Zimbabwe: The Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) company has taken a considerable step for the coming future. It has taken a decision to build a smart city in Bulawayo.
ZITF company has introduced a visionary plan to transform its execution for the exhibition grounds into a state-of-the-art smart city. Without any doubt the plan to transform it into a visionary plan is an ambitious project that demands an investment of US $300 million.
The company has the potential to revolutionise the place Bulawayo by ushering in a digital and technological revolution which will transform the entire landscape of the city.
Reportedly, Zimbabwe International Conference and Exhibition Smart City (ZICES) has labelled the project as a masterclass in urban planning and sustainable development.
The Smart City project promises to revitalise the residential region and position at the Bulawayo city, which is considered as a hub for business tourism, commerce and cultural immersion.
As per the sources, the project will be initiated by the property developer Terrace Africa who will foremost develop a shopping complex as the first phase of the project.
At the heart of ZICES, a brand new international convention centre will be build, which will be capable of hosting upto 5000 delegates and a 500 hotel rooms will be designed to provide convenience and luxury to visitors and the dignitaries.
The 5-star boutique hotel will cater to the needs of VIPs and will ensure that Bulawayo can accommodate the guests with the highest standards of hospitality.
ZICES is not just a business endeavour, it is a lifestyle revolution. The contemporary retail complex will offer a plethora of shopping, dining and entertainment options, that created a vibrant community space for both residents and the tourists.
A theme-based park will celebrate the rich culture and heritage of Zimbabwe, which is also a part of the plan. The project offers a unique blend of education and leisure that invite visitors to explore and engage with the history and natural beauty of the nation.
ZITF has highlighted the plans to retain over the 25 existing structures that are of historical significance. The project would be a modernised mesh which feels like a new development.
Considering the upcoming development, Chairman of the ZITF Company – Busisa Moyo said that the unveiling of the new ZITF Masterplan and Smart City represents a transformative moment for Bulawayo and underscores the commitment of ZITF towards driving a sustainable growth and development in the region.
Moyo emphasised, “By revitalising the ZICES we aim to create a vibrant hub for commerce, hospitality and leisure while also celebrating Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage.”
ZITF confirms that it has started engaging the stakeholders to begin the implementation over various key anchor developments. The projects may be structured through Public Private Partnerships (PPP) models.
The Terrace Africa has helped ZITF to come up with the masterplan. This is for the first time in Bulawayo happened for Terrace Africa that the developer of the project such as Highland Park and Village Walk in Harare.
Notably, the company manages the Tigere Property Fund and has recently stated that it targets to add more properties to grow net asset value to US $50 million by the end of 2025 and to US $100 million in the next three years.
Terrace is also building Greenfields, into a complex at Harare Showgrounds and has explored new developments in Ruwa and is building the Highland Park Precinct.