Durban

Durban at a glance

Defined by continued growth, Durban’s commercial and industrial property market has flourished as new businesses both small and medium, and big blue chip companies enter the area to take advantage of favourable rentals that are affordable, central, modern and well-sized. 

The region comprises of Umhlanga Rocks in the North, Hammarsdale and Cato Ridge in the west and Amanzimtoti in the south. Examples of suburbs in this extensive region include; Prospecton, Pinetown, Westmead, Jacobs, Mobeni, Mayville, Glen Anil, La Lucia, uMhlanga and Mount Edgecombe.   

Transforming Landscape

The Durban property market is transforming to meet the requirements of urban business as many offices come fully fitted with the finest infrastructure to support fibre network and eco-friendly practices. The most pronounced transformation can be identified in the proliferation of mixed-use developments, which fuses commercial, industrial, residential and retail components under one development.

The north of Durban is witnessing the biggest transformation as significant mixed-use developments take hold - changing the landscape of the area into a modern hub. Cornubia is the most pronounced example of this, comprising three commercial and industrial precincts, two residential precincts, a shopping mall and a town centre.

Infrastructure 

South Africa is renowned for its transport infrastructure that is well-developed and well-maintained. Roads here, especially the main routes, promote easy and integrated commute that connect key regions to each other. Highlighted as an instrumental contributor in the country’s global competitiveness, South Africa’s transport sector is an influential driver of economic growth and development.

Freeways
 
For businesses in Durban, this advanced road infrastructure is upheld through three main freeways, namely, the N2, N3 and M13. The N3 is the main freeway in the region and connects Durban’s Central Business District (CBD) to Berea and Mayville, and intersects to the N2 heading into Westville, Marianhill, Cato Ridge and Camperdown. The M13 is also an integral freeway that connects the commercial sector with the rest of Durban - beginning in the CBD, it meanders through Mayville, Sherwood, Westville, Cowies Hill and Pinetown. 

New Projects: GO!Durban

The GO!Durban Project will create added integration to provincial transport by promoting a safe, affordable and flexible commute experience for people around Durban. Launched in 2013, it will link regions that have been challenging to access in the past - the first phase will link will run through Pinetown and connect the roads of Josiah Gumede, Qanshana and Bevis. Overall, GO!Durban plans to link uMhlanga, KwaMashu, Phoenix and Newlands West to Pinetown. 

With such an integrated transport system, businesses function in an environment that upholds hassle-free commute, and ultimate connectivity and access. This allows the commercial and industrial sector to function optimally as the province’s workforce can travel from various regions with ease.  

Key Commercial Precincts in Durban 

Dube Tradeport

Labelled as the biggest infrastructural project by the provincial government, the Dube TradePort Corporation contains Africa’s biggest port and largest container facility in the Southern hemisphere. Expanding over 3000 hectares, it houses the King Shaka International Airport, a cargo terminal, and warehouse, office, agriculture, retail and residential components.

Springfield Industrial Park

Durban’s chosen and most sought-after industrial node is the Springfield Industrial Park, ideally situated on the doorstep of the N3 freeway via the Umgeni/Springfield intersection. The precinct comprises warehousing, factory and office property, with 24-hour security and ample parking.   

Riverhorse Valley 

Riverhorse Valley in Newlands East, just 12 minutes away from Gateway has transformed into a popular industrial and commercial destination. Located here are major companies including; Samsung, Unilever and Mr Price. Warehousing facilities are a significant feature in Riverhorse Valley, with rental spaces ranging from 380 sqm to 35 000 sqm, with ample parking spaces and advanced security features.

La Lucia Ridge Office Park 

The La Lucia Ridge Office Park exudes an A grade status with many offices overlooking the pristine uMhlanga beach. Developed by Tongaat Hullet, it primarily comprises premium corporate firms, including Ernest and Young, Deloitte, Garlick and Boufield, Multi-choice and the headquarters for FNB. Offices are fully air-conditioned with 24-hour security and wide spaces for a reception area, board room, private kitchenettes, optic fibre facilities and a number of dedicated parking bays.   

Cornubia

As mentioned, the Cornubia development is a prime example of a mixed-use development in Durban. The R25 billion rand development comprises commercial and industrial precincts, including the N2 Business Estate, Industrial Business Estate and a Business Hub.

•    N2 Business Estate

Designed as a business park, this diverse precinct caters conveniently to a substantial range of uses, situated adjacent to the N2. This diversity enables a balanced vibrancy within the estate as it allows for warehousing, office logistics, the service industry and retail and residential components.

•    Industrial Business Estate 

The Industrial Business Estate accommodates warehousing, light industrial, distribution, logistics, showrooms, offices and retail. Access to this portion of Cornubia is off the MR79 and MR458, with connectivity to the N2. 

•    Business Hub

Seated near the M41, Cornubia’s business hub expands 12 hectares of highly sought after commercial space split into five 85 000 sqm subdivisions. 

Index Property Solutions brings to the market premium office, industrial and warehousing properties in Durban, including the above-mentioned business precincts. Contemporary, affordable and strategically positioned to Durban’s key freeways – properties uncovered by Index Property Solutions are guaranteed to be exceptional. Contact our helpful and expert agents today who will guide you in finding your ideal commercial or industrial space in the growing hub of Durban.