Durban Area Profile

Durban at a glance

Located in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban is one of the fastest-growing urban areas in South Africa. It boasts a diversified economy with strong roots in the manufacturing, tourism, transportation, financial, and government sectors. 

The Port of Durban is the most active container port in the country and is the busiest in Africa. It is also rated as one of the ten largest ports in the world. 

History

Durban was founded in 1835 on the site of Port Natal and was named for Sir Benjamin D'Urban. It became a borough (town) in 1854 and then a city in 1935.

The development of Durban's harbour began in 1855. It is one of the world's major commercial ports as well as a major container port and point of entry for bulk raw materials, capital goods, and industrial equipment. Minerals, coal, sugar, and grain are exported, and oil is refined and piped to Johannesburg from here. 

After World War I Durban changed from a prim Victorian town to a modern metropolis. It is the headquarters of South Africa's sugar industry and a centre of highly diversified manufacturing activity.

Today, Durban is administered by the Ethekwini municipality.

Commercial hotspots

There are many places in Durban to consider when you are searching for the right commercial property for your business. Umhlanga, Cornubia, Westville, and Springfield are commercial hotspots in Durban. 

Popular office parks include:

• Ridgeside Office Park;
• La Lucia Ridge Office Park;
• Umhlanga Business Centre;
• Westway Office Park;
• Essex Gardens;
• The Ally Way Office Park;
• Corporate Park;
• Kingsmead Office Park;
• Umgeni Business Park;
• The Grove Office Park;
• Riverside Business Park; and 
• Edwin Swales Business Park.

Industrial hotspots

Warehouses and distribution centres connected to sea and airports are a popular commodity in the industrial sector. 

The South Durban Basin is known as the industrial hub of Durban. It stretches along from the Port of Durban in the north to eZimkokodweni in the south. It is home to two large petrochemical refineries, a large paper mill, motor manufacturers and at least 5000 businesses. 

It includes the residential areas of Bluff, Clairwood, Wentworth, Merebank, Isipingo, and Lamontville and the industrial areas of Jacobs and Prospecton. Many workers from these areas find convenience in working at companies based in the Basin. 

Springfield Park, Riverhorse Valley, Briardene, and Mount Edgecombe are also fast emerging as industrial hotspots in Durban. Many big companies looking for warehousing facilities and container yards see these areas as great investment opportunities.

Infrastructure

Durban CBD's close proximity to the port makes it an ideal choice for shipping, logistics, and maritime companies. The area also attracts educational institutions, call centres, car dealerships, and shipping related companies as a result of the vast availability of public transport to the CBD.

Corporate companies such as Unilever, EOH, FNB, Discovery, and the South African Sugar Association can be found in the greater Umhlanga, La Lucia, and Mount Edgecombe areas. 

Transport

Private vehicles, public taxis, Durban Transport Buses, as well as the Metrorail service are the most popular Durban transport options. The Durban CBD is easily accessible via the N3, if coming from inland, or the M4 along the coast. 

From Durban North, the CBD can be accessed via the M4 and N2 freeways. Durban North and Umhlanga have a huge labour base from the nearby areas of KwaMashu, Phoenix, and Verulam. They are also easily accessible from the R102, N3, and N2. King Shaka International Airport, Durban Port, and even the container terminals at Bayhead are a breeze to get to from here. 

Amenities

Shopping malls in Durban include Gateway Theatre of Shopping, Pavilion Shopping Centre, and The Workshop. 

Popular restaurants at Suncoast Casino, Pavilion Shopping Centre, and Wilson's Wharf such as Zacks and Pirates Arms are ideal for a lunchtime treat. 

For healthcare options, hospitals include Ahmed Al-Kadi Private Hospital, Netcare Parklands Hospital, St Augustine's Hospital, and a network of healthcare practitioners. 

Why invest in Durban

Durban is a sought-after area for many businesses. Property prices remain competitive as a result of this high demand. The close proximity to the Durban Port assists companies to save on transportation and storage costs. 

The workforce is in abundance, ensuring that the business gets the best talent possible to take the company to the next level. 

As a much-added bonus, the city is considered the greenest city in the world. 

Create your upside in Durban

If you are looking for a commercial or industrial property to buy or rent in Durban, or perhaps vacant land to build your corporate legacy, contact Upside Properties today. We have a number of experienced agents who are ready to assist you.

View our commercial new developments in Durban here. 

View our industrial properties for sale in Durban here. 

View our industrial properties to let in Durban here. 

Need further assistance? Contact us here.

Images: Streamline Media