Longlake Area Guide

Longlake Area Guide

By Connor Walsh · Last updated May 2026

Industrial Space to Let in Longlake, Johannesburg

Longlake is one of Johannesburg’s most consistently in demand industrial nodes. Tucked between Linbro Business Park and Longmeadow in the Modderfontein area, it has developed into a well connected and highly functional hub for logistics, warehousing, light manufacturing and distribution.

For businesses needing direct N3 highway access, proximity to Sandton, and modern industrial buildings without the cost premium of inner city locations, Longlake continues to stand out as a practical and efficient choice.

Key Highlights
N3 access via Marlboro Drive interchange
Unit sizes from 216m² to 15,000m²
Modern A grade industrial developments
Excellent connectivity to the N3, N1 and R24

Understanding Longlake as an Industrial Node

Longlake is not a secondary industrial location that businesses move into by default. It is a strategic choice driven by accessibility, infrastructure quality, and the availability of modern warehouse space to let in a market where well specified industrial buildings remain in short supply.

Positioned within Johannesburg’s northern industrial corridor, Longlake benefits from its proximity to Sandton and direct access to the N3, which connects to Durban Harbour. This makes it a highly efficient base for both regional and national distribution.

Unlike older industrial nodes in Gauteng, most buildings in Longlake have been developed within the past decade. This means facilities are designed around modern operational requirements, including higher eave heights, efficient loading configurations, improved truck circulation, and reliable power supply.

The positioning between Linbro Business Park and Longmeadow also creates a strong supply chain corridor. Businesses operating across these nodes benefit from close proximity, reducing logistics friction and improving operational efficiency.

Why Businesses Choose Longlake

Longlake continues to see strong demand because it solves operational challenges without introducing new ones. Many businesses relocating here are moving from older industrial areas where limited yard space, low eaves, or insufficient power supply impact efficiency. Longlake removes these constraints.

Access remains the primary driver. The N3 via Marlboro Drive places Longlake within 15 minutes of OR Tambo International Airport, within easy reach of the Johannesburg CBD, and directly on the main freight route to Durban.

Cost is another key factor. Rental rates in Longlake are more competitive than Linbro Business Park and Sandton while offering comparable or superior building quality. This allows businesses to secure modern space without overextending their occupancy budgets.

Availability also plays a role. With unit sizes ranging from 216m² to over 15,000m², businesses can scale within the same node as they grow, avoiding the disruption of relocation.

Location and Highway Access

Longlake is situated in Modderfontein within Johannesburg’s northern industrial belt, offering direct access to major transport routes.

The N3 is the primary logistics route, accessible via Marlboro Drive. The R24 connects to the Johannesburg CBD and OR Tambo International Airport, while the N1 provides access to Pretoria and northern Gauteng.

OR Tambo International Airport is approximately 15 minutes away, supporting airfreight operations and time sensitive logistics. Marlboro Gautrain Station is also nearby, improving accessibility for staff commuting from surrounding areas such as Alexandra, Edenvale and Tembisa.

Business Landscape and Occupiers

Longlake is home to a strong mix of logistics companies, distribution businesses, e commerce operators, and light manufacturing firms. The node continues to attract high quality tenants due to its modern infrastructure and strategic location.

Businesses that perform well in Longlake typically rely on efficient transport access, require modern warehouse specifications, and benefit from operating within a well managed industrial environment.

The concentration of established operators within the node creates a valuable ecosystem that supports supply chain efficiency and long term business growth.

Infrastructure and Building Specifications

Longlake offers modern infrastructure designed for high volume industrial activity. Internal roads are built to accommodate heavy vehicles, including superlinks, with generous turning space and efficient yard layouts.

Typical specifications include:

On grade roller shutter doors with dock loading in larger facilities
Three phase power with generator readiness in newer developments
Eave heights ranging from 7m to 12m
Ample yard space for truck movement and staging
Integrated office components with mezzanine options
24 hour security with access control and CCTV
Fibre connectivity throughout the node
Energy efficient lighting and increasing solar integration

Industrial Property Rental Rates in Longlake

Rental rates reflect the quality of available buildings. As a node dominated by newer developments, pricing sits above older industrial areas such as Isando and Wadeville, but remains below premium nodes like Linbro Business Park.

Mini warehouse units typically range from R80 to R100 per m²
Standard warehouse space ranges from R70 to R90 per m²
Large logistics facilities range from R65 to R80 per m²

Total occupancy costs are generally 25 to 40 percent higher than the base rental once operating costs, rates and utilities are included.

Key Business Parks in Longlake

Ashworth Logistics Park
A large scale logistics development offering facilities up to 15,000m² with extensive yard space and high volume throughput capability.

Edge Logistics Park
A modern logistics park offering flexible unit sizes from 216m² to approximately 10,000m². Units are available both to let and for sale, with excellent N3 access and modern specifications.

Ranworth Business Park
Offers units from 300m² to 1,000m² and is ideal for businesses needing proximity to Sandton at a more accessible price point.

Longlake Business Park
Designed for small to mid sized businesses, with units ranging from 300m² to 1,000m² and practical layouts for warehousing and distribution.

JT Business Park
A modern development with high specification finishes, strong security, and units available to let and for sale.

Longlake Compared to Other Industrial Nodes

Longlake is often compared with Linbro Business Park, Longmeadow, Isando and Wadeville. Its main advantage lies in its modern infrastructure, which reduces the need for costly upgrades often required in older buildings.

While rental rates may be higher than older nodes, businesses benefit from improved efficiency, reduced maintenance costs, and better overall operational performance.

Labour and Workforce

Longlake benefits from a strong labour pool drawn from nearby areas including Alexandra, Edenvale and Tembisa. Access to public transport routes and the Gautrain network supports reliable staff attendance, particularly for shift based operations.

The available workforce includes logistics staff, warehouse personnel, forklift operators, administrative teams and technical roles.

Nearby Amenities

Greenstone Shopping Centre is located approximately 7.8 kilometres from Longlake and offers retail, banking and food options. Sandton City is within a short drive for client meetings and business requirements.

Modderfontein Reserve provides accessible green space nearby, while food and delivery services operate efficiently throughout the area.

Lease Considerations for Industrial Space in Longlake

Understanding total occupancy cost is essential. Rental rates are typically quoted excluding VAT, operating costs and utilities, which can significantly impact monthly expenses.

Lease terms generally range from three to five years, with annual escalations between 7 and 9 percent. Businesses should assess full term costs rather than focusing only on the starting rental.

Tenant installation periods can assist with fitout costs and should be negotiated where possible.

Power availability should always be confirmed in writing, particularly for high consumption operations.

Securing renewal options is recommended due to strong demand and limited availability within the node.

Frequently Asked Questions

Longlake offers a wide range of industrial properties, from small warehouse units to large logistics facilities exceeding 15,000m².

Rental rates typically range between R65 and R100 per m² depending on size and specification.

The area is highly suitable for logistics and distribution businesses due to its direct highway access and proximity to OR Tambo International Airport.

Mid sized warehouse units between 500m² and 3,000m² are the most commonly available and in highest demand.

Longlake offers newer buildings and better value compared to Linbro Business Park, making it an efficient alternative for many businesses.

Three phase power is standard across most developments, with many newer buildings offering additional infrastructure such as generator readiness.

Units are available both to let and for sale in several developments including Edge Logistics Park and JT Business Park.

Final Thoughts on Industrial Space in Longlake

Longlake has firmly established itself as a key industrial node within Johannesburg’s northern corridor. Its combination of modern infrastructure, strong transport links, competitive pricing and growing business ecosystem continues to drive demand.

Operational factors such as yard space, building height, loading configuration and power supply should be prioritised when selecting a property, as these have a direct impact on efficiency and long term performance.

Anvil Property Smith specialises in industrial property in Longlake, Linbro Business Park and Longmeadow. If you are looking to let or purchase warehouse space in these areas, our team can assist you in identifying the right property for your business requirements.