What makes Salt River one of Cape Town's best-located industrial nodes?

Located near Table Bay, to the east of Cape Town's central business district and bordering Woodstock and Observatory, Salt River is a popular area that was once the industrial epicentre of Cape Town, thanks to its close proximity to the heart of the city. The steel and locomotive industries were particularly important in the suburb’s early development due to the expansion of the rail network in the early 1900s, and up until the late 1980s. Salt River was also known to be a hub for the textile and clothing manufacturing industries, which has unfortunately slowed down significantly due to an increase in cheaper imports from abroad.

As with all good industrial areas, location is key, which is why Salt River remains one of Cape Town’s most sought-after industrial nodes. One can reach the Cape Town CBD, harbour, Maitland, the N1 and N2 highways and Paarden Eiland within a few minutes’ drive, and its key placement at the start of Voortrekker Road leading to Bellville holds a wealth of possibilities for investors and prospective tenants, due to it being one of the City of Cape Town’s earmarked Improvement Districts.

Stretching 17 kilometres west to east from Salt River Circle to Stikland Bridge, Voortrekker Road is now the subject of a number of strategic interventions by public and private interests. It is home to many light industrial units, car dealerships, discount bulk retailers, large shopping centres, eateries, commercial blocks and housing estates, and plays a major transport role in Cape Town. Thousands of people pass through the neighborhoods of Salt River, Maitland, Kensington, Goodwood, Parow and Bellville on a daily basis. According to city planners, Voortrekker Road corridor could play a significant role in housing the growing population more centrally. In planning speak, the corridor is also referred to as the ‘urban core’ of Cape Town, supporting 183 000 jobs in close proximity to industrial, logistical and service nodes. It is bounded by the N1 to the north and the R300 and Salt River to the east and west respectively, and 8 200 hectares in size.

API Property Group has listings available on this popular stretch of road, with premises ideally situated close to all highways as well as the train station and MyCity bus routes. Industrial units here enjoy maximum exposure – with close proximity to Maitland, the M5 and plenty of public transport options to choose from. One such development is 100 on Voortrekker. This 7550 square metre mixed-use renovation property offers tenants in the design/tech/creative sector businesses secure work spaces at affordable rentals. It is well-located in Salt River next to the MyCiTi bus stop and 500 metres from Salt River Station, with underground parking and a ‘campus’ feel.

Salt River seems to be enjoying a similar revival to neighbouring Woodstock, where many mixed-use renovations are taking place and units are being occupied by a mix of creative, food, film and design businesses. But while industrial space in Woodstock is becoming increasingly hard to come by (many warehouses and industrial units have been ‘revamped’ into retail spaces or commercial space), Salt River still has many industrial units available, often at lower rates.

If you are considering relocating your factory or warehouse to this well-established and perfectly situated industrial node, one of the specialist brokers at API Property Group will be able to assist you with any questions you might have about the area and provide you with the latest available listings – helping you find an industrial unit that suits your company’s unique needs.