Forget what you thought you knew about large-scale developments. On the pristine KwaZulu-Natal North Coast, the much-anticipated Club Med South Africa Beach and Safari resort is not just rising from the earth; it’s laying down a revolutionary blueprint for how major projects can, and perhaps should, be built.
While the whispers in luxury circles might focus on the idyllic escape this resort promises, those behind the scenes understand the profound ambition driving its construction. Collins Residential, the development manager, has discarded the traditional “one contractor fits all” model in favour of a finely choreographed strategy that could well become a global benchmark for quality, efficiency, and, crucially, inclusive supply chains.
“We broke this site down to first principles,” explains Chris du Toit, Project Lead of Tinley Leisure Pty Ltd, the owners of the resort. He’s referring to a bold decision to bypass the common practice of handing an entire development to one or two colossal contractors. Instead, the project has been meticulously carved into seven distinct construction packages. This innovative approach, du Toit insists, allows for greater control, on-the-ground adaptability, and the cultivation of stronger relationships with specialist teams.
Collins’ multi-faceted model meticulously parcels out everything from core civils and the majestic hotel blocks to luxury villas, vital infrastructure, staff housing, and the full suite of resort amenities. Each package has been assigned to a hand-picked contractor team, selected not only for their proven credentials and expertise but also for their commitment to a hands-on, daily presence on site.
“Our model allows us to adapt, pivot, and hold each contractor accountable in real-time,” du Toit asserts, acknowledging that while it demands a more involved oversight from their end, it’s the paramount way to safeguard the project’s integrity.
The resort, gracefully spanning two hills, boasts meticulously planned access routes designed to ensure continuous work, even in the face of unforeseen disruptions. It’s a design philosophy that prioritises resilience and relentless momentum, effectively de-risking delivery. The stakes are undeniably high. “We are under very tight and strict deadlines with Club Med global for delivery,” quips du Toit, painting a vivid picture: “If you imagine 1000 foreign guests arriving on opening day, we can’t very well send them packing back to Europe because the resort isn’t ready.” With worldwide reservations set to open in September, a full 10 months ahead of the actual grand unveiling, du Toit’s sentiment is clear: “We simply have to be ready.”
Indeed, with all seven contracts now fully underway, the site is a hive of activity. April saw labour numbers peak at an impressive 1,400 people working on site every single day. The critical bulk services – roads, the dam, water pipework, and a substantial 3km of permanent electrical cabling – are on the cusp of completion. The village and hotel accommodation have already reached roof height, with the first coats of paint adorning their surfaces, and internal fit-outs poised to begin. Simultaneously, the resort’s vibrant amenities, including the Convention Centre, Kids Club, family pool, sports facilities, Beach Club, and accommodation for 200 staff members, are all firmly on track.
Adding the first strokes of natural beauty, large-scale planting and irrigation have commenced across the sprawling site, hinting at the lush landscape design to come. “The multi-contractor approach taken for this project gives us flexibility and accountability,” du Toit reiterates. “If we’d handed the full build to a single entity, we’d be locked into their timeline and process. Instead, we’ve scaled systems in line with site activity – from contractor check-ins to health and safety management.”
Beyond the concrete and steel, a powerful social narrative is unfolding. Murray Collins, CEO of Collins Residential, underscores the project’s unwavering focus on local labour integration. This has been achieved through a formal Community Forum, a collaborative body comprising ward councillors, a local traditional leader, and the client, tasked with overseeing recruitment across the three surrounding wards. “We’re investing in the local economy and people,” Collins states with conviction. “Our contractor teams are supported by strong local labour with many of the labourers sourced from within 10km of the site, and every package has clear targets for community involvement.”
Construction officially began in March 2024, and the momentum is palpable. With over 1,400 individuals currently contributing to the site’s transformation, the project’s timeline has been meticulously “reverse-engineered” from a shared completion date. The vision is of all packages converging seamlessly, like intricately cut puzzle pieces locking into their destined places.
“With the progress made on site to date, we’ve now reached a stage where the rhythm of work is syncing across the site,” beams Collins, a testament to the complex orchestration at play. “It’s exciting to see how everything is starting to take shape.”
As Club Med South Africa Beach and Safari marches towards its grand opening, it’s not merely defining a new standard for all-inclusive luxury in the region. It’s redefining how such ambitious endeavours are conceived, managed, and executed. “Every decision we’ve made has been about intent,” Collins concludes. “This isn’t just about construction – it’s about legacy, innovation, and doing things the right way.”
