“Serengeti has so much to offer,” comments Chris Bentley, a consultant at the development. The magnificent Jack Nicklaus signature golf course is, of course, one of the major draw cards at this estate. Featuring all season bent grass to ensure it remains green year-round, it has in the past hosted such prestigious tournaments as the SA Open. The estate’s location is another plus: with easy access to OR Tambo International Airport and the shops and business hubs of the East Rand, Serengeti is also close to all that Pretoria offers, including attractions like the Irene Market near Irene Village.
In spite of these obvious assets, the estate has failed to deliver on early purchasers’ expectations in terms of return on investment. Bentley notes that Serengeti is not alone in this: around the country, the development of golf courses has dropped due to what is seen as an oversupply when the concept first launched.
However, the new team is determined to ensure that the estate delivers on what was promised to homebuyers. Key to this is the development of new infrastructure, with a number of upgrades to existing amenities planned for the final quarter of 2017. Added to this, a number of new facilities will be introduced to enhance the lifestyle for existing and new homeowners. Bentley reveals that the developers have already embarked on an initiative to landscape the area surrounding the estate’s South Gate, while the first development project will be underway by November.
The developers’ team undertook a similar tactic to increase the value of properties at the Eye of Africa. As a number of new facilities became available to residents, the estate’s status as a desirable address has grown considerably, along with property values.
The developers are now set to implement the same strategy at Serengeti. “Fast-tracking development is the pillar of this approach. It helps to rebuild confidence in the estate, which in turn drives an upswing in new sales. This ultimately ensures that the first buyers are able to realise the value they were promised.”
Their plans include reinstating Serengeti’s golf course as a preferred venue for high profile golf tournaments, as well as an overall rebrand of the estate.
Residents are being advised of the developments to the estate and will be apprised of upgrades as they unfold.
“This is the next stage in the evolution of Serengeti, and we are very excited,” Bentley states. “It’s wonderful to see this beautiful estate finally reaching its full potential.”
