Paarden Eiland Area Guide

Contact EJ Durand

Area Overview

Paarden Eiland, Cape Town: An Industrial Gateway by the Harbour

Featured Listings – Powered by Anvil Property Smith

8 Paarden Eiland Road – Entire Building (±5,000m²)
A landmark redevelopment site being converted into a white-boxed showroom and office facility. Ideal for motor retail or high-end commercial use. Direct access to Paarden Eiland Road, with significant exposure and modern infrastructure.

Rosbur Park – 605m² First-Floor Warehouse
Practical warehouse space with roller shutter access, secure yard, and good logistics flow. Located near Marine Drive with excellent port proximity.

40 Section Street – 660m² Free-Standing Warehouse
Standalone warehouse ideal for small-scale manufacturing or distribution. Includes office component, 3-phase power, and gated yard with parking.

67 Paarden Eiland Road – 1,590m² Showroom & Warehouse
Prominent dual-purpose property with showroom frontage and rear warehouse access. Great for trade, décor, or parts distribution with visibility and function.

A Brief Historical Context

Paarden Eiland, meaning “Island of Horses,” has long been a hub for industrial activity in Cape Town. Once a marshy, low-lying area, it became an official industrial zone in the 1930s. Over the decades, it attracted a wide array of manufacturing, automotive, and marine-related businesses. Today, it stands as one of Cape Town’s most vital industrial and logistics nodes—strategically placed between the CBD and the harbour.

Location & Accessibility

Paarden Eiland is one of the most strategically located industrial suburbs in Cape Town. Just 5–6 km from the city centre and adjacent to the port, it offers seamless access to:

Cape Town CBD in 10–15 minutes via FW de Klerk Boulevard or Marine Drive
Port of Cape Town within minutes—ideal for shipping, export, and freight
Cape Town International Airport, approx. 15 km away
Major arterial roads including the N1, M5, and R27
Public transport via MyCiTi buses, Golden Arrow, and nearby train stations

This unmatched accessibility makes Paarden Eiland ideal for logistics, last-mile delivery, distribution, and businesses serving both the city and the continent.

Commercial & Industrial Character

Paarden Eiland is known for its mix of:

Light to medium manufacturing
Showroom and wholesale retail
Warehousing and logistics
Automotive services and sales
Creative industries and niche workshops

The suburb features large-format properties, often with roller shutter access, three-phase power, high clearances, and secure yard areas. Businesses in sectors like boatbuilding, electrical supplies, decor, and engineering thrive here. Its long industrial legacy and modern infrastructure make it a top-tier industrial destination.

Infrastructure & Connectivity

Road Infrastructure: Built for trucks, with excellent internal circulation
Logistics-Friendly Layout: Container and vehicle movement is streamlined
Utilities: Well-served with power, water, and internet; many refurbished sites
Public Transport: Served by MyCiTi and conventional bus routes
CID Oversight: Clean, safe, and maintained by the Paarden Eiland CID

The area's close proximity to Cape Town Harbour, CBD, and major highways allows businesses to operate efficiently and connect to suppliers and customers with ease.

Paarden Eiland vs. Cape Town CBD

Factor	Paarden Eiland	Cape Town CBD
Best For	Warehousing, showrooms, logistics	Corporate offices, retail, hospitality
Access	Trucks, containers, port proximity	Excellent public transport, pedestrians
Rental Value	Affordable, high GLA	Premium, small units at higher cost
Operational Hours	24/7 industrial flexibility	Limited by zoning and noise constraints
Foot Traffic	Low, destination-based	High, walk-in business-friendly
Visibility	High along Marine Dr & Paarden Eiland Rd	Strong within dense urban core

If your business depends on movement of goods, on-site logistics, and scale of space—Paarden Eiland wins. If you need prestige, pedestrian access, and proximity to financial institutions—CBD is a better fit.

Why Invest in Paarden Eiland?

Unmatched location near Cape Town Harbour and city centre
Solid infrastructure with logistics-built roads and modern amenities
Low vacancy rates due to sustained tenant demand
Versatile property types from small workshops to flagship showrooms
Cost-effective rentals with room for scalable growth
CID-supported environment for cleanliness, security, and upkeep

Whether you’re in distribution, marine trade, automotive, or light manufacturing, Paarden Eiland positions your business at the heart of Cape Town’s trade network.