Construction is nearing completion on the first phase of the R2.1 billion Cornubia development in northern Durban, which includes a Leroy Merlin retail project and future commercial facilities.

The new R2.1 billion business development in Cornubia, north of Durban, is moving closer to completion, with the first phase expected to be finished by December.

The development by Fundamentum includes a R200 million Leroy Merlin retail project, while later phases are expected to include the Emeris campus, which could accommodate about 8,000 students, as well as additional commercial properties.

eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba visited the site on Monday alongside Fundamentum CEO Carlos Correia as part of an oversight visit and was briefed on progress on the first phase.

Fundamentum already has more than R8 billion worth of assets in eThekwini, including Westown Square in Shongweni, Bridge City Mall in KwaMashu and Midway Crossing Mall in Newlands West.