uMhlanga Ridge: the new business node for premium office space

It is hard to believe that just over a century ago, uMhlanga was thriving with vast fields of sugarcane plantations that sustained and strengthened its domestic economy. Today, emerging from these sweet roots, the coastal town continues to thrive, but for completely different reasons. Within the last decade, uMhlanga has witnessed significant investor interest that has transformed it into a commercial, residential, retail and holiday powerhouse. 

In particular, uMhlanga Ridge is attracting significant corporate office developments and is witnessing an influx of professionals into the area. Business parks situated here overlook the Indian Ocean and are seated in close proximity to; Gateway Theatre of Shopping, King Shaka International Airport, and key arterial routes namely; The Ruth First and the M41 highways, and the N2 Freeway. 

The area has evolved into the most vibrant commercial address in KwaZulu-Natal and it shows no signs of slowing down. High demand for A-grade office space has made it a hotspot for developers and investors alike, leading to a string of new precincts piercing through the skyline. This growing demand is leading to increases in the value of commercial properties.

The Ridgeside Office Park 

Complete with modern office space, multinational corporations and big blue chip companies, the transformation of uMhlanga Ridge took place in December 2007 when the eThekwini Municipality confirmed the construction of the multi-billion Rand mixed-use development by Tongaat Hulett Developments (THD) - Ridgeside Office Park. This heralded a new chapter for uMhlanga’s commercial sector and represented a catalyst for mixed-use developments not only in the coastal town but the province as well. 

Spanning a total of 140 hectares, Ridgeside is positioned to receive panoramic views of the uMhlanga beach and is well connected to the uMhlanga Ridge New Town Centre comprising; Gateway, La Lucia Ridge Office Estate and a fine selection of hotels and restaurants. Over the years, the office park established itself as the premier business address in Durban with tenants/owners including; Investec, Vodacom, Shepstone & Wylie, GOBA and BDO to name a few. 

Available Properties 

For retail businesses looking to operate in this premier business park, there is now an opportunity available in a new building currently underway. Available from Deal Core Property Group, the office space spans 413 sqm and is seated close to an array of amenities. This latest building inherits the precinct’s modern architecture, easy freeway access and state-of-the-art security, with exquisite sea views and landscaped open areas and gardens.

Those interested in commercial properties from the wider Ridge area can sift through a selection of A-grade offices available from Deal Core Property Group. Seated in secure and modern business parks, these properties can be found on premium roads, including Canegate Circle and Armstrong Avenue. Currently on the market is an office from the Liberty Life building that overlooks Chris Saunders Park and offers excellent security and ample parking space.  

As uMhlanga transforms to meet the needs of a growing professional class, it is set for further capital injections that will see a wealth of new commercial and mixed-use developments burgeon across its landscape. Backed by formidable development companies, such as THD, uMhlanga Ridge has evolved into the leading node for A- grade offices, ideal for big blue chip companies, multinational corporations and smaller businesses who seek to be immersed in the most premium commercial address in the province.