WORDS: EMILY SHAW IMAGES: TER HOLLMAN
Linbro Park is predominantly an industrial area filled with businesses like Eurolux, PNET and Jaycor. It’s located close to Alex and is home to many interesting outlets and start-up headquarters.
“The commute varies, of course, depending on where you live. The office park gets quite congested with traffic during the morning and late afternoon with people getting on and off the N3 and M1. The traffic isn’t that bad around the park – it’s only when you actually get into the park that it can be a bit inconvenient with a lot of trucks coming in and out on steep uphill roads. From Bryanston it takes me about 40 to 45 minutes there and back but I don’t take the highway. The highway on a good day would take me about 30 to 35 minutes,” says Garreth Johnson, manager and Linbro Park business tenant.
Property
Small businesses bloom out here, mainly due to the lack of direct competition. Space is also a bonus for those setting up shop and because the area is full of other businesses, there are plenty of opportunities for partnerships and mutually beneficial working arrangements.
While residential areas are at this point quite limited, secure developments are starting to spring up, creating handy boltholes for businessmen working close by. As Joburg’s workforce expands and new companies are born, Linbro Park might well offer the savvy property entrepreneur a great opportunity for future investment.
Schools
Handily for local parents, Linbro Park has a few school offerings for children within the suburb itself, which will save parents who work in the area from leaving for the school run and then doubling back.
Morden Montessori School is a great option for those who favour this particular way of teaching for their little ones. There are also a collection of primary schools to attend once they’ve finished their years at Morden. Laerskool Nobel and Skeen Primary School educate leaners from Grade R to Grade 7 and The King’s School will look after your child’s school career from babyhood right through to matric.
For those who work or attend school outside of Linbro Park, easy (although not inexpensive) rapid commuting can be enjoyed via the Gautrain, which has a station at Marlboro.
Explore
Aside from its traditional business use, Linbro Park also happens to host many children’s event companies, with a wide variety of both coordinators and venues from which to choose.
Kiddy Up Party Venue offers themed parties with fun activities like pony rides, splash slides, jumping castles and onsite catering to take the load off mom. On the subject of ponies, Byerley Stables and Party Venue is also close by and offers full equestrian services such as livery and instruction, as well as garden parties for kids.
There are a few quick and easy on-the-run lunch options in Linbro Park central as well as a couple of sit-down client-friendly restaurants further afield. Tuck into Wimpy, Kauai, Nando’s and Steers if you’re pressed for time, or spoil yourself with an early Friday treat at Primi Piatti, Cape Town Fish Market, or Jimmy’s Killer Prawns. If you’re looking for something a little less indulgent and a bit more invigorating, take the family (and dog!) to the Modderfontein Ride Free Bike Park for established trails – it makes for a refreshing morning outdoors.
Redrock Brewing Company is a fantastic spot to spend a Saturday – or even a spot to celebrate an adult birthday. The brewery’s craft beers are inspired by rock ’n’ roll and described as easy-drinking, but beers that “don’t step down”.
Linbro Park presents a good offering for businesses of all sizes, given its proximity to Alex and its reasonable commute from Sandton central – and if it’s not business you’re interested in but pleasure, neighbouring Modderfontein ticks all the boxes for an adventurous weekend.
The Linbro Business Park that I work in is quite industrial – particularly for Sandton. My company moved here very strategically about 15 years ago for its location – it’s right near Alexandria. Many of our staff live within walking distance from their homes, which makes it more affordable and convenient for many to commute. GARRETH JOHNSON, BUSINESS TENANT
EXPERIENCE
- Modderfontein Ride Free Bike Park: perfect for a family morning of fun
- Redrock Brewing Company: enjoy a craft, adult beverage on a lazy Saturday
- Modder Sports Complex – venue for private parties and sports-themed birthdays as well as team meetings
CONVENIENCE
- Drakes Party Farmyard: birthday fun for the kids
- Linbro Park Dental and Medical Clinic: conveniently situated for emergency fillings or prescriptions
- La Marina Foods: excellent fresh and frozen seafood for bulk purchase
EAT
- Café Bom Dia: the only real restaurant near the business park, convenient for meetings and an early morning coffee
- Engen Café: the solution to the 4pm snack attack
