The tailor-made warehouse is being created specifically for the business needs of Barloworld Logistics, notes Growthpoint Properties Limited Industrial Divisional Director Tyrone Govender.

The 17,200m2 development includes some 16,000m2 of warehousing space and 1,200m2 of offices on a site of 34,940m2, which incorporates 4,000m2 space for future expansion of the building.

A R55,5 million, 12,000m2 high-tech warehouse and office for Justine/Avon, has been constructed in Growthpoint Industrial Estate and occupied on 1 April 2008. The development of a R132 million phase of mini-units comprising a total of 26,000m2 is expected to begin shortly.

“We expect a number of similar deals in terms of warehousing and logistics space, especially in light of the Fifa 2010 World Cup which will create extraordinary requirements for a diversity of businesses,” notes Govender. “This demand creates the opportunity to develop and invest in property assets now which will continue to be relevant long after the event is over,” he says.

With the capacity to supply some 125,000m2 of industrial space, of which 55,000m² has been accounted for with a further 10,000m² earmarked in the short term for development, Growthpoint Industrial Estate is one of a scarce number of large sites in established, zoned industrial areas which are still available for development in South Africa. It is one of the few developable sites of its size and quality along this stretch of the R24 motorway between Johannesburg and OR Tambo International Airport. Its location and infrastructure make it ideal for warehousing and logistics companies.

“The building will provide Barloworld with a facility which will equip it to meet global standards in terms of distribution and warehousing,” says Govender. The warehouse will be built to the highest specifications including “FM1” floors (super-flat) and 15-metre high eves. Barloworld will occupy the building on a 5-year lease with a further 5-year renewal option.

The upmarket, secure industrial warehousing and distribution estate is situated on the Route 24 node in Meadowdale, Gauteng, with excellent accessibility via motorway, which will be further enhanced by the construction of the proposed K92, the Brickfield Link Road and the extension of Essex Road. Two large distribution centres for Super Group and Value Logistics adjoin the site in the South.

Providing secure, 24-hour, controlled access and cutting-edge security, Growthpoint Industrial Estate accommodates a full range of users with premises ranging from 500m2 to 50,000m2 and provides a total gross lettable area of 125,000m2.

Govender explains that from its inception, Growthpoint Industrial Estate has been designed to be environmentally respectful and energy efficient.

“Structures are positioned to minimise the heat load, reducing the energy consumption required for cooling, solar panels will supply the common-area lighting, specialised waste disposal services are available to occupant companies to ensure recycling and re-use wherever possible, as well as rainwater harvesting for irrigation,” says Govender.

Some other key features include extensive indigenous planting, which generally consumes less water, provides a cooling shade function, healthy social interaction areas for staff.

“The principal of energy efficiency is continued through to the construction of tenant premises where options for green building and facilities are offered to occupants,” says Govender

Security of electricity is guaranteed at Growthpoint Industrial Estate. All sites have already been proclaimed and the entire estate is serviced with electricity supplied to mini-substations on each individual erf. Unique electrical and backup power requirements can also be accommodated.

Investec Property Group is developing the existing projects on behalf of Growthpoint. Growthpoint is committed to the process of investigating and implementing the future development of green building practices for the site.

Growthpoint has property assets exceeding R26 billion and owns some 430 properties located throughout South Africa, of which 240 are industrial, comprising 2,3 million square metres of lettable area with a vacancy level of less 1%.

“Despite the soaring demand for industrial premises in the market right now, it is incredibly difficult to find land suitable for this kind of development due to constraints in terms of infrastructure, such as electricity supply,” says Govender.

Govender explains that rentals on Growthpoint’s industrial properties within its portfolio are growing exponentially. “There is a pressure on the supply of space with few areas which can provide the infrastructure for the increasing number of sophisticated industries which are seeking premises. In this climate, and with the Fifa 2010 World Cup drawing nearer, the development of Growthpoint Industrial Estate represents a superlative opportunity,” points out Govender.