As the vibrant town of Darling prepares for the much-anticipated Wildflower Show in September, Darling Green Country Estate is making strides of its own, ensuring that progress never takes a backseat. With a series of exciting developments underway, the estate is rapidly becoming a beacon of sustainable living and community spirit in the heart of the Western Cape. From nearly completed homes to the groundbreaking solar power project and enhanced security measures, there’s plenty of positive momentum to share with our growing community. In addition, we had Premier Alan Winde inaugurate the Solar Farm at Darling Green Country Estate.
Premier Alan Winde Inaugurates Groundbreaking Solar Farm at Darling Green Country Estate
On August 26th, Darling Green Country Estate had the immense honour of hosting Premier Alan Winde for a momentous occasion—the Sod Turning ceremony of our innovative 6MW solar farm. The Premier’s visit began with a warm welcome and introduction at Darling Cellars, setting the stage for a day that marks a significant milestone not only for our estate but also for the entire Western Cape.
This solar farm, the first of its kind in South Africa, is a collaboration between Sustainable Power Solutions (SPS), Darling Green Country Estate, and TouchPoint Energy. It’s set to be completed in two phases. Phase 1 will see the establishment of a 1MW solar plant dedicated to powering Darling Green Country Estate, with any excess energy supplied to the Swartland Municipality during the estate’s construction. This phase is being expertly managed by our newly established Darling Green Utility.
Phase 2 will further amplify this impact by adding a 5MW solar farm connected to Eskom’s Darling substation. This will extend the reach of clean energy across the region, contributing significantly to the Western Cape’s sustainable energy goals. With Eskom’s approval and grid connection processes nearing completion, this project is set to become a cornerstone of our province’s renewable energy journey.
Phase 1 is already under construction, with a target to be operational by the end of 2024. Phase 2 is expected to follow by end-2025, distributing clean energy via Eskom’s grid. Backed by the UK’s British International Investment Plc, SPS’s largest shareholder through Gridworks, this fully-funded project is poised to boost Darling’s local economy and reinforce our commitment to a sustainable future.
We extend our deepest gratitude to Premier Winde (who is standing between Ralph Rabie on the left and Klaus Göbel on the right – both representing Darling Green Country Estate in the photo above) for his support, as well as to everyone who made today possible. The community’s support is invaluable as we embark on this transformative journey for Darling.
House Developments Nearing Completion
We’re thrilled to announce significant progress in our house developments, which are a cornerstone of the estate’s vision. The first Architectural Review Committee (ARC) inspection of a completed house took place in mid-August, marking an important milestone in our journey. This inspection is a testament to the high standards we maintain in our construction processes, ensuring that every home meets the quality expectations of our residents. Alongside this, five other houses are swiftly nearing completion.
These homes are more than just structures; they represent the beginning of a community where families can grow and thrive. The attention to detail in design and construction reflects our commitment to creating a harmonious living environment that blends seamlessly with the natural beauty of Darling. As these homes come to life, they bring us closer to realising the estate’s vision of offering a peaceful, countryside lifestyle, surrounded by the serenity of nature.
Sustainable Power Solutions (SPS) is on Site
In our ongoing commitment to sustainability, we’re excited to announce that the construction of our 1-MW solar plant is officially underway. This project is a significant step forward in our mission to create an eco-friendly community, and we’re proud to partner with Sustainable Power Solutions (SPS) as seen in the photo above (Francois van Themaat, Alan Winde, Paul Mansour & Stefan Bothma), a leader in renewable energy innovation. SPS is renowned for its expertise in designing, constructing, and managing solar energy systems, making it the perfect partner for this initiative.
Phase 1 of the solar farm is projected to be completed by the end of 2024, at which point it will begin supplying the Swartland municipality with green power. This not only reduces our carbon footprint but also contributes to the broader community by providing a renewable energy source that aligns with global sustainability goals. The implementation of this solar farm underscores our commitment to building a self-sustaining estate, where residents can enjoy the benefits of modern living without compromising the environment.
Introducing Crime Tect Security: Elevating Safety at Darling Green Country Estate
We are pleased to announce the appointment of Crime Tect Security as our new security partner at Darling Green Country Estate. Taking over from Civils 2000, Crime Tect Security brings a fresh, comprehensive approach to safeguarding our community. Led by Henrico Jantjies, a former SAPS investigator, this dedicated team is committed to maintaining the highest standards of security.
What distinguishes CTS is its unwavering commitment to excellence. All armed response officers are fully trained, professionally uniformed, and certified by PRISA, ensuring that only top-tier professionals protect our estate. Their presence not only strengthens our security but also provides our residents with the peace of mind that comes from living in a well-protected environment.
As we continue to grow and evolve, the safety of our residents remains our highest priority. We are confident that CTS will uphold the standards of safety and service we all expect and deserve.
Building Process Starting for The Village Post
We are also excited to share an update on The Village Post, a unique development within the estate that embodies the spirit of community living. Construction of the first five units is set to commence this August, and we couldn’t be more eager to see this project come to life. The Village Post is designed to offer a blend of modern conveniences with the charm of village-style living, creating a welcoming environment for residents who value connection and community.
Steffen Olivier from Darling Homes, our trusted contractor, will be leading the construction efforts. With his expertise and dedication, we are confident that The Village Post will soon become a vibrant and integral part of Darling Green Country Estate. This development is more than just a housing project; it’s a vision of how community and modern living can coexist, offering residents a space where they can build lasting relationships and enjoy a lifestyle that’s both comfortable and enriching.
153 Stands Successfully Transferred
In what marks a historic moment for Darling Green Country Estate, we are proud to announce that 153 stands have been successfully transferred to their new owners. This achievement is a significant milestone in the estate’s development, as it not only reflects the growing interest in our community but also paves the way for the next phase of construction. With these transfers complete, new homeowners can now submit their plans for approval to the Swartland municipality, setting the stage for individual house constructions to begin later this year.
This wave of construction marks the beginning of a new chapter for Darling Green, as the first residents prepare to move in and embrace the relaxing, unhurried lifestyle that the estate promises. The successful transfer of these erven is a testament to the estate’s unwavering dedication to its vision of creating a secure, beautiful home in the heart of the countryside. As more homes are built and more families join our community, Darling Green Country Estate continues to grow as a place where dreams of peaceful, country living become a reality.