Construction has begun on KwaZulu-Natal’s largest student accommodation development, located near the main gate of the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Howard College campus in Durban’s Berea.
Led by Growthpoint Properties under its Thrive Student Living brand, the R800 million project will deliver 2,400 student beds, addressing a severe shortage of quality student housing in the province.
Research identifies KwaZulu-Natal as the province with the highest demand for student beds in South Africa, with many students currently living in conditions unsuitable for academic success.
The new facility is expected to welcome its first residents by January 2027.
Speaking at the sod-turning ceremony on Monday, eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba and the City’s CFO Sandile Mnguni joined Growthpoint representatives in emphasizing the project’s transformative potential.
“Proprietary research revealed that KZN remains undersupplied with student beds.
Most students live in environments that hinder their academic outcomes,” said Kobus Blom, Growthpoint’s regional development manager.
The 12-storey development will feature student-focused amenities, including study areas, gyms, games rooms, IT facilities, and backup power and water systems.
A ground-floor retail section will offer convenient services for students and the surrounding community.
Designed with Berea’s iconic red face-brick aesthetic, the project blends modern functionality with the area’s traditional architecture.
Amogelang Mocumi, fund manager for Growthpoint Student Accommodation Holdings, highlighted the larger implications of such investments.
“By prioritizing student accommodation that supports better education outcomes, we are enriching lives, creating jobs, and driving economic growth.
This project demonstrates the power of partnerships and collaboration,” Mocumi said.
The development marks a significant step forward in addressing student housing challenges and boosting economic growth through targeted investments.