In the last 10 years, across the towns of Kempton Park, Boksburg, Edenvale and Germiston, the adult population has increased by 34%. That is 699,546 people moving to the area taking advantage of the range of mixed-use opportunities that Riverfields presents. It is safe to say that Riverfields is part of a growing area with more people moving into the greater area each year.
Known as the economic triangle, Boksburg, Germiston and Kempton Park contribute 95% of Ekurhuleni’s revenue. Situated within this thriving hub, Riverfields has established a successful logistics and distribution centre node.
With companies such as Takealot, Shoprite and Foschini making use of our central hub in Gauteng, it presents exciting opportunities for faster distribution and improved efficiencies for the region. The added benefit is the proximity to OR Tambo International Airport and the developing aerotropolis within Ekurhuleni. The city of Ekurhuleni produces 8% of the country’s GDP and is on a major industrial corridor between Durban, Free State and Gauteng. Brands who are part of Riverfields’ dynamic logistics and distributions centres can take advantage of these central transport routes, servicing connecting conveniently to Durban’s port.
Efficient logistics are regarded as an important determinant of a country’s competitiveness and source of employment. In South Africa, we have a transport-intensive economy. This means that transport has been identified as comprising the most significant portion of logistics costs in the country. In Africa, our transport and logistics network is considered the most developed and Riverfields is poised to be part of this dynamic logistics network as more improvements are made to infrastructure and efficiency.
Ekurhuleni aerotropolis
A vibrant development project for the region, that will complement our logistics and distribution centre node is the established 2016 aerotropolis project. This project will take 30 years to complete with phased development taking place. In an area as large as this, phased development is essential to cater for communities that will relocate to the area over this period of time – making the adjustment more manageable, liveable and accessible.
Development brings dynamic opportunities
New development, which resonates with the community often brings people to the region at a rapid pace. This was evident with the establishment of the Gautrain Rhodesfield station in Kempton Park. Completed in 2010, the introduction of this major transport node drove up residential sales and interest in the area.
The Gautrain created a high-speed, public transport corridor between Sandton, Rosebank and Kempton Park. In its first year of service, residential sales increased by 57,5%. The biggest interest came from established corporates whose attention turned towards secure residential estates in Glen Marais. In this way, it is clear to see how each sector causes increased activity and productivity in another.
Riverfields has earmarked land within the precinct for a diverse range of opportunities for all sectors of the community. We’ve found that along with the increasing need for logistics and distributions centres close to major transport routes, showrooms and big box retail, housing and leisure are also a key investment for Riverfields Precinct.
With the higher amount of traffic and an increasing population in Riverfields, we’ve got a host of future development in the works. Watch this space!