The Collins story began in 1904 with H Collins & Son, a proudly South African, family-owned and operated business. Led by Harry and Ken Collins, the company grew into a respected Pietermaritzburg-based construction firm known as Collins Contractors. In the 1960s, Ken’s son Russell joined the business, expanding its capabilities into the commercial and industrial property sectors.
While Russell continued to grow H Collins & Son, brothers Murray and Kenneth Collins established Collins Property Projects, with a focused interest in industrial and select retail developments. This marked a decisive shift toward property as a core pillar of the business.
Towards the end of 2017, Collins Property Projects merged with JSE-listed Tradehold. The business then owned and managed a portfolio of more than 140 properties, with a total gross lettable area of 1.6 million square metres. The portfolio was predominantly industrial, including major distribution centres and complexes let on long-term triple-net leases to leading corporate clients. Collins also manages Tradehold’s Namibian portfolio, comprising sought-after properties in key towns such as Windhoek, Walvis Bay and Gobabis.
Following the merger, Russell and Murray expanded into residential property, hospitality and agriculture. As the business evolved, its focus sharpened, moving from broad-based construction and industrial scale into more considered, place-led residential development.
Collins Developments represents this evolution. Drawing on over a century of property expertise, it now specialises in residential and commercial development across expansive, often environmentally sensitive landscapes. With a deep understanding of nuanced environments, each development is carefully shaped to respond to its setting, delivering refined living experiences while maintaining a light-touch, considered footprint.
Today, the broader associated ventures are housed under Syncerus Holdings, bringing together a diverse portfolio under a single strategic vision. Within this structure, Collins Developments stands as the dedicated residential and commercial development arm, continuing to shape places where people can live, invest and connect to their surroundings.
