Waterfall City Junction breaks ground: setting new standards for urban development

The Waterfall City Junction forms part of the broader vision for integrated urban development, striking a balance between accessibility, functionality and sustainability, in line with its precinct-led strategy in which logistics continue to be a key driver of growth.

On Thursday, Attacq marked a major milestone with the official groundbreaking ceremony of Waterfall City Junction, held at the construction site.

Attacq CEO Jackie Van Niekerk performed the honours by driving the excavator and officially breaking ground, a symbolic moment signalling the start of one of Gauteng’s most ambitious logistics precinct developments.

Attacq Limited is a South African Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange(JSE) and A2X Markets. 

“Waterfall City Junction is an investment that will continue to build South Africa’s future,” says Jackie Van Niekerk, CEO of Attacq. “This project reflects our commitment to unlocking opportunity through world-class infrastructure and long-term vision.”

Proximity and convenience

Waterfall City Junction is located within the greater Waterfall City node. It is said to occupy a key position for logistics operations in the region.

Approximately 10 kilometres from Sandton, the precinct offers direct access to the N1 highway and is conveniently connected to Allandale Road, the K113, and is set to become the new north-side arterial road and a major game changer for mobility and logistics efficiency in the region.

“Waterfall City Junction offers logistics operators a prime location with direct access to major highways, supported by infrastructure that is simply unmatched in this market,” says David Oosthuizen, Development Executive at Attacq. 

“With the K113 now unlocking a major north–south arterial route, and the scale of land becoming available online, we are creating an environment that enables faster turnaround times, lower operating costs, and meaningful long-term growth for leading logistics operators.”

Transport infrastructure advantage

The area's transport infrastructure is said to add further value, with the precinct close to both the Midrand and Marlboro Gautrain stations, thereby providing reliable public transport options for commuters.

In addition, OR Tambo, Lanseria, and Grand Central airports all fall within a 31-kilometre radius, making Waterfall City Junction a convenient base for businesses that depend on efficient regional and international connectivity.

As a logistics node, Waterfall City has been highly successful in the past, with the previous three logistics precincts already secured, boasting occupants such as Cotton On, Vantage Data Centres, Plumblink, Amrod, and Cummins. 

Attacq Ltd is leading the development of Waterfall City Junction, in a joint shareholding with Sanlam Properties (Pty) Ltd. Covering 1.5 million m² with 600,000 m² of approved development rights, it is one of the largest infrastructure projects in Gauteng. 

Bulk infrastructure is already being installed for four of the six planned phases, marking a significant step in unlocking the land. Phase 1 is underway, with a 22,000 m² speculative warehouse currently under construction.

The REIT says Phase 1 has already attracted its first logistics client, signalling strong market confidence in the precinct’s potential.

Sustainability development

Waterfall City Junction is said to reflect a commitment to sustainable development and is designed with water resilience in mind. The land incorporates off-site stormwater systems and a five-day backup water supply for each development.

Warehouse roofs are built to support future solar panels, and landscaping will be managed under an environmental plan. Together, these measures are said to reduce the development's ecological footprint and support long-term operational savings and resilience for the occupants. 

"Sustainability has become a defining element of property development," adds Oosthuizen. "It is no longer about compliance but about creating spaces that are more resilient and cost-effective over time. Every aspect of Waterfall City Junction has been designed with this in mind."

Green alternatives are no longer just a fad or a stylistic choice. They have become a practical way to improve your quality of life while also helping to protect the planet. According to REMAX Southern Africa, green features not only make properties more environmentally responsible, but they also add tangible, long-term value.

As part of the broader Waterfall City ecosystem, the new precinct benefits from an established network of residential, retail, and commercial developments, including the Mall of Africa and a growing number of corporate headquarters.

This integration allows businesses to operate within a managed urban node that already provides comprehensive infrastructure and amenities.

Thursday’s groundbreaking was said to represent the beginning of a multi-phase development that will reshape logistics capacity in Johannesburg, supported by premium infrastructure and a long-term market-led vision.

Partnerships

The 2025 MTBPS (Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement) recognises the fiscal constraints facing the state and underscores the necessity of private sector participation as a critical partner in development, said Conway Williams, head of credit at Prescient Investment Management.

“It reiterates the importance of efficient and transparent execution of streamlined regulatory processes and proactive engagement from private investors, who can bring both capital and expertise.” 

The head said the recent MTBPS represents a significant policy commitment to infrastructure-led growth.

“It offers investors the opportunity to finance essential infrastructure that could support the nation's economic development, create jobs, and deliver both social and financial returns. The challenge now lies in execution.”

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