OUR
History
The Riverside node was conceptualised in the early 90s, when Halls Properties recognised the land’s potential and possibilities and donated land for the new Provincial Government complex when Mbombela (then Nelspruit) obtained capital status.
The vision was to create a mixed-use regional node that would attract investment and development into the new capital city, leaving a legacy for future generations.
Mbombela’s need for additional land, for light industrial development, led to two townships being approved in 1995 – Riverside Park and Riverside Industrial.
What is known as Riverside CID today was originally planned as two separate townships – Riverside Park, a mixed-use township with a variety of land uses ranging from residential to commercial; and Riverside Industrial, a predominantly light industrial and commercial development.
RIVERSIDE PARK CID
Riverside Park was established in October 2004, anchored by three significant developments – the Provincial Government complex, Riverside Mall and Tsogo Sun’s Emnotweni Casino and hotels – all of which are still significant precinct anchors today.
It was registered as a non-profit Property Owners Association (POA) and, in 2008, started providing supplementary services which required the introduction of voluntary levies.
In May 2000, the City of Mbombela promulgated a by-law for the establishment of CIDs and the POA thereafter adopted the CID operational model. The by-law remains the only local legislation relevant for the establishment and management of urban areas.
In November 2004, following a successful application, Riverside Park Phase 1 became a legislated CID. It was operationalised in 2009 and, in March 2010, the council approved an amended business plan which expanded the previously legislated Riverside Park CID boundaries to include Phase 1 and 2. Phase 1 was east of Madiba Drive and Phase 2 west thereof.
The signing of a Service Level Agreement in November 2010 cemented the partnership between the City of Mbombela and Riverside Park CID.
With the continued growth of the Riverside node, a boundary expansion application was submitted to the City of Mbombela to include phase 3, west and north of phase 2. It was approved in November 2020.
RIVERSIDE INDUSTRIAL CID
As part of phase 2’s expansion approval conditions, the city requested Riverside Park CID to explore the establishment of a CID in Riverside Industrial, adjacent to Riverside Park.
Riverside Industrial CID was established as a separate CID in 2015, after the application was approved by the city.
Property owners’ levy contributions fund the CID, which includes a 10% rebate from rates and taxes paid back to the CID by the city, in recognition of services rendered and investment made into public areas.
As greater Riverside CID contributes around 9% of Mbombela’s rates and taxes, the city recognises the importance of the well-managed precinct in protecting and enhancing its rates base and is thus a key partner.
The ultimate aim of Riverside CID is to preserve and enhance property values in the medium- to long-term, to attract new investment and business and retain tenants.