Fortress Real Estate Investments Limited (Fortress) is proud to announce that the expansion of key tenants, Crusader Logistics and Liquor Runners is currently underway at Eastport Logistics Park in Gauteng, helping to scale these businesses for long-term success.
Crusader Logistics has leaseda new 19,970m² warehouse at Eastport for a period of 10 years, reflecting their confidence in Fortress’ ability to meet their expansion needs. Construction will be completed by October 2025.
This will be the second warehouse for Crusader Logistics at Eastport. The first warehouse – a 19,787m2 building with a lease period of 10 years – was completed in August 2023. This world-class logistics hub stores multiple classes of goods and is equipped with the latest innovative technology. The facility has an impressive 19,000m2 under-roof space with a height of 15m to the eaves, complimented by A grade offices and a specialised multi-compartment HAZ-store facility, a truck wash bay with rainwater harvesting and, a state-of-the-art solar system plus backup generator power. The facility can be circulated by ring road providing easy access for cars and trucks alike. This development has allowed the company to increase its employee headcount to over 80 staff members from the surrounding areas in Johannesburg.
Liquor Runners has signed a five-year lease for a 31,481m² warehouse. This facility is adjacent to the second Crusader Logistics building at Eastport. Their new facility will be ready for occupation by October 2025.
“Aligned with our commitment to powering growth, this new deal strengthens our partnership with Liquor Runners, reinforcing our dedication to supporting their expanding operations. Having first partnered with Liquor Runners at Longlake Logistics Park, where we implemented a tailored approach by extending their lease on the existing 20,000m² facility for an additional 18 months to support the transition to their new 31,481m² warehouse under development at Eastport, demonstrates our commitment to providing a seamless transition for our clients, creating a platform for their future growth,” said Jason Cooper, Head of Developments at Fortress.
In addition to these two new buildings, construction of a new proposed logistics facility with a GLA of 13,007m² has started. The building is anticipated to be completed by November 2025.
This is being built at the same time as the Crusader Logistics and Liquor Runner buildings to benefit the economies of scale. Completion date of this building will be Q1 2026.
This building will include 15m of clear internal height, and a post-tensioned, power floated, jointless FM2 concrete warehouse designed for 12-ton load per racking post. The facility will include both on-grade and dock-height automated sectional doors, and a 12m wide canopy over all on-grade roller sectional doors, with a 38m wide yard. Dali lighting will be installed throughout the warehouse, which will include a 10,000-litre back-up water system. On completion, the facility will be Green Edge Certified.
Once these developments are complete, Eastport will have one remaining site with approximately 30 000m² of available bulk.
Eastport Logistics Park is one of the largest and most modern FMCG distribution centres on the African continent and the broader R21 area. It forms part of South Africa’s prime logistics hub as allied industries and businesses seek proximity and rational integration into the country’s leading logistics ecosystem.
Eastport is home to companies such as Clippa, Teralco, Pick ‘n Pay, Savino Del Bene, CEVA Logistics, Media24, Seabourne Logistics and Teraco.[NM1]
Cooper concluded, “At Fortress, we are focused on creating the environment for our clients to thrive. We are the largest owner and on-going developer of core, premium-grade logistics real estate in South Africa. We partner with our clients to power their growth by understanding their challenges and supporting their evolution in response to market changes by offering state-of-the art warehouses tailored to meet their business and service ambitions.”
