John Ross Eco Junction grows apace with first new development

Artist perspective of Tangawizi Motors at John Ross Eco Junction. The facility will accommodate four motor dealership brands namely Hyundai, Daihatsu, Renault and Honda.

John Ross Eco Junction, a commercial industrial development grows apace with first new facility for Tangawizi Motors to accommodate four motor dealership brands namely Hyundai, Daihatsu, Renault and Honda.

The 195,000m² business estate by Liberty Properties lies at the intersection of the N2 highway and the John Ross Parkway in the City of uMhlatuze, northern Kwazulu Natal.

Liberty Properties concluded a ten year lease agreement with Tangawizi Motors for the four motor dealership brands. And has been awarded the mandate to develop the undertaking on behalf of the property owners, Liberty Group, the sum of which has not been disclosed.

Site preparation is underway and is expected to be complete by the first quarter of 2014 where after development of the dealerships and other tenant premises’ will commence.

Once development is complete, the four dealerships will occupy a total floor space of approximately 7 060m².

Amelia Beattie, chief investment officer for Stanlib Direct Property Investments, which acts as asset managers for Liberty Group, says John Ross Eco Junction is a step towards increasing our footprint in the industrial property sector.

Speaking on behalf of Tangawizi Motors Eddie Reid says “We are excited to be part of John Ross Eco Junction, the site is ideally situated with great visibility from the main arterial roads, which can only be good for our business.”

The development will primarily serve areas around the greater uMhlathuze municipality which includes Richards Bay, Empangeni, KwaMbonambi and Mtunzini.

The greater uMhlathuze municipality is a high growth area; it has a GDP of R3.7 billion and a GDP growth rate of 4% per annum, and is home to some of the country’s biggest manufacturing stalwarts such as Mondi and BHP Billiton.

Graham Kusano, Divisional Director of Liberty Group Property Development described this tenant agreement as an exciting milestone for the John Ross Eco Junction development and a “demonstration of Richards Bay’s positive economic situation.”

Automotive sector in South Africa’s economic, contributes approximately 6% to the country’s GDP and employs about 200,000 people.