Potential developments could boost investments by the John Konti Property Group in Somerset West to more than R60 million.

The group which is negotiating projects worth R40 million, is already developing a R14 million multi-use industrial business park and its own R5 million head office within 12,8 ha it bought from Heartland Properties, a member of the AECI group. The John Konti Property Group which has named its land Olive Grove Industrial Estate, recently completed a R12,6 million manufacturing facility there. 

Wendy Viola, sales and marketing manager of Heartland Properties, which is responsible for the ongoing redevelopment of AECI land between Somerset West and Strand, says the Olive Grove Industrial Estate is an indicator of the activity on the site.

She says the development adjacent to Olive Grove Industrial Estate, known as The Interchange, has attracted businesses such as Outdoor Warehouse, Tile Afrika and Plumblink. All sites at The Interchange have been sold for such varied uses as retail warehousing, distribution, service industry and clean manufacture.  

The total AECI landholding was 1 000ha and some 250ha of this has been successfully sub-divided and sold.  Strategic planning for the remainder of the site is ongoing and Heartland will continue to provide development opportunities across all property sectors, she says.

The John Konti Property Group bought the land from Heartland because the Helderberg Basin has shown good potential for growth, says group executive Nic Kontopirakis. “We felt there was a need for industrial facilities with ample landscaping, good security and parking, particularly for larger-sized facilities of 1 500m² and higher.

“Olive Grove Industrial Estate is conveniently located with easy access to both the N2 and the R44 and is only 15 minutes drive to Cape Town International Airport. “

He says the main entrance to Olive Grove has been completed along with all the civil works, including electrical reticulation, and storm water and sewerage services. All the roads within the estate have been paved, and it is expected that fencing will be completed by the end of November.

The industrial business park and head office developments by the group follow an earlier project on the Somerset West property.  A 4 000m² manufacturing facility was developed to the requirements of Aerodyne Advance Composites who are leasing the property.

Nic Kontopirakis says the 5 600m² multi-use business park at Olive Grove Industrial Estate will be known as Blue Crane Park, and  will comprise six units ranging from 450 m²to 1 800m². It should be completed by May 2005. The units will be sold on a sectional title basis at prices ranging from R 2 381 per square metre.

“Our head office development at Olive Grove will occupy 5 000m² and should be completed by March 2005. This will allow us to centralise operations. We will be relocating our property development arm from Diep River and steel fabrication business, Konti Steel & Roofing, from Blackheath.”

Established last year, Konti Steel & Roofing, focuses on steel structure fabrication and the rigging and roofing of either portal or vaulted structures for houses, mini-factories, showrooms or large warehouses and distribution centres.

The John Konti Property Group’s main focus is to develop, for sale or lease, industrial and manufacturing facilities on its own land.  Its turnkey development arm, Jarc Projects Too, specialises in developments of large warehouses, office units and multi-use business parks to tenants’ specifications for sale or lease. 

Over the last two years the John Konti Property Group has developed a 21 000m² head office and distribution centre for lease to Boardmans/Edcon Group in Diep River, a 6 000m² multi-use sectional title development in Milnerton known as Longclaw Business Park, and the Aerodyne Advance Composites facility at Somerset West.

ends

ISSUED FOR Heartland Properties/John Konti Property Group

INQUIRIES Wendy Viola 021-852-1111

                     Nic Kontopirakis 083 4444083