Hwange’s New Central Business District: A Vision for Sustainable Urban Growth
The Hwange Local Board (HLB) has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative to develop a new central business district (CBD), marking a significant shift in the town’s commercial, administrative, and service delivery landscape. This long-anticipated project, which has been in the conceptual phase for almost a decade, is now moving forward with structured planning and execution following a recent council resolution.
Ndumiso Mdlalose, the town secretary, confirmed that the project has entered the layout design stage. A formal submission will soon be made to the Department of Physical Planning for approval. This process will occur alongside a comprehensive site survey and the development of an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) to ensure compliance with national environmental and sustainability regulations.
“The new central business district represents a critical step in Hwange’s vision to become a modern, organized, and investor-friendly urban hub,” Mdlalose said. “We are no longer at the idea stage — this is a structured development process.”
At the heart of the proposed CBD will be the HLB’s new civic center, which will house core administrative and governance functions. The broader development will include government offices, public service facilities, retail and commercial centers, financial service infrastructure, as well as recreational and green spaces.
Mdlalose emphasized that the overarching goal of the project is to attract both public and private investment into key infrastructure that supports the town’s long-term urban growth. “This is a true greenfield development — we are working on previously undeveloped land, which offers immense opportunity for proper urban planning and sustainable development,” he explained.
While the total project cost remains undetermined, the HLB stated that investment levels will depend on the scale and nature of infrastructure brought in by interested stakeholders. Mdlalose encouraged both local and international investors to participate through public-private partnerships and other strategic collaborations.
Previously, some institutions and organizations had shown interest in the site, but most developments were halted due to non-compliance with planning standards set by the Department of Physical Planning. Only one development, led by a global financial services firm, was approved.
“This time, the process will be guided strictly by formal planning approvals to ensure the CBD meets modern urban standards,” Mdlalose said. He added that once the layout and site surveys are finalized and approved, the board will proceed to open investor engagements and issue tender notices.
“The CBD isn’t just about buildings — it’s about shaping the future of Hwange,” Mdlalose concluded. “We’re creating space for commerce, governance, service delivery, and community life to flourish in a well-planned, modern environment.”
