Cornubia Area Guide

Scott Corlett, Commercial Property Broker

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Area Overview

Index:

Cornubia at a Glance

Industrial Hotspots in Cornubia

Top-Notch Industrial Developments

Infrastructure Built for Business

Strategic Proximity

Amenities That Matter

Transport Infrastructure

Why Businesses Choose Cornubia

Available Warehouses in Cornubia

Market Trends in Cornubia

What’s Coming Next?

Cornubia vs Springfield

Make the Move to Cornubia

FAQs

 

Cornubia: Durban's Rising Star in Industrial and Commercial Real Estate

Cornubia, perched between the bustling Umhlanga Ridge and King Shaka International Airport, has fast become one of Durban’s most sought-after industrial hubs. Whether you're in warehousing, logistics, manufacturing, or retail distribution, Cornubia offers everything a business needs: excellent infrastructure, strategic connectivity, affordable commercial space, and a rapidly growing local economy.

Why Location Matters: Cornubia's Winning Formula

The right address can mean the difference between smooth supply chain flow and frustrating inefficiencies. Cornubia ticks all the right boxes:

  • 7 km to King Shaka International Airport
  • 20 km to the Port of Durban
  • Bordered by the N2 and R102 highways
  • Direct access to Umhlanga Ridge via Cornubia Bridge

It’s basically a dream setup for businesses relying on logistics, distribution, or import/export.

Section 1: Cornubia at a Glance

From Vision to Reality

Launched in 2012 through a joint effort between eThekwini Municipality and Tongaat Hulett, Cornubia is a 1,200-hectare mixed-use development and one of South Africa’s flagship integrated human settlement projects. It combines residential, commercial, and industrial components to create a balanced urban environment.

Industries That Call Cornubia Home

  • Logistics & Distribution: Digistics, Bidvest, Chep
  • Manufacturing & Packaging: Uniprint
  • Retail & Warehousing: Makro, Massmart, Pick n Pay
  • Financial & Corporate Services: MMI Holdings

Economic Context

Part of eThekwini Municipality, Cornubia enjoys the infrastructure and economic muscle of Durban. The city is a major commercial gateway for sub-Saharan Africa, and Cornubia plays right into that narrative.

 

Section 2: Industrial Hotspots in Cornubia

Key Zones

  • Cornubia Industrial and Business Estate (CIBE)
  • Cornubia Logistics Park
  • TradeZone at Cornubia

Who's Thriving Here

  • Logistics Providers: Leveraging proximity to the N2 and the airport.
  • Manufacturers: Tapping into a skilled local labour force and reliable utilities.
  • Retail Distributors: Operating out of large centralised hubs.
  • Construction Suppliers: Supporting ongoing infrastructure growth across the North Coast.

Section 3: Top-Notch Industrial Developments

  1. Cornubia Industrial and Business Estate (CIBE)
  • Mixed-use estate with flexible unit sizes
  • High security, fibre connectivity, and wide roads
  • Green building designs with solar and rainwater harvesting
  1. Cornubia Logistics Park
  • Tailor-made for large-scale warehousing and distribution
  • 24/7 access and surveillance
  • Proximity to major arteries and transport hubs
  1. TradeZone at Cornubia
  • Ideal for SMEs and light industry
  • Affordable spaces, shared services, easy workforce access

Section 4: Infrastructure Built for Business

Transport Links

  • N2, R102, M41, and Cornubia Bridge
  • 10-minute access to King Shaka International
  • 20-minute haul to the Port of Durban

Utilities

  • Stable electricity grid with renewable integration
  • Reliable water and stormwater systems
  • Fibre-optic internet everywhere

Business Amenities

  • Cornubia Mall for daily needs
  • Hotels, banks, and restaurants within 5-10 minutes
  • High-tech security across industrial parks

Section 5: Strategic Proximity

Location

Distance

Drive Time

King Shaka Int. Airport

7 km

≈10 minutes

Port of Durban

20 km

≈20-30 mins

Umhlanga Ridge

5 km

≈5-10 mins

Durban CBD

25 km

≈25 mins

Dube TradePort SEZ

8 km

≈10 mins

Springfield Park

18 km

≈18-22 mins

Section 6: Amenities That Matter

Cornubia Mall

  • Woolworths, Pick n Pay, Dis-Chem
  • McDonald’s, Spur, Ocean Basket
  • FNB, Capitec, Standard Bank

Business-Friendly Dining

  • Vida e Caffè, Seattle Coffee Co.
  • Rocomamas, John Dory’s

Accommodation & Wellness

  • Hilton Garden Inn (Umhlanga)
  • Virgin Active Gateway
  • Netcare Umhlanga Hospital

Section 7: Transport Infrastructure

  • Road: N2, M41, R102
  • Airport: King Shaka International
  • Port: Durban Harbour
  • Public Transport: Go!Durban BRT, minibus taxis, buses

Section 8: Why Businesses Choose Cornubia

  • Prime location for import/export
  • State-of-the-art industrial parks
  • Affordable rentals vs Umhlanga & Durban CBD
  • Near residential areas = easier workforce access
  • Built-in scalability for growing companies

Section 9: Available Warehouses in Cornubia

https://www.anvilproperty.co.za/commercial-property/warehouses/to-rent/cornubia/micro-park-26-crassula-road-cornubia-durban-9817/unit-37-30548 

https://www.anvilproperty.co.za/commercial-property/warehouses/to-rent/cornubia/sigma-business-park-15375/unit-12-13-87693 

Section 10: Market Trends in Cornubia

  • Boom in Warehousing & Logistics: Demand outpacing supply
  • Mixed-Use Growth: More integrated retail/residential spaces
  • Green Building Adoption: Tenants favour sustainable developments
  • Shift of Office Tenants: Leaving Umhlanga CBD for better value in Cornubia
  • Retail & Lifestyle Demand: Driven by resident population and workforce

Section 11: What’s Coming Next?

  • Dube TradePort expansion
  • More logistics and warehousing developments
  • Rise in e-commerce fulfilment centres
  • Smart factories and automation-ready spaces
  • Enhanced public transport networks

Section 12: Cornubia vs Springfield

Feature

Cornubia

Springfield

Airport Access

10 mins to King Shaka

35-40 mins

Port Proximity

20-30 mins

10-20 mins

Infrastructure

Modern, scalable, green-certified

Older, denser, more congested

Rental Rates

R75-R120/sqm (industrial)

R85-R130/sqm (industrial)

Traffic Congestion

Low to moderate

High during peak hours

Growth Potential

High – ongoing development

Medium – space constraints

Conclusion: Make the Move to Cornubia

Whether you're looking to cut down logistics costs, scale efficiently, or just find a business-friendly environment that makes sense long-term – Cornubia's got you covered. It's already home to industry giants and is future-proofed with infrastructure that's hard to beat.

If you’re ready to explore commercial opportunities in Cornubia, get in touch. We'll help you find the right space to grow your business, on your terms.

FAQs

Q: What types of properties are available in Cornubia?
Warehouses, sectional title industrial units, distribution hubs, and A-grade office space.

Q: What are the rental rates?
Industrial: R75–R120/sqm; Offices: R140–R220/sqm.

Q: Is the area well-connected for logistics?
Absolutely. You’re near major highways, the airport, and the port.

Q: Can I purchase property in Cornubia?
Yes – both sectional title and freehold options exist.

Q: Are there tax or investment incentives?
Yes, especially in proximity to the Dube TradePort SEZ.

Q: What yields can I expect?
Industrial yields average 8–12% p.a. with solid capital growth projections.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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