While the Middle East may have its medley of mega projects, ranging from Bawadi to Dubailand, South Africa is gaining pace with the multi million-dollar mega mixed development project by The Legend Lodges nearing completion—in good time for the FIFA Soccer World Cup 2010.The Big Five residential estate will comprise of privately owned bush lodges, an 18-hole PGA Championship Golf Course, an extreme 19th hole, hotel accommodation for up to 3000 guests, recreational facilities - including a chapel, a wellness centre, a conference centre, a boutique hotel and The Field of Legends sports complex. The resort will also feature its own private airstrip.

“This unique, Big Five Resort will be the first of its kind in the world where Africa’s game roam free within the resort, epitomizing the unique lifestyle of the bushveld.” says Peet Cilliers, CEO, Legend Lodges.

The Field of Legends Sports Complex, which will host large sporting events, will be completed in time for the FIFA Soccer World Cup to be held in South Africa in 2010.

The country’s tourism industry is expected to benefit from the estimated three million visitors expected for the tournament. The event is expected to pump R21.3-billion into South Africa’s economy, generating an estimated R12.7-billion in direct spending, according to consulting firm Grant Thornton.

From football to golf, the Big Five golf resort, set to open in 2008, has been dubbed the “true African championship golf course”. Eighteen top international golfers, representing different countries, will design each of the eighteen signature holes on the golf course - a move which Cilliers believes will bring wealth back to the area, through arts, culture and sport. Meanwhile the extreme 19th hole, located on Hanglip Mountain, is accessible by helicopter only.

Furthermore, educational programs of the golf academy, structured through the Legend Foundation, are expected to assist in the upliftment of sport in the local communities.

According to Peter, in keeping with the group’s eco-friendly strategy, the design and layout has been undertaken in such a manner as to minimise the impact on the natural resources and surroundings, preserving the bushveld environment. The resort’s architecure was inspired the Mapungubwe World Heritage Site and the Great Zimbabwe Ruins.

Investors can acquire freehold title stands in this retreat, which offers 452 residential stands developed on 874 ha. Stands vary from 3500 square metres to 3.5 hectares.

Four residential designs are available - the Pedi, Waterberg, Monomatopa and Africa house - at approximately 300 to 350 square metres. Each residence can be custom-designed according to the owner’s exact specifications.

www.legendlodges.co.za
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