Terrace Africa has recently unveiled its ambitious revitalisation plans aimed at transforming Harare and enhancing the atmosphere of the Highlands area. The Highland Park Precinct, situated along ED Mnangagwa Road in Harare, Zimbabwe, an esteemed location traversing prominent neighbourhoods, is set to undergo a substantial facelift over the next several years, ushering in a contemporary blend of commercial and residential spaces designed as an architectural masterpiece.
Sharing the news on LinkedIn, Terrace Africa wrote “We are thrilled to share details of our exciting new precinct development which will transform the suburb of Highlands in Harare. A project we have been working on for over 5 years will soon become a reality.
Modern retail, offices, hotels and residential will all be included as part of this expansion. We look forward to working with new tenants, operators and investors to create Harare’s most prominent real estate hub!”
The development, spearheaded by Terrace Africa, has set in motion a ground-breaking initiative since 2020, starting with constructing the Highland Park Shopping Centre, marking the first phase of the expansive master plan. Encompassing a sprawling 200,000 square meters, the Highland Park Precinct is slated to extend between Hurworth and Pevensey Roads, boasting a pedestrian-friendly layout integrating diverse retail outlets, a design quarter, multi-story office buildings, a conference-equipped hotel, medical suites, and residential apartment complexes. Emphasising sustainability and security, the project incorporates cutting-edge green building standards and smart technology.
Inspired by renowned international precedents like South Africa’s Melrose Arch and the UK’s Canary Wharf, the Highland Park Precinct is poised to provide an ideal setting for building owners and tenants to showcase a contemporary image while relishing the convenience and lifestyle benefits of a well-managed, secure, and vibrant community. A key aspect of the scheme design focuses on facilitating pedestrian and cyclist access, along with promoting the use of public transportation. Striking new public spaces will emerge as certain roads are pedestrianised, featuring top tier paving and landscaping, lush green areas, and inviting seating arrangements, thereby fostering an ideal backdrop for public events and social gatherings.
Undeniably, this scheme will revitalise the city, amplifying its appeal and creating seamless pathways for pedestrians and cyclists to navigate, thereby enhancing the overall shopping experience and drawing in customers from distant locales. This pivotal move will diminish pollution and streamline travel within the precinct, fostering an inviting atmosphere for both residents and visitors.
Terrace Africa, renowned for its contribution to developing world-class infrastructure in Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique, and South Africa, has successfully executed projects exceeding USD 150 million, with a strong focus on commercial and convenience retail. According to a statement by Terrace Africa, “The essence of the precinct is to attract forward-thinking professionals, blurring the line between work and leisure into an immensely appealing and productive lifestyle alternative. Consequently, the precinct has already garnered significant interest from local and international brands seeking to relocate and establish their presence within this vibrant node.”
Anticipated to commence within the upcoming weeks, further infrastructure work on internal roads and service connections for the precinct is set to pave the way for the commissioning of the first multi-storey building by the end of 2024. “Improving the road infrastructure is central to this development, the scheme will undoubtedly increase traffic along Emerson Mnangagwa Road. To improve the traffic flow and mitigate congestion, Terrace Africa will partner with the Local Authorities on road rehabilitation and expansion.” Terrace Africa Development Manager, Charity Chirume said.
This ambitious project stands as a testament to the rapid development in Africa, underscoring the commendable quality of the initiative. The Highland Park Precinct will invigorate the retail, residential, and hospitality sectors, establishing the first retail shopping complex in Zimbabwe to integrate a hotel and state-of-the-art facilities. The Highlands will be the first to pioneer the introduction of over 20 lifestyle and home improvement stores dedicated to design and décor, complemented by an international hotel equipped with contemporary amenities, including a conference facility accommodating over 700 guests.
This monumental development boasts a sprawling open-air piazza adorned with restaurants and family zones, serving as the heart of the concourse, fostering an open and welcoming ambience for diners and shoppers alike. With over 350 high-end apartments to accommodate residents, the scheme offers integrated city living complete with a modern gym and wellness centre. The Highland Park Precinct serves as a testament to the positive changes outlined in ‘Local Development Plan no. 60,’ aimed at propelling development along this key corridor, further aligning with the government’s strategy, via ZIDA, to attract international investments and fortify the economy.
“The Highland Park Precinct is more than just a development project; it represents a vision for the future of Harare, a place where people can live, work, play, and connect in a modern and dynamic environment.” Said Terrace Africa.
