Umhlanga Central, Umhlanga

Umhlanga Central at a glance

Umhlanga is a coastal suburb located in the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It is situated on the eastern coast of South Africa, just north of the city of Durban.

Its coastal location on the Indian Ocean provides residents and visitors with stunning sea views and a pleasant seaside atmosphere. Umhlanga is a thriving and upscale suburb which has earned a reputation as a prime business and residential destination, known for its stunning beaches, luxury hotels, vibrant commercial centers, and a growing number of office spaces catering to diverse businesses.

Umhlanga is home to a significant number of corporate offices, making it one of the most important business districts in Durban. Umhlanga Ridge is the central business district, known for its modern office complexes, shopping centers, and high-end residential developments. It's a hub for financial institutions, tech companies, law firms, and various other industries.

Since 1995 when Tongaat Hulett began converting former sugarcane land to urban uses on the La Lucia / Umhlanga Ridge, the area has attracted more than 1 500 000 square metres of development and become one of South Africa’s fastest-growing urban development nodes. Tongaat Hullet Developments established the Umhlanga Ridge Management Association who still run the area today. All property owners are obliged to become members and are bound by the Memorandum of Incorporation and the rules and regulations (which are modified from time to time) with a view to maintaining the high standards expected of a modern and sought after precinct of excellence.

There is currently a movement to the north of Durban which refers to the movement of people, businesses, and development from the central areas of Durban towards the northern suburbs and regions. This phenomenon can be attributed to various factors and has resulted in the growth and expansion of the city.

Gateway Theatre of Shopping was one of the first major developments North of Durban. It is a massive retail and entertainment complex in Umhlanga, offering an array of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. The mall opened in 2001 and has been a retail hub and a catalyst for economic development along the KZN North Coast. This has boosted the area and drawn a lot of development in recent years. The R1.4-billion centre remains one of the largest malls in the southern hemisphere.

Umhlanga great location and even better weather makes it a huge destination for tourists and offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit various budgets and preferences. Whether you're looking for luxury hotels, boutique guesthouses, self-catering apartments, or beachfront resorts, Umhlanga has something for everyone.

In addition to accommodation, Umhlanga has a plethora of restaurants. In this vibey coastal town you will experience a unique blend of cultures from east to west, with the pulse of Africa at its heart. Mediterranean-style restaurants rub shoulders with Asian, Middle Eastern and exotic African restaurants, many of which include a panoramic view over the ocean.

The growth in Umhlanga has been exponential and can now be broken up into different key business areas in Umhlanga which include:

Umhlanga Ridge: This is the central business district of Umhlanga and the heart of the suburb's commercial activity. It is characterized by modern office complexes, shopping centers, restaurants, and high-end residential developments. Many national and international corporations have their offices in Umhlanga Ridge. The newly developed Umhlanga Arch is a mixed use development and the new home to the Hilton Hotel. The Ridge offers tenants modern buildings with great sea views. In this iconic area you will find the head office for Illovo, FNB and Nedbank.

Ridgeside, is an extension of Umhlanga Ridge and is currently undergoing significant development. It is set to become a prominent business hub with modern office buildings and commercial spaces. The Ridgeside Office Park, in particular, has attracted numerous businesses. Ridgeside is a secure area and home to many tenants including ABSA, Hollywoodbets and PWC.

Umhlanga Village, close to the beach, is a blend of business and leisure. Here, you'll find smaller offices, boutiques, cafes, and restaurants catering to both residents and tourists. The iconic Oyster Box hotel can be found in the Umhlanga village and hosts local and international gusts throughout the year. In the Umhlanga Village you will find many great restaurants and bars.

The new Oceans Mall in opened its doors for trading in 2022, bringing luxury retail and 'a taste of Dubai' to Durban. The mall, valued at over R1 billion, forms part of the R4. 3 billion mixed-use Oceans development in Umhlanga, which comprises three towers with luxury apartments, and a hotel.

The call center industry in Durban South Africa, has seen significant growth and development over the years. Umhlanga specially has benefited and has become a major hub for call center and customer service operations, both domestic and international. We have seen them take up large space over the past few years and continue to grow.

Umhlanga is well-connected to the broader Durban area through an extensive road network. The M4 and N2 highways provide easy access to and from Umhlanga, connecting it to Durban's city centre and other regions. Traffic is managed well and constant upgrades are always happening.

Public Transport in the area is good and people making use of public transport has access to many services, including buses and taxis, making it convenient for residents and visitors to commute within Umhlanga and to other parts of Durban.

The suburb is easily accessible from Durban and is located 15 minutes drive from the King Shaka International Airport, making it a convenient location for travellers.

Umhlanga is known for its strong security measures, with private security companies and a visible police presence to ensure the safety of residents, tenants and tourists. This is another factor the Umhlanga Ridge Association take very seriously and continue to work on and improve. Umhlanga is home to several hospitals and healthcare facilities that provide a range of medical services to residents and visitors. Here are some of the hospitals - Umhlanga Hospital, Busamed Gateway Private Hospital and Netcare Umhlanga Hospital. You will also find a lot of the best doctors have moved their practices to the area.

Umhlanga has become the key business node in KZN and as business continue to move to the area we at 5th Avenue Properties can assist in the relocation of your business. There is an already thriving business community and with Umhlanga’s strategic location, and excellent amenities, leasing commercial office space in the area is a smart decision for any organisation.

To make the process smooth and successful, enlisting the expertise and market knowledge of 5th Avenue Properties is highly recommended.

5th Avenue Properties is a prominent real estate firm specializing in commercial properties in the Umhlanga node. Their deep understanding of the area, coupled with a vast network and experience, ensures that they can help businesses find the ideal office space tailored to their specific needs.