Durban - The R1.4billion Umgeni Lifestyle and Deco Park is taking shape with construction already in full swing and completion of Phase A expected by as soon as October this year.
Conceptualised by Eris Property Group, in partnership with Prasa (Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa) and Intersite Asset Investments, the commercial concept is a first-of-its-kind for the region.
The developers aimed to offer a safe and beautifully landscaped zone with green spaces and walkways across 135000m² of land, and would become the final piece of the Umgeni precinct master plan.
“When you drive along the Springfield and Umgeni industrial areas, there is a significant amount of clutter, with haphazard businesses competing against each other. The Umgeni Lifestyle and Deco Park aims to formalise the vibrant node offering hi-spec infrastructure, management association, a ‘green’ environment and a comprehensive framework of services which allows it to stand out from the crowd.
“We are proud to bring this exceptional opportunity to KwaZulu-Natal and pioneer a commercial property offering of international standards,” said Stephen Lawson, Developer Manager from Eris Property Group. “With the first phase of infrastructure nearing completion, we are looking forward to handing over the first site to Zebbies Lighting in November, followed by CTM in early 2019.”
The developers said businesses that offered anything from home improvement products and appliances, building supplies, furniture, flooring and blinds, to outdoor lifestyle products, call centres, offices and motor vehicle dealerships would find the space ideal.
“This park will allow businesses to lease a facility designed in accordance with their specifications and provide them with the much-needed space to house their showroom, office and distribution in one site,” said Lawson.
With easy access to the N2, N3 and M19, the development has a prime location and is merely 5km from central Durban, 10km from the harbour and 25km to King Shaka International Airport.
“There is a trend forming globally where mixed-use buildings provide a range of functions comprising of showroom, office, distribution and lifestyle facilities. The concept of the Umgeni Lifestyle and Deco Park has been inspired by this trend in which businesses will not only be provided with ample spaces, but it creates a safe lifestyle offering where employees or visitors don’t need to leave the vicinity, as they will be able to shop, eat as well as access the premises and avoid traffic congestion,” said Lawson.