WESTPROP Holdings is opening a new chapter in its growth trajectory with plans to expand into Chivhu in Mashonaland East province, as the property developer spreads its tentacles beyond Harare in response to rising demand for decentralised urban development.
Strategically located, Chivhu is a key gateway town where major roads converge, linking Harare, Gweru, Masvingo, Bulawayo, Victoria Falls and Mutare. It also serves as a vital corridor to regional markets including South Africa, Botswana and Mozambique, positioning it as a natural hub for commerce and logistics.
The company plans to develop a city approximately 8km outside Chivhu, along the route to the emerging iron and steel plant at Dinson, a move expected to accelerate economic activity in the area.
WestProp chief executive Ken Sharpe said the expansion reflected market demand and a broader vision to drive growth beyond the capital.
“We are happy to be expanding. We have previously concentrated our developments in Harare, but due to demand and calls for outward growth, we have decided to make Chivhu our immediate target. We are going to be the corridor for growth in Chivhu and nearby centres,” he said.
Sharpe added that local communities would play a critical role in shaping the success of the project, urging residents to embrace the emergence of a smart city in their area.
The development site carries historical significance, having once been home to Tangenhamo, a popular tourist destination that attracted international visitors. WestProp aims to revive that legacy by transforming Chivhu into a modern centre for tourism, business and community living.
Chivhu’s economy is anchored on agriculture and mining, including iron and steel extraction, tobacco farming and cattle ranching. Combined with strong diaspora links, these factors present a solid foundation for sustainable urban growth.
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WestProp said its projects in the area would focus on modern housing, innovative infrastructure and community-oriented spaces aligned with its “live, work, shop and play” model.
The company, known for developments such as Pokugara, Millennium Heights, Pomona City and The Hills Luxury Golf Estate, also plans to revitalise parts of Chivhu’s struggling tourism infrastructure.
The expansion marks more than a geographic shift — it signals a broader strategy to integrate emerging towns into Zimbabwe’s urban future, positioning Chivhu as a key node connecting people, industries and regional markets.
