If one story neatly explains how logistics sits at the heart of eThekwini’s economy, it is the recent success of Investec Property’s The Brickworks — a R6 billion development off the N2 near the KwaMashu off-ramp, on the site of the old Corobrik factory.
Scarce, prime warehousing and distribution properties continue to be snapped up in Durban, and the popularity of Brickworks and similar developments is proof of this demand.
In September, e-commerce giant Takealot opened its 42,000m² distribution hub at Brickworks. The company also secured an additional 32,000m² site next to its warehouse for future expansion.
Neighbours at Brickworks include one of the world’s largest logistics companies, DB Schenker (18,000m²), Supergroup (12,000m²) and Food Lover’s Market (12,500m²).
These firms occupy phase one of an envisaged three-phase development covering 160 hectares, of which 90 hectares have been platformed. Phase one spans 32 hectares, with top-structure development already exceeding R1 billion, according to Investec’s Brickworks development executive, Iain Burns.
Phase two is expected to release another 22 hectares by mid-2026, and the precinct is projected to reach capacity when phase three is completed in 2029, offering a total gross lettable area of 450,000m².
Brickworks is one of the last major land parcels in Durban’s fast-growing northern corridor. While it is not back-of-port, the development reflects strong demand for properties designed to support logistics businesses with demand-optimised supply chains.
Iain says the scarcity of well-located land and the flexibility of development options at Brickworks have driven steady uptake. Investec is selling land, developing for tenants on long-term leases and building for owner-occupiers.
“The demand for secure, well-situated warehousing and distribution parks with easy access to arterial road networks is unsurpassed. Investor confidence in KZN is high. The market is buoyant,” he says.
Iain adds that 95% of the total area planned for phase one has already been taken up, and earthworks on the next phase will begin in 2026.
E-commerce kingpin goes big in Durban
Takealot’s distribution centre became operational in September under a long-term lease agreement with The Brickworks.
Takealot Group CEO Frederik Zietsman described the investment as a “strategic enhancement” of the company’s delivery network to better serve KwaZulu-Natal.
The state-of-the-art facility enables Takealot to process orders more quickly and efficiently, with the capacity to ship up to 45,000 units a day.
“Durban, as one of South Africa’s leading industrial and economic hubs, plays an important role in the country’s trade and logistics networks. The city’s infrastructure connects regional markets to global supply chains, and its strategic location offers unmatched access to key transport routes,” he said.
Durban’s logistics economy continues to show strong demand for A-grade warehousing. When Riverhorse Valley, which flanks the N2 nearby, reached capacity, Durban-headquartered property company JT Ross developed Northfields Business Park and revitalised surrounding property in a key logistics node.
Northfields tenants include Rhenus Logistics, Massmart and Bidvest.
JT Ross developed 30 hectares of platformed land and invested R30 million in bulk infrastructure more than five years ago, unlocking R1.5 billion in top-structure development. Brickworks is three times the size of Northfields, and eThekwini Municipality has categorised it as a catalytic project.
Brickworks features a central four-lane boulevard designed for efficient truck circulation within a controlled-access environment. Security measures include electrified perimeter fencing, CCTV and an on-site security company. Its location — flanked by the N2, the M25 and a river — provides an additional natural barrier.
The R1 billion already unlocked at Brickworks is expected to grow to R6 billion when the precinct is completed by 2029. Investec estimates a total infrastructure spend of R1.5 billion.
An independent economic impact assessment commissioned by Investec found that phase one of The Brickworks created more than 5,000 construction jobs. The development is projected to support 16,000 permanent jobs by 2029.
