The landmark Glass House Office Building located on Umhlanga Rocks Drive, north of Durban is set to be revitalised with the inclusion of a new blue chip tenant: Sappi.
The forestry, pulp and paper group has signed a long lease with owners JT Ross Property Group in a partnership that will see Sappi occupy a portion of the renowned building that formerly housed Tongaat Hulett.
The new Sappi lease heralds the start of a revitalisation process associated with the Glass House Building and other open spaces within the Office Park.
JT Ross Property Group Development Manager, Grant Smith said Sappi would add gravity to the Glass House Office Park and act as a value driver for further corporates choosing to occupy offices within the Office Park.
“We are really excited to have Sappi as a long-term tenant in The Glass House Office Park. It will add momentum to the redevelopment of the Park as we refocus the property.”
Smith heralded Sappi’s move from Amanzimtoti, south of Durban.”We appreciate them putting their trust in us as a property partner.
Sappi adheres to strict ISO and other standards, all of which are carefully monitored. We hold ourselves to a high standard when it comes to accommodating our tenants”.
“We ran at pace with the design of their fit out requirements and have recently started the execution process.”
In search for a key address for the relocation and expansion of their Global Business Services (GBS) division, Sappi has leased 2500 m2of the Glass House Building, consisting of two levels.
Smith said the company was taking its office functions to the next level: a space they could mould, not only to fit their current occupational standards, but that also allows for future flexibility.
Smith also mentioned that the revitalisation of the Office Park also includes significant efforts to create an active landscaped space in and around The Glass House Office Park.
“We intend offering tenant staff a work/life balance by rehabilitating the wetland with walking paths and opportunities to work outdoors. We believe the decision around choosing the Office Park as an office address is driven not only by the buildings and internal spaces but also the surrounds of the Park.”
Kelly Andries, who oversees the interior fit-out and space planning on Sappi said Sappi’s GBS division would be ready for occupation on 1 August 2019, although their official launch is scheduled for August 5th.