The first phase of The Brickworks, a R6-billion business and logistics park developed by Investec Properties, is underway and will begin construction of its top structures in June.
Last year, 1,7-million cubic metres of earth was shifted from Durban’s former Corobrik factory. One of KwaZulu-Natal’s largest-ever earthmoving contracts, this is part of a new development called The Brickworks, a greenfields project that is expected to go a long way towards addressing the historic shortage of prime logistics space in the country’s busiest port city.
The 157-hectare site – which was previously zoned for extractive industry – is one of the last remaining infill portions of land along Durban’s rapidly expanding northern corridor. The total development is expected to take shape in three phases over 10 years. The first phase of construction will see the development of about 150 000m2 of gross lettable area worth close to R2-billion.
The bulk infrastructure was completed in May 2022, while construction of top structures will begin in June this year for occupation in mid-2023.
“Investec Properties, a subsidiary of Investec Bank, is proud to be spearheading this iconic industrial development. The Corobrik factory originally opened in 1898 and, for more than 100 years, provided bricks for a range of construction and property development,” says Investec Properties joint CEO, David Rosmarin.
The Brickworks development forms part of Durban’s Economic Development Incentive Policy and has been earmarked as a catalytic project that will create a significant number of construction and permanent jobs.
International logistics consultants, cited by Investec’s Brickworks Development manager Iain Burns, estimate that, during the first phase, The Brickworks will create a total of 5 437 on-site and off-site construction jobs. Post-construction, The Brickworks will create a total of 4 100 permanent jobs. The combination of all three phases will potentially result in 16 473 permanent jobs.
“This project would not have come about without the city’s one-stop catalytic project unit and the rates rebate policy. In our experience, this is unique and, without this, this development would not have been possible,” says Burns.
Burns said Investec was committed to prioritising the use of local labour and resources. The Brickworks is close to the Duffs Road station and offers good proximity to a strong labour pool. The development is also expected to kick-start many necessary road infrastructure upgrades, that could lead to further job creation.
The development fronts on to the N2 with access off the KwaMashu interchange and the Old North Coast Road and offers a multitude of alternative routes to the nearby Dube TradePort and future metropolis, the port of Durban and major freeways.
“Accessibility is key. We have alternative routes to King Shaka International Airport and the Durban port, as well as the new M577 which takes you through to Pinetown and New Germany. That gives us a multitude of options which de-risks our site for logistics operators when it comes to major road upgrades or congestion,” Burns says.
In addition, the facility will contain large, scalable platforms that can house logistics boxes ranging from 10 000m² in phase 1 to 100 000m² under the roof in the second phase.
“We can provide flexible solutions, allowing end-users to grow over a period of time,” says Burns.
The Brickworks will be an independently-run precinct with a central four-lane boulevard providing efficient truck circulation space for on and off-loading as well as parking. Green building features will be encouraged and development approvals also stipulate the rehabilitation of a neglected wetland on the property.
Burns says security is a priority. “We have low risk boundaries – to the north is secure, privately owned land, on the eastern boundary we have the N2 and the four-lane national road as a barrier. On the south, we have the M25 provincial road, and to the west we have the four-lane R102 and established formal residential housing.”
A layered security approach will also feature controlled access and 24-hour monitoring, CCTV cameras, perimeter fencing, on-ground manpower and a strong reactive force.
“Interest in our site has been exceptional. We are in negotiations with some large national and international clients,” says Burns.