Sufficient parking, competitive rentals, flexibility and an improvement in security. It stands to reason why interest in Durban’s Westway Office Park has surged over the second half of 2017.
Revitalisation
A year ago in December 2016, RCL FOODS moved into their vibrant new 12 000 square meter office building in Westway Office Park which not only created an energy within the node, but also generated some of the necessary commercial pockets to make way for renewed interest and business opportunities.
Revitalisation of buildings has also been a fundamental part of Westway’s evolution. This has been evident along The Boulevard, the main road running through Westway Office Park. A multi level, client centric building was refurbished for Hollard Insurance in 2015 and subsequently two further buildings within the JT Ross property portfolio were renovated and improved in 2016 and 2017.
Businesses choosing to relocate to Westway
Flight Centre and Warehouse Finder took up new offices earlier this year, while PEC Utility Management will be moving into the park toward the end of 2017.
Architectural and consulting firm ZAI recently took the decision to relocate their offices to Westway Office Park as well. With several employees living in the Westville area, the offices are conveniently accessible and the move has offered them a more suitable use of space for their business.
Aside from head offices and administration based practices, Westway offers logistics companies, manufacturers and other operationally intensive businesses the perfect place to set up offices separate from their warehousing facilities.
“We have seen an increase in demand for office space associated with smaller warehouses in Outer West Durban where several new businesses are setting up factories and mini units”, says Craig Woods of JT Ross Property Group, who recently concluded a deal with GEO Plastic Sales for space in the park.
“Westway Office Park offers businesses well sized, upmarket office space close to their warehouse facilities in Westmead, Pinetown and Hammarsdale at reasonable rental rates and lease terms”.
Similarly, Supercare cleaning services took up office space in the refurbished 30 The Boulevard earlier in the year to run their administrative functions while establishing a separate warehousing facility for operations and storage.
Digital Property Marketing Company, Prop Data, finalised terms recently with JT Ross, to move to Westway Office Park early in 2018. “We have experienced substantial growth over the year and feel that Westway better serves our staff and clients needs as a technology and marketing company”, said Scott Allnatt, owner of Prop Data. “The future can be unpredictable and we believe it’s important to rent space from a property group that can offer solutions to changing business needs.”
Parking and Security
JT Ross developed a number of buildings within Westway Office Park from as early as 2004 and ensured a suitable amount of parking was included in the initial designs, extending beyond 5 bays per 100 square meters in many cases. This has proven to be essential to a business with sales reps, technicians, training facilities and staff members who rely on vehicles to service clients.
Security measures have also been significantly improved within the park, following a recent change in service provider. Thompsons Security control access to the office park, 24 hour patrols and CCTV surveillance.
Value for money
Fitting out new offices has a significant impact on the costs associated with relocating, which is another reason office space within Westway has been attractive. The base build and original quality fit-outs remain in pristine condition, often requiring very little change to suit new corporate tenants and saving on interior design, space planning and high end finishes.
The added value, sound rental rates, smaller office options and flexibility to move, grow or consolidate within the JT Ross property portfolio are considerable benefits to businesses in a sometimes unsettled economic climate.