Lagoon Drive lights up with Radisson Blu

It was an evening of fantastic extravaganza; an awakening of souls in Umhlanga, the recent grand opening of Radisson Blu was an event that most likely will be engraved in our minds forever. And that's not all ... finally after years of delays, financial struggles, construction feuds and the deadly pandemic ... the Radisson Blu has risen out of the ground, tall and proud, gracing the uMhlanga skyline.

The who's who of the business, political and social scenes came out to play on that Friday night, as businessman Vivian Reddy launched the first phase of the amazing new Radisson Blu Hotel in uMhlanga.

More than four hundred high-profile guests including our new Monarch King Misuzulu kaZwelithini, Miss South Africa 2021, Lalela Mswane, the Presidency, Premier Sihle Zikalala and a number of Cabinet ministers were in attendance and of course the cast of the successful 'Real Housewives of Durban' reality show.

The Rl billion Radisson Blu hotel tower opened as just part of the first phase of the multi-billion-rand Oceans Umhlanga mega development, which is the endeavour of KwaZulu-Natal businessmen Vivian Reddy and Rob Alexander.

At a towering 28 storeys, the building is the latest high-rise in Umhlanga Rocks and houses the five-star hotel as well as around ninety apartments above. The hotel tower is the focal point of the project, which includes a 36 000 square meter luxury mall, a supercar showroom and two residential towers.

The R4.5 billion-plus Oceans Umhlanga project continues forging ahead with a claim to being one of largest mixed-use developments in SA.

The Oceans Mall is rumoured to be opening in October this year, and construction on the two high-rise apartment blocks is being expedited.

"The project, which took seven years, was difficult to get off the ground. There were over 400 objections and other challenges where we had to relocate clubhouses, the main storm water pipe that goes right through to the ocean, the post office and other units that were based at this location had to be moved," said Vivian Reddy.

Speaking at the opening our KZN Premier, Sihle Zikalala said, "Radisson Blu is the silver lining for the KwaZulu-Natal economy after a cruel season. Radisson Blu is an African dream - the magic of new beginnings," adding that this development coming on line would be a catalyst for further growth of uMhlanga, Dube Tradeport and the Zimbali northern corridor, as they attract blue chip investments to the area.

The Radisson Hotel Group Area Senior Vice President, Middle East & Africa,Tim Cordon, was ecstatic saying, "We are thrilled to make our debut in the welcoming city of Durban and cement our presence in our fourth South African city. South Africa continues to be a key market for us on the continent and we are proud to celebrate our 14th hotel opening milestone with the entry into Durban as we open a flagship property of this calibre. With its prime location overlooking the ocean adjacent to the exclusive Oceans Mall, this property will enhance Durban's vibrant offering and we hope that we will be welcomed warmly into the local community."

Speaking at the launch, King Misuzulu kaZwelithini addressed Mr Vivian Reddy, saying, "Today brings to me the memories, where the late King my father, whom you were very close with, I was privileged enough to be amongst and to be a part of that relationship. Mr Reddy, the friendships you have, not only with His majesty but also with the fellowship of our family and the Zulu nation as a whole, the heart you have for my father's people, my people will never be forgotten and I intend to carry on with that relationship."

We would like to congratulate Mr. Vivian Reddy and the whole development consortium that has persevered to bring Umhlanga this amazing project.