As the pace of life seems to relentlessly gather momentum, traffic congestion persists and time is a highly valued commodity, the trend towards living in close proximity to work continues to increase. In line with this, says Jonathan Klimek, leasing, sales and investment broker for JHI Properties, businesses are placing a growing emphasis on providing a secure work environment in pleasant and easily accessible surrounds for staff and clients.
“While the concept of ‘live, work, play’ is generally applied to vibrant metropolitan nodes, we are seeing a new trend towards a lifestyle where one can reside in a lush and secure residential estate or area but with offices in an equally appealing, leafy environment close by. In this way the live, work concept is not limited to the more densely inhabited urban areas but is transported to a more tranquil environment offered by office parks with sprawling lawns, landscaped grounds and soothing views – away from the hustle and bustle of busy city life with its heavy traffic and constant noise,” says Klimek.
Klimek says currently office space has become available at Fourways Office Park and Fourways Golf Park, each of which is within walking distance of Fourways Shopping Centre, Cedar Square Shopping Centre, Fourways Crossing and Montecasino – arguably the best entertainment destination in Gauteng, and with attractive residential estates also close by. Fourways Office Park also has good exposure to Fourways Boulevard and Cedar Road.
Comprising B or B+ grade space both these office parks offer easy access to high net worth residents living in Dainfern Estate, Helderfontein Estate and Beverley, all very appealing green neighbourhoods, while middle management staff may reside in suburbs such as Craigavon, Douglasdale and Fourways.
Says Klimek: “We are already seeing a trend towards businesses moving their businesses closer to home, for example an IT company recently relocated to Fourways, while there is considerable interest from the educational sector in regard to running a college from one of the above office parks. As the upstairs of all the buildings is pillar-free, the space is very flexible for lecture halls.
“However, the key appeal of these Fourways office parks is that those residing in the above residential estates need not drive into Sandton or Johannesburg CBD, they can simply walk to work or take a short drive, and finish off with a game of golf – with colleagues or business associates or clients.
The nearby William Nichol off-ramp makes this a good location for business schools and Gautrain buses are within easy reach, while for those with families good schools in the vicinity include Lonehill Crawford College, Fourways High School and Bryanston High. The area has good infrastructure and amenities, including gyms such as Virgin Active.
“Both these office parks provide larger office space, ideal and flexible for a variety of businesses. In Fourways Golf Park just over 4 000sqm of space has become available, while in Fourways Office Park approximately 8000sqm of office space is available. Rental rates in Fourways Office Park and Fourways Golf Park are competitive at R85 and R95 per square metre respectively,” he says.
Expansive gardens in both parks provide a very appealing work environment; there is excellent security and ample parking, with four bays per 100sqm of space let. Adds Klimek: “In addition, Fourways Golf Park has scenic views over the greens, and the opportunity to improve one’s golf handicap while discussing business transactions. Both parks offer tenant installations and beneficial occupation periods."