Malmesbury’s economy, rooted in agriculture, is experiencing significant growth thanks to the introduction of De Zwartland Werf, an 11-hectare mixed-use development by Devmark Property Group. Conveniently located along the N7 and Voortrekker Road, this development is quickly becoming a hub of commercial, medical, and residential activity, driving economic expansion and supporting the Swartland region’s agricultural sector.
At the heart of De Zwartland Werf is the 37,000m² De Zwartland Markt, a shopping precinct featuring 50 stores. For farmers and agricultural businesses, this new centre offers a local platform to sell produce and goods, reducing the need for long-distance transportation. The bustling marketplace has improved access to both retail and essential services for the entire community. In addition to retail, the opening of Crestcare Private Hospital in August 2024 addresses a growing need for healthcare services in the region. The agricultural sector, which often faces challenges in accessing timely medical care due to the rural nature of farming, now benefits from local healthcare infrastructure, ensuring the well-being of farm workers and their families.
Looking ahead, De Zwartland Werf is set to introduce De Zwartland Manor, a retirement estate that will offer elderly members of the community easy access to healthcare and essential services. In addition to the retail and medical components, the development includes 26 residential apartments and office spaces ranging from 95m² to 256m², providing a well-rounded mix of residential and commercial opportunities that enhance the attractiveness of the area.
N7 Highway Upgrade
Complementing this growth is the ongoing upgrade to the N7 highway. SANRAL’s investment of over R3.5 billion has improved connectivity in the region, with 40km of dual carriageway and multiple interchanges completed. The current R600 million upgrades between Malmesbury and Moorreesburg is set to finish by early 2025, further enhancing the area’s accessibility and economic potential. For the agricultural sector, these infrastructure improvements streamline the transport of produce to regional and national markets, reducing travel times and improving logistics. With better road networks, local farmers can access markets more efficiently, allowing for smoother trade and bolstering the Swartland’s position as a key agricultural hub.