Why light industrial parks are popular in Observatory

Located 8 kilometres from the City Centre and 15 kilometres from the Cape Town International Airport, Observatory is a suburb in Cape Town that is bordered by Mowbray to the south, and Salt River to the north-west. While the area is known for being a popular residential and commercial node, its warehouse and light industrial units are extremely sought-after by those working in the creative industries. This is partly due to its excellent location right next to the N2 highway, but also its close proximity to Woodstock, Salt River and the CBD.

Observatory is undoubtedly one of Cape Town's most interesting areas and home to the South African Astronomical Observatory headquarters, the famous Groote Schuur Hospital where Chris Barnard performed the world's first heart transplant, Hartleyvale Stadium and a vibrant community centre. This popular node also boast a circus school and its own driving range, complete with a nine-hole golf course at the River Club.

Observatory, better know as 'Obz' by locals, has always enjoyed popularity among students (due to its close proximity to the University of Cape Town) and young professionals, and the high number of new residential developments here is proof of the rising demand. In terms of commercial spaces, many of the old Victorian-style houses along lower Main Road have been transformed to accommodate retail and commercial businesses. The area also features quite a few modern mixed-use developments, such as Waverley Business Park and Black River Park.

It's worth noting that Observatory is home to many of Cape Town's finest prop houses, film studios, production houses, as well as AFDA, the South African School of Motion Picture Medium and Live Performance. This means that industrial units in Observatory are increasingly being marketed as mixed-use establishments, for example a film/photography studio with office space that allows for post-production.

One such development is St. Michael' Park in lower Main Road. Centrally-located and secure, it houses 22 light industrial and mixed-use units. With easy access to the N2 and N1 via the M5, it's just a 3-minute walk from the train station and other public transport like minibus taxis. Units at St. Michael's Park range from 100–1000 square metres and are well-maintained, containing toilets and kitchenettes. The Park is also very safe and secure, with an intercom and remote control access, plus an on-site guard over weekends and during after-hours. API Property Group has quite a few listings available at this sought-after light industrial park. API Property Group also has free-standing premises with mixed-use zoning available in the area – perfect for interior designers, architects, film studios or design studios who want to set up shop in Observatory.

In 2009, Observatory became a Special Ratings Area. This means that an extra levy is paid by property owners to the Observatory Improvement District to improve the area by providing services such as Public Safety, Cleaning and Greening. The Observatory Improvement District aims to:

• Develop and sustain a safer, cleaner and smarter public space throughout Observatory
• Nurture the unique ambience, charm and diversity of Observatory village as a meeting place of artists, intellectuals, professionals, workers, residents and visitors
• Contribute to a commercially attractive, artistically vibrant, ecologically sustainable and family-friendly environment
• Foster cooperation between residents, ethical businesses, other stakeholders and the City

There are numerous benefits to being located in an Improvement District like Observatory, especially to businesses. If you are considering relocating to a light industrial park in this well-established and popular node, don't hesitate to get in touch with one of API Property Group's specialist brokers, who will be able to provide you with the latest available listings and answer any questions you might have around moving your business here.