WestProp Holdings has initiated the development of the Chivhu Eco City, a large-scale mixed-use project located in the central region of Zimbabwe. According to NewZimbabwe, the developer is positioning the town of Chivhu as an emerging investment destination, aiming to attract homebuyers and investors who are looking for opportunities outside the capital city of Harare. The project is branded as the country’s newest "Gateway City" and is designed to transform the traditionally transit-oriented town into a self-sustaining urban centre.
The development plan integrates residential neighbourhoods, commercial precincts, and recreational facilities. A key component of the initial phase is the introduction of Chivhu’s first luxury apartment development. WestProp Holdings Chief Executive Officer Ken Sharpe stated that the company selected Chivhu because of its strategic central location and untapped potential. He noted that the firm previously concentrated its operations in Harare but is now expanding due to growing demand for property investment in other parts of the country. Sharpe described the initiative as a move to become the primary corridor for growth in Chivhu and nearby centres.
To facilitate homeownership, the developer is introducing financing arrangements that include 30-year mortgages, which Sharpe identified as the longest payment terms currently available in Zimbabwe. This financial structure is intended to make the properties more accessible to a broader range of buyers. On-site construction activities are already underway, with road opening works proceeding to establish access routes for future residential and commercial developments. NewZimbabwe reported that demand for the Founders Phase is gaining momentum, with properties selling rapidly as investors seek to secure units ahead of anticipated price increases.
Beyond standard infrastructure, the Chivhu Eco City incorporates significant environmental elements. The project plans include extensive green spaces and a private game reserve. Sharpe explained that the vision is to create a sustainable relationship between human settlements and nature, allowing residents to experience a lifestyle where modern housing coexists with indigenous wildlife and surrounding bushland. The developer aims to demonstrate how carefully planned amenities can preserve natural ecosystems. WestProp is leveraging its experience in delivering large-scale property developments to implement this strategy, positioning the Eco City as a major component of its broader expansion across Zimbabwe’s emerging growth corridors.