling and jogging trails that will empower the inhabitants to adopt a new philosophy and lifestyle leaning towards health and ecology, while minimising car usage.
Beau Plan Smart City
Since its launch in May 2019, Beau Plan Smart City is steadily progressing. The Mango Village apartments and duplex project, whose marketing began in June, already displays 60% of bookings. Scheduled to open by the end of 2020, the infrastructural works including the construction of the retail by the lake began last September.
The Beau Plan Smart City team also launched the commercialisation of “The Strand”, comprising office spaces by the lakeside and the Business District, lands intended for showrooms and offices, and an exclusive area dedicated to SMEs. Lastly, the end of 2019 was marked by the success of the Smart City’s first housing estate “Les Muguets” whose 37 lots were sold in less than a week.
