As far back as the early sixties the town council of Ceres has been investigating the possibility of acquiring suitable land for the development of the town. Following an application by Ceres Fruit Growers for expansion of their business premises and housing for their workers, the divisional council took a call option in 1965 on the land where Bella Vista can be found nowadays. On 6 November 1969 land, known as Area K was proclaimed a coloured area. On the side of the government there were many problems with the expansion, as it was seen as an independent coloured area that had to replace the existing coloured areas of the town. The municipality was not satisfied with this, as they wanted it to be an additional residential area and they wanted existing coloured areas to be developed further to their full potential. This problem with group areas and local political opposition dragged on until 1973 when it was accepted that the existing coloured areas in Ceres had to be developed to their full potential and that Area K had to be seen as merely supplementary urban area. Incorporation with the town was approved and on 21 May 1973 the name Bella Vista was given to the area.