Getting to know Rivonia

Commercial, Neighbourhoods

   

 

Fotolia_71676060_Subscription_Monthly_XXL.jpgSituated between the Braamfontein spruit and the Sandspruit, Rivonia was once a largely rural area. It is the location of Liliesleaf farm which is an important heritage site as well as a conference centre and museum. Now the suburb is an attractive, tree-lined, high-end residential area which incorporates a vibrant commercial sector. “By virtue of its location and versatility, the suburb is highly regarded, making it a popular choice for many large corporates,” says Leon Breytenbach, National Manager of the Rawson Property Group’s commercial division.

Location and access

Rivonia falls within the Sandton area, being just over eight kilometres away from Sandton. “The area is a mere 13 kilometres from the industrial hub of Midrand, 23 kilometres from Johannesburg CBD, besides being within easy reach of Pretoria or places further afield due to its proximity to the N1 highway as well as the M9 freeway,” Breytenbach explains. The suburban road infrastructure is adequate to its needs, giving easy access to the surrounding suburbs of Paulshof, Morningside, Bryanston, Woodmead and Sunninghill. There are three airports accessible from Rivonia, namely OR Tambo International Airport, 28 kilometres distant, Lanseria International only 27 kilometres away, with Grand Central Private Airport a mere 16 kilometres away. The nearest Gautrain station is at Marlboro which is 12 kilometres distant, but the Gautrain bus route runs along Rivonia Road through the middle of the suburb, as does the municipal bus route.

Commercial enterprise

“Rivonia is considered to be an important hub in the IT industry it appears,” Breytenbach relates. Office space is eagerly sought after, with many big corporates being located here. Hewlett-Packard’s main offices for South Africa and southern Africa are to be found in the area as are Fujitsu’s South African office. The suburb also boasts a number of shopping centres or malls such as Rivonia Junction,  Rivonia Village, Rivonia Crossing, Rivonia Strip as well as the well-known Oriental City, besides easy access to many shopping centres or commercial or office space in the surrounding suburbs.

Amenities

All the popular retail outlets are represented, as are many smaller, more wide-ranging shops and services. Restaurants, coffee shops, gyms, medical or dental practitioners including entertainment facilities are plentiful, while the residential areas available are up-market and highly prized. There are several schools within the suburb, both private, as well as government schools of high calibre may be found close by in the surrounding suburbs. Netcare Travel Clinic is located in Rivonia, while Netcare Sunninghill and Mediclinic Sandton are easily reached, if required. The CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation is also located in Rivonia.

Commercial facts and figures

The SAPOA Office Vacancy Report for April 2017 reflects that Rivonia has 281 516 square metres of rentable commercial space, 10 500 square metres of which is A-grade, while 265 182 square metres is B-grade and 5 834 square metres is C-grade space. Of this, only 884 square metres of A-grade, 41 223 of B-grade and 70 of C-grade remain available for leasing. This shows that the vacancy rate remains fairly stable, though has slightly improved against the figure of nine months ago, as shown in the report. The average rental cost stands at R145 per square metre for A-grade space, while B-grade stands at R95 per square metre. The report shows no approved developments or any that may currently be in the pipe-line, but that might change at any time. “Property in this area is most desirable, thus being snapped up fairly quickly,” comments Breytenbach. Within the residential market, the majority of buyers are recorded as being within the 36 to 49 year age group, while the majority of sellers are over 65 years, however there are not a great number of property transactions taking place, showing a stable trend of long period ownership.

The facts show Rivonia to be a safe, convenient environment, as attested to by those who reside there permanently as well as those who commute there each day for work. Its proximity to a number of nearby commercial hubs while maintaining a country feel make it a popular choice for commercial rental, investment as well as development. “Your business might benefit greatly from being relocated to Rivonia,” suggests Breytenbach.

Rawson Commercial currently has offices countrywide and will gladly assist you in discovering the right property for your purpose. Please contact (021) 658 7100 and we will refer you to your nearest office.

 

For more information, email marketing@rawsonproperties.com or visit www.rawson.co.za for the latest market tips and industry news.

Leon Breytenbach

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