Six distribution parks offering a range of warehousing and factory space are being planned for development by Old Mutual Properties on 50 ha in key locations in Johannesburg, Centurion, Durban and Cape Town.

The developments are aimed primarily at large space users and will be built to their requirements, says Ben Kodisang, managing director of Old Mutual Properties.  “Some speculative building to accommodate the mid-market is under consideration, given a swing in the property cycle that brings the industrial sector into play. “

He says that while the office market remains in over-supply, excellent economic conditions favour investment in the industrial sector.

“Continuing domestic growth and space shortages in key locations underscore the need for projects offering premises for service and light industries, wholesaling, warehousing and distribution, transport depots and showrooms,” he says.

Three of the developments are proposed for Gauteng, two for greater Durban and one in Cape Town.

Kodisang says the sites form part of Old Mutual’s land holdings and are generally big enough for one tenant, yet easily sub-divisible for a number, depending on their requirements.  The developments are to be known as M³ Distribution Parks because of greater volumes, with the focus being on cubic metres as opposed to square metres. This is created by having 8m-high eaves instead of the conventional 6m.

One of the largest properties is a 14 ha site in Centurion, on the development corridor between Johannesburg and Pretoria. Its northern neighbour is the SA Mint and it is located between the highway, on its western boundary and the old Johannesburg road, on its eastern boundary. Erven range in size from 5 000m² to 2 ha but can be consolidated to create larger stands.

Kodisang says two further M³ Distribution Parks are proposed for greater Johannesburg. One is planned for  10,7 ha on Heidelberg Road, south of Johannesburg, with excellent access to the arterial network and the other on a 5,5 ha site in Yaldwin Street, Jet Park, close to main Gauteng distribution routes around Johannesburg International Airport.

One  Durban property  is on 7,5 ha in Goodwood Road, Mahogany Ridge, in Westmead, a short drive from the container harbour and close to the N3 to Pietermaritzburg. 

The other M³ Distribution Park in greater Durban will be on the 14 ha Mount Edgecombe site which housed the temporary Sugar Mill Casino before the opening of the Sibaya project at Umdloti. Kodisang says this has the advantage of having roads and a 7 000m² warehouse already in place. 

The Cape Town site earmarked for development is on 2,2 ha fronting onto Omuramba Road, Montague Gardens,  an area which offers quick access to arterial routes and has grown rapidly in recent years. 

Kodisang says experience gained by Old Mutual Properties in pioneering industrial parks in South Africa will ensure the projects incorporate features that facilitate business. These, he says, include clear eaves heights suitable for maximum racking, ample yard space and truck turning circles, security, landscaping, versatile office layouts and abundant parking.

Ends

ISSUED FOR Old Mutual Properties

BY Michael Kerkhoff & Associates

INQUIRIES Ben Kodisang 021-530-4630

                    Mike Kerkhoff 021-424-5280