Large industrial developments require a different level of due diligence from ordinary warehouse leasing. Land, services, zoning, approvals, access and delivery risk all need to align with the operating plan.
Site and service questions
- Zoning and permitted use
- Platform size and gradients
- Power availability
- Water and sewer capacity
- Stormwater
- Road access and turning geometry
- Fire requirements
- Environmental constraints
- Development approvals
- Construction programme
Lease and development structure
Understand who funds the building, how specifications are approved, what happens if delivery is delayed and when rental actually commences.
Future flexibility
For large occupiers, expansion land, phased development and the ability to adapt the site can be as important as the first building.
Gordon's perspective
The development brief should read like an operational specification. The more precise the requirement, the better the final facility and the lower the risk.
Explore next
Review the major KZN development profiles in this document and current opportunities in Rainmaker.