Cornubia Area Guide

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 Nearby Industrial Nodes

Make the Move to Cornubia

FAQs

 

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

Strategically located between Umhlanga Ridge and King Shaka International Airport, Cornubia is rapidly emerging as one of Durban’s premier hubs for industrial and commercial property. Whether your business focuses on warehousing, logistics, light manufacturing, or regional distribution, Cornubia delivers the essentials: robust infrastructure, seamless connectivity, competitively priced commercial space, and access to a growing local economy.

Why Location Matters: Cornubia’s Competitive Edge

Location plays a defining role in operational efficiency—and Cornubia nails the formula:

• Just 7 km from King Shaka International Airport

• Around 20 km to the Port of Durban

• Flanked by the N2 and R102 highways

• Direct connection to Umhlanga Ridge via the Cornubia Bridge

This strategic setup makes it a top-tier choice for businesses driven by logistics, import/export, or time-sensitive distribution.

Section 1: Cornubia at a Glance

From Vision to Reality

Launched in 2012 as a joint initiative between eThekwini Municipality and Tongaat Hulett, Cornubia spans over 1,200 hectares as one of South Africa’s leading mixed-use developments. It’s more than just an industrial zone—it’s a blueprint for integrated urban growth, blending residential, commercial, and industrial elements into a cohesive, future-ready node.

Industries Anchored in Cornubia

Cornubia has attracted a diverse mix of sectors, thanks to its infrastructure and access:

• Logistics & Distribution: Digistics, Bidvest, Chep

• Manufacturing & Packaging: Uniprint

• Retail & Warehousing: Makro, Massmart, Pick n Pay

• Corporate & Financial Services: MMI Holdings

Economic Context and Property Landscape

As part of the broader eThekwini Municipality, Cornubia benefits from Durban’s logistics-heavy economy—an essential trade corridor for sub-Saharan Africa. Businesses here enjoy the scale and support of a major metropolitan region while operating in a clean, modern industrial precinct.

There’s no shortage of property options either. For light industrial users, Foundry Park and Micro Park offer smaller warehouse units ranging from 80m² to 400m²—ideal for SMEs but without link truck access. If your business requires heavier logistics capabilities, Sigma Park and Boulevard Business Park feature warehouses between 180m² and 800m², with full link truck accessibility.

For larger operators, Cornubia accommodates distribution centres and industrial facilities up to 15,000m², including specialised infrastructure such as a 6,500m² cold storage warehouse—a rare find in the region.

 

Section 2: Industrial Hotspots in Cornubia

Key Industrial and Commercial Zones in Cornubia

Cornubia is structured for growth, with designated zones tailored to specific business needs. These high-demand precincts offer modern infrastructure and are already home to some of South Africa’s biggest commercial players.

• Cornubia Industrial and Business Estate (CIBE): A secure, serviced park housing a mix of warehousing, light manufacturing, and office space.

• Cornubia Logistics Park: Purpose-built for regional and national logistics operations, with direct arterial access.

• TradeZone at Cornubia: Strategically positioned to support cross-border trade and distribution, ideal for import/export-focused businesses.

Who’s Thriving in Cornubia?

Cornubia attracts a broad spectrum of businesses, each leveraging the area’s strategic advantages in unique ways. Here's a closer look at who’s succeeding here and why:

• Logistics & Supply Chain Providers: With proximity to the N2, R102, King Shaka International Airport, and Durban’s port, companies like Bidvest, Digistics, and Chep thrive in Cornubia. The road network enables fast turnaround and regional delivery efficiency, critical for last-mile logistics.

• Retail & FMCG Distribution Centres: Major brands including Makro, Massmart, and Pick n Pay have centralised warehousing facilities in Cornubia, taking advantage of scalable floorplates and 24-hour access for fleet management and inventory handling.

• Cold Storage & Perishable Goods Operators: The presence of a specialised 6,500m² cold room facility attracts agri-processors, food distributors, and pharmaceutical logistics businesses needing temperature-controlled infrastructure.

• Light and Medium Manufacturers: Companies such as Uniprint and regional fabricators benefit from reliable power supply, modern buildings, and proximity to suppliers. Cornubia’s smaller industrial units also attract niche and custom manufacturers scaling up from SME level.

• Corporate Offices & Support Services: With the adjacent residential growth and excellent access to Umhlanga Ridge, Cornubia has become an appealing satellite node for businesses offering support services in HR, accounting, and IT—many operating from hybrid office-industrial spaces.

• Construction and Building Supply Firms: Suppliers of steel, cement, hardware, and modular building systems are active in Cornubia, servicing the booming North Coast development pipeline and eThekwini’s infrastructure projects.

• E-commerce and Tech Distribution Startups: Smaller units in Micro Park and Foundry Park are popular with online retailers and last-mile delivery services due to the affordable rentals and good courier connectivity.

This business diversity not only showcases Cornubia’s flexibility but also contributes to a balanced, stable commercial ecosystem that continues to attract long-term investment.

Section 3: Top-Notch Industrial Developments

Cornubia’s appeal is rooted not just in location but in the quality and variety of its industrial parks. These purpose-built developments cater to a wide range of business types, from multinationals to nimble SMEs.

• Cornubia Industrial and Business Estate (CIBE):
  This mixed-use estate is one of the most advanced in KZN, offering flexible unit sizes to accommodate businesses of all scales. The precinct features high-level security, fibre-ready infrastructure, and wide internal roads suitable for logistics operations. Eco-conscious elements like solar-ready buildings and rainwater harvesting systems support sustainability goals while cutting operational costs.

• Cornubia Logistics Park:
  Designed specifically for large-scale warehousing, distribution, and freight businesses, this park provides tailor-made solutions for national and regional operators. 24/7 access control, perimeter surveillance, and immediate connectivity to the N2 and King Shaka International Airport make it a logistics powerhouse.

• TradeZone at Cornubia:
  Created with SMEs and light industry in mind, TradeZone offers more affordable industrial spaces with shared amenities and a strong sense of community. Its location ensures quick access to residential areas and public transport, ideal for staff commuting, while remaining within reach of Durban’s major business corridors.

Each of these zones is engineered to reduce downtime, support growth, and enable operational flexibility. Businesses here enjoy not just premium real estate, but an ecosystem built for performance.

Section 4: Infrastructure Built for Business

• Infrastructure, Transport & Business Support

  Cornubia delivers more than just space—it offers the backbone that businesses need to thrive. From logistics and connectivity to utilities and nearby services, every aspect is designed for operational efficiency.

  Transport Links Built for Business

  Cornubia’s location gives businesses a rare logistics advantage:

  • Immediate access to N2, R102, and M41

  • Cornubia Bridge connects directly to Umhlanga Ridge and Gateway

  • 10-minute drive to King Shaka International Airport

  • 20-minute haul to Durban Harbour and the Port precinct

  This transport ecosystem allows for swift goods movement, workforce mobility, and direct access to both regional and international trade routes.

  Utilities You Can Rely On

  Cornubia has been engineered with long-term functionality in mind:

  • Stable electricity supply supported by renewable-ready infrastructure

  • Reliable water and stormwater systems, with sustainable drainage in place

  • Fibre-optic internet rolled out across all industrial precincts

  These essentials ensure low disruption, high uptime, and future scalability—key for logistics, e-commerce, and data-reliant operations.

  On-Demand Amenities and Support Services

  • Cornubia Mall offers everyday retail, food outlets, and essential services just minutes away

  • Nearby hotels, banks, and restaurants provide convenience for staff, clients, and business visitors

  • 24/7 security and access control throughout industrial parks keep assets safe and operations uninterrupted

  Cornubia’s infrastructure isn’t just modern, it’s future-proof, making it a sound investment for today’s fast-moving business landscape.

  

Section 5: Strategic Proximity

Strategic Distance from Key Points

One of Cornubia’s strongest selling points is its proximity to Durban’s major economic and transport infrastructure. Businesses based here benefit from being right in the middle of KwaZulu-Natal’s most active commercial corridor.

• King Shaka International Airport: Only 7 km away (approx. 10-minute drive) for fast air freight and business travel.

• Port of Durban: Around 20 km (approx. 20-minute drive)—Africa’s busiest container port, enabling smooth global trade access.

• Umhlanga Ridge/Gateway: Just 5 km via Cornubia Bridge—Durban’s primary corporate and retail hub.

• Durban CBD: Approx. 25 km, making city-based business meetings and supplier links easily manageable.

• Dube TradePort SEZ: 10 minutes away—an excellent extension for export-oriented businesses looking to tap into global markets.

This prime positioning makes Cornubia an ideal node for businesses that need to stay agile, connected, and competitive—without paying premium city-centre rates.

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

• Amenities and Support Services

  Cornubia doesn’t just support business—it supports the people behind it. With nearby services, retail, and a growing residential footprint, the area makes daily operations smoother for both management and workforce.

  Retail & Lifestyle Access

  • Cornubia Mall sits at the heart of the area, offering a wide mix of supermarkets, fast food, pharmacies, clothing outlets, and service providers.

  • Gateway Theatre of Shopping and Umhlanga’s commercial zone are just minutes away for additional retail and client-facing needs.

  Staff & Operational Convenience

  • On-site and nearby canteens, takeaways, and service stations support logistics crews and shift workers.

  • Close proximity to residential areas means a readily available labour pool—minimising commute times and increasing employee retention.

  • Public transport access along the R102 and feeder roads makes the area accessible for blue-collar staff and general workers.

  Professional Services & Facilities

  • Quick access to banks, medical centres, courier services, and business consultants in both Cornubia and Umhlanga.

  • High-tech security and on-site park management in key industrial estates ensure a clean, safe, and well-maintained working environment.

  Cornubia’s support services ecosystem creates a self-contained environment where businesses can operate, scale, and serve clients efficiently.

Section 7: Transport Infrastructure

Transport and Infrastructure: Built for Business

Cornubia was designed with logistics in mind, offering a seamless blend of mobility, utilities, and future-ready systems that keep business moving—literally and figuratively.

Road and Highway Access

• Direct links to the N2, R102, and M41 place Cornubia on the main freight and commuter routes across KwaZulu-Natal.

• The Cornubia Bridge offers fast access to Umhlanga Ridge, Gateway, and surrounding business precincts—essential for staff and client movement.

• Wide internal roads in the industrial estates accommodate large trucks, link trailers, and delivery fleets with ease.

Proximity to Freight Infrastructure

• King Shaka International Airport is just a 10-minute drive, enabling time-sensitive air cargo logistics.

• Durban Harbour, Africa’s busiest container port, is reachable in about 20 minutes, ideal for import/export operators.

• Dube TradePort SEZ and its Cargo Terminal are close by, adding efficiency to global supply chain operations.

Utilities and Digital Readiness

• Cornubia is connected to a stable electricity grid, with capacity for high-consumption tenants and potential for solar integration.

• Water and stormwater networks are modern, with redundancy and compliance systems in place for industrial discharge.

• Fibre-optic internet is standard across all business parks—perfect for operations relying on real-time data, cloud logistics, or e-commerce platforms.

Security and Maintenance

• Parks such as CIBE and Cornubia Logistics Park are fully secured, with controlled access, surveillance systems, and on-site facilities management.

• Well-lit public roads, stormwater resilience, and power backup options enhance business continuity even during extreme conditions.

With all these elements working together, Cornubia provides a dependable, resilient base for businesses that value time, uptime, and connectivity.

Section 8: Why Businesses Choose Cornubia

Why Choose Cornubia for Your Business?

Cornubia is more than just a location—it’s a long-term business advantage. Whether you’re a growing SME or a national operator, the area combines flexibility, infrastructure, and economic logic in a way that few industrial zones can match.

Strategic Positioning
Cornubia puts your business at the centre of KwaZulu-Natal’s logistics and commercial heartbeat. From the port to the airport, from Durban CBD to Umhlanga Ridge—it’s all within reach, cutting your transport times and widening your delivery zone.

Flexible Property Options
From compact mini-units in Foundry Park to large-scale logistics hubs over 15,000m², Cornubia caters to every stage of business growth. Whether you’re storing inventory, distributing FMCG, or running a cold chain, you’ll find the right space here.

Pro-Business Environment
You’re not alone in Cornubia. You’re part of a forward-thinking ecosystem with businesses like Bidvest, Uniprint, Massmart, and Digistics already operating from the area. The parks are clean, secure, and professionally managed—making day-to-day operations smoother and more predictable.

Labour and Lifestyle Balance
With nearby residential nodes and public transport access, businesses enjoy a steady pool of skilled and semi-skilled workers. Plus, the presence of malls, banks, eateries, and schools means your team has everything they need within reach.

Testimonial Snapshot
"Relocating to Cornubia gave us better access to the Durban port and airport while lowering our operating costs. Our delivery turnaround improved almost overnight." — Warehouse Operations Manager, National FMCG Distributor

Section 9: Available Warehouses in Cornubia

Foundry Park

https://www.anvilproperty.co.za/commercial-property/warehouses/to-rent/cornubia/foundry-park-17540/unit-15-57842

 

 

Sigma Business Park

https://www.anvilproperty.co.za/commercial-property/warehouses/to-rent/cornubia/sigma-business-park-15375/unit-4-88916

 

2 Sundew Road

https://www.anvilproperty.co.za/commercial-property/warehouses/to-rent/cornubia/2-sundew-road-cornubia-durban-9843/unit-1-85615

Section 10: Market Trends in Cornubia

Cornubia is experiencing a noticeable upswing in both industrial and commercial property activity, driven by strong demand, competitive rentals, and macroeconomic shifts within the greater Durban region.

Boom in Warehousing & Logistics
The demand for warehousing and logistics space is outpacing supply, particularly among national distributors, FMCG brands, and 3PL providers. High turnover, proximity to the port, and scalable warehousing options have made Cornubia a go-to logistics hub.

Mixed-Use Growth and Urban Integration
Cornubia’s status as a mixed-use node is driving long-term stability. As more integrated retail and residential developments break ground, the area is becoming self-sufficient—reducing worker commute times and creating a vibrant, day-to-night economy.

Green Building Adoption
Tenants are increasingly seeking sustainable premises. Business parks like CIBE are responding with eco-friendly features—solar power integration, rainwater harvesting, and energy-efficient designs—making Cornubia especially attractive to ESG-conscious companies.

Shift of Office Tenants
There’s a quiet migration of office-based tenants out of Umhlanga CBD, where parking and congestion are common complaints. Cornubia offers better value, easier access, and newer stock—appealing to finance, tech, and support service companies seeking hybrid workspaces.

Retail & Lifestyle Demand
As Cornubia’s residential footprint grows, so does demand for retail and lifestyle services. This is driving smaller-scale commercial builds—think fitness studios, quick-service restaurants, medical suites, and convenience retailers—all supported by the local workforce.

Section 11: What’s Coming Next?

Cornubia’s momentum isn’t slowing down—in fact, it’s accelerating. With planned infrastructure upgrades and evolving market needs, the area is primed for its next phase of growth.

Dube TradePort Expansion
The nearby Dube TradePort Special Economic Zone is entering its next phase, with new logistics, air cargo, and agro-processing facilities in the pipeline. Cornubia businesses stand to benefit directly from increased regional and international trade activity.

Logistics & Warehousing Pipeline
More large-format warehousing developments are expected, especially along the N2-facing sections of Cornubia. These will cater to growing demand from retail distributors, 3PLs, and FMCG tenants.

E-commerce Fulfilment Centres
As online retail surges across South Africa, Cornubia is becoming a hotspot for micro-fulfilment and last-mile delivery centres. Its centrality and accessibility give e-commerce operators a critical speed advantage.

Automation-Ready & Smart Manufacturing
Industrial developers are responding to demand for future-proof spaces. Expect more “smart factories” with automation infrastructure, high floor load capacities, and data connectivity tailored to Industry 4.0 tenants.

Public Transport Enhancements
eThekwini’s long-term mobility strategy includes expanded public transport links through Cornubia, making it even easier for workers to commute to industrial zones from surrounding townships and residential areas.

In short, Cornubia isn’t just growing—it’s evolving into one of KZN’s most future-ready business nodes.

Section 12: Cornubia vs Nearby Industrial Nodes

How Cornubia Compares to Nearby Industrial Nodes

When weighing up your options across the greater Durban industrial belt, Cornubia stands out for its balance of accessibility, affordability, and modern infrastructure. Here's how it stacks up against neighbouring zones:

Cornubia vs. Umhlanga Ridge
While Umhlanga Ridge is a premium business district, it's largely office-focused and comes with higher rentals and congestion. Cornubia, just minutes away, offers modern space at better value—ideal for businesses needing warehousing, parking, and flexibility without sacrificing access to the north coast's commercial hub.

Cornubia vs. Riverhorse Valley
Riverhorse Valley is well-established and highly sought after, but it’s reaching saturation. Traffic bottlenecks and limited new stock can create operational challenges. Cornubia, by contrast, has room to grow, easier truck movement, and newer, green-certified developments.

Cornubia vs. Mount Edgecombe
Mount Edgecombe offers premium warehousing, but Cornubia is often more competitively priced with better access to residential labour markets. Businesses in Cornubia also benefit from direct links to the N2 and less through-traffic congestion.

Cornubia vs. Springfield Park
Springfield remains a popular industrial zone, but its aging infrastructure and denser layout can limit logistics-heavy operations. Cornubia delivers larger, modern spaces with high truck clearance and scalable lease options.

Overall, Cornubia is the smarter choice for businesses looking for growth-ready infrastructure, top-tier logistics access, and space to expand—without the cost pressures of fully mature zones.

Conclusion: Make the Move to Cornubia

Whether you're aiming to trim logistics costs, scale your operations, or find a business-friendly base that makes sense for the long haul—Cornubia delivers. With its strategic location, high-spec infrastructure, and a community of established brands already on the ground, it's more than ready for your next move.

This is a node built for the future, offering flexibility today.

Ready to Move? Let’s Talk

If you're looking to secure commercial or industrial property in Cornubia, we're here to guide you. From mini-units to mega-warehouses, we'll match you with the space that suits your business goals.

Get in touch now and let’s put your growth plans in motion.

FAQs

Q: What types of properties are available in Cornubia?
You’ll find everything from mini-warehouses and sectional title industrial units to large-scale distribution centres and A-grade office spaces—catering to businesses of all sizes.

Q: What are the current rental rates?

• Industrial units: Typically range from R85 to R120 per square metre.

• Office space: Generally between R140 and R220 per square metre, depending on the finish and location within the node.

Q: Is Cornubia well-connected for logistics?
Absolutely. Cornubia sits near the N2, R102, and M41, with quick access to King Shaka International Airport and the Port of Durban. It’s an ideal base for distribution, freight, and import/export businesses.

Q: Can I purchase property in Cornubia?
Yes. Both sectional title and freehold options are available, offering flexibility for owner-occupiers and investors alike.

Q: Are there any tax or investment incentives?
Yes—particularly for businesses locating near the Dube TradePort Special Economic Zone (SEZ), which offers various incentives aimed at exporters and manufacturing operations.

Q: What kind of returns can I expect?
Cornubia’s industrial yields average between 8% and 12% per annum, with consistent demand and strong capital growth potential—especially as infrastructure continues to improve.