Cornubia Area Profile

Cornubia at a glance

Cornubia is a relatively new mixed-use development which broke ground in 2012. It is located to the north of Durban, between Phoenix, Ottawa and Umhlanga. Cornubia boasts being the first proposed sustainable and fully integrated human settlement in KwaZulu-Natal. This development project is a joint venture between the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality and Tongaat Hulett.

It comprises 1 200 hectares, with 80 hectares set aside for industrial development. The remainder of the land is for commercial, housing and other social and public facilities including schools, clinics, police stations, post offices and multi-purpose halls.

The projected completion date for Cornubia City is 2030.

History

In 2014, 482 homes were constructed of the 24 000 residential units planned for the development. These units house workers who are significant in the establishment of Cornubia's industrial and commercial zones. A primary school opened 20 July 2015.

Cornubia's retail zone became a buzz after the opening of the mall in September 2017. The 65 000m² retail mall brought a selection of food, fashion, lifestyle and sports attractions to the area.

Commercial hotspots

The Cornubia commercial zone is an upcoming destination. While development is still in progress, companies such as MMI Holdings have already rooted themselves in the area.

A number of car dealerships are set to make Cornubia their prime spot for business. Cornubia boarders Mount Edgecombe's Flanders Drive, which is already the go-to spot for new and used car dealerships in the area. Cornubia's new dealership will compete with the existing Ford and Opel. Companies such as Sage and South African Sugar Association can also be found in Flanders Drive.

Along with giant retail tenants such as Pick n Pay and Checkers in Cornubia Mall, Makro has made its mark in the area with its massive signature warehouse-style store.

Industrial hotspots

Warehouses and distribution centres are located in Cornubia's industrial zone, a mere 10-minutes drive from Cornubia Mall. Being relatively new, buildings and roads in the industrial zone are attractive, while some may have never been used.

There are a host of companies who have opted to make this area their home. From manufacturing, printing, and logistics, it serves as the ideal location for business as it is away from the hustle and bustle of the commercial zone. It is also located away from the residential areas, ensuring that homeowners are safe and at peace.

Some of the sought-after industrial parks include:

• Cornubia Industrial Business Estate;
• Sigma Business Park;
• Ushukela Industrial Park; and
• Vision Business Park.

Infrastructure

The infrastructure proposed for Cornubia sets it apart from neighbouring areas, such as Mount Edgecombe and Umhlanga. Developers Tongaat Hulett has placed immense importance on social and environmental sustainability for Cornubia. The buildings going up in the commercial and industrial sections are designed to be environmentally sensitive and as green as possible.

Transport

Cornubia has a huge labour base from the nearby areas of KwaMashu, Phoenix, and Verulam. The area is bordered to the east by the N2 Freeway, to the west by regional route R102, and is 7 kilometres south of the King Shaka International Airport.

Private vehicles, public taxis, and Durban Transport Buses are the most popular Durban transport options.

Amenities

Shopping malls in the area include Cornubia Mall, Flanders Mall, and Gateway Theatre of Shopping.

Popular restaurants such as John Dory's, Brooklyn Brothers, and Cafe Cuba are ideal for a lunchtime treat.

For healthcare options, the nearest hospitals include Life Healthcare Mount Edgecombe Hospital, Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Hospital, and Netcare Umhlanga Hospital.

Why invest in Cornubia

Cornubia is an investment that promises to be worth any property owners while. It is said that by the time the R24-billion site is completed in 2030, there will be 2 million square metres of commercial space and 80 hectares of industrial development.

The construction phase is creating up to 15 000 new jobs, while the completed development is set to cater for about 48 000 permanent retail and industrial jobs.

Create your upside in Cornubia

If you are planning to invest in commercial or industrial property to buy or rent in Cornubia, the time is now. Contact Upside Properties today to secure your investment in this promising city.

View our new developments in Cornubia here.

View our industrial properties for sale in Cornubia here.

View our industrial properties to let in Cornubia here.

Need further assistance? Contact us here.

Images: Cornubia