Construction has begun in the first phase of an exciting new R295-million expansion of Sun International’s Sun Vacation Club in Sun City.
The design of the new Sun Vacation Club development draws inspiration from the adjacent heritage site as well as the surrounding natural landscape.
Dubbed Lefika Villas, this phase includes 48 three-bedroomed villas, and 10 four-bedroom villas, as well as a recreational area with a resort pool, family restaurant, and kiddies’ play area.
All Villas are to be equipped with a closed-combustion fireplace, an outdoor entertainment deck with a braai, and an entertainment area, with magnificent views overlooking the Pilanesberg mountain range. While the four-bedroom Villas further distinguish themselves by boasting their own private plunge pool and a fire pit.
Sun International’s CEO Anthony Leeming said, ‘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.’
According to design specifications, the Villas are set to accommodate 400 additional guests.
The development represents Sun International’s first significant expansion at Sun City since 2004 when it developed The Aviary, the second accommodation offered at the Sun Vacation Club. The addition of Lefika Villas will increase the Sun Vacation Club at Sun City to 478 units.
Leeming said, ‘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.’
‘Our local and international visitors enjoy the varied Hotel experiences at The Palace of The Lost City, The Cascades, The Sun City Hotel, and The Cabanas. We are also seeing great demand for self-catering units at the Sun Vacation Club. Our Sun Vacation Club offering is flexible and affordable which allows members to take longer breaks and is ideally suited to families. Sun City’s relatively close proximity to Gauteng makes it an easily accessible destination.’
As part of the development, there will be significant inclusion of surrounding communities in the upliftment and skills transfer projects, with a stipulated 30% build value to be allocated to local contractors. This strong emphasis on sharing knowledge and skills will assist community contractors who may not have the requisite experience to gain skills and experience as part of their project contribution. Allowing them to have good stead to take on future projects.
Brett Hoppe, Sun City Resort General Manager said, ‘We are always mindful that many of our doorstop communities are dependent on Sun City for employment and for enterprise development opportunities we provide for them. Lefika Villas will enable us to have an even greater impact on the region through jobs that are created during the construction phase and operationally when the Villas open at the end of 2023.’
Leeming said that other equally exciting upgrades are underway and are being planned for Sun City. The most immediate of these is a complete R208-million refresh of The Palace of The Lost City, which will be completed in November when the Hotel celebrates its 30th birthday by adding a new spa and gym. The exclusive Salon Privé in the famous Sun City Hotel has also been given a complete makeover and is arguably the best Privé in the country.
Pictures: Supplied
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