26 March 2026
Build it Finds Its New Home
A New Chapter for Build it at Umhlanga Arch
Growth often calls for new spaces. For Build it, one of Southern Africa’s most recognised hardware and building materials retail brands, the move to Umhlanga Arch marks an exciting new chapter in a journey that spans more than four decades.
With a rich 40-year history, the brand has grown significantly since its early beginnings.
“We have grown exponentially from a mere aisle in a SPAR grocery store to now being the largest Hardware and Building Materials retail brand in Southern Africa,” the team explains.
As the business expanded, so too did the need for a space that could support the next phase of its growth. The opportunity to relocate the Build it national head office to Umhlanga Arch, alongside the headquarters of the SPAR Group Ltd, presented itself at the right time.
“We needed to spread our wings and take the next step in our growth path. The opportunity arose to join the SPAR Group Ltd headquarters in The Arch and it made sense in every way to grab it with both hands.”
Why Umhlanga Arch
Location was a key consideration in the decision.
Over the past decade, Umhlanga has established itself as one of KwaZulu-Natal’s leading business hubs, attracting national and international companies seeking connectivity, convenience, and a dynamic business environment.
For a national office servicing the broader Southern African region, accessibility was critical.
“Umhlanga has become the epicenter of business in KZN and it is very central, especially in relation to the airport,” the team notes. “Being our national central office, servicing the whole of Southern Africa, it is important to have convenient access to the airport.”
The Arch itself also played a role in the decision.
As one of Umhlanga’s most recognisable landmarks, the development offers both visibility and accessibility for visiting suppliers, partners, and stakeholders.
“The Arch is an iconic landmark in Umhlanga, which makes it easy for visiting suppliers and business partners to find.”
A Modern Workspace for a Modern Business
While the day-to-day operations of the business remain largely unchanged, the new environment has influenced the way teams work together.
The modern design of the office space has encouraged a shift towards more streamlined processes and collaboration.
“With a more modern style and design of the office, it has inspired us to modernise a lot of our processes and ways of working. Going paperless is a good example of this in action, and the open plan design allows teams to interact seamlessly.”
For the team, the move has also brought an added lifestyle element.
After a short adjustment to new travel routes, staff have settled comfortably into their new environment.
“Our proximity to all that Umhlanga has to offer is great, and the view we have from the office is simply ‘next level’.”
The Advantage of a Mixed-Use Precinct
One of the defining features of Umhlanga Arch is its mixed-use design, bringing together offices, residences, hospitality, and retail into one integrated precinct.
For businesses like Build it, this environment offers practical advantages when hosting colleagues and partners visiting from across the country.
“Having the hotel and various restaurants close by has made it very easy to host colleagues and business partners travelling in from all parts of the country. The central point being the office makes it really easy for visitors to join us in a convenient and comfortable fashion.”
The surrounding environment also aligns closely with the company’s culture.
“Our core values are Family, Entrepreneurship and Passion. The Arch as a facility aligns with all of these and we feel that our home here is well supported by the surrounding businesses.”
A Professional Environment That Reflects the Brand
Relocating to a landmark development naturally carries a certain sense of prestige.
For Build it, the move has reinforced a sense of pride across the organisation.
“There is certainly an element of prestige involved when welcoming business partners to our offices. All of our staff show great pride when they show new visitors around the premises.”
The environment itself has also influenced how the business is perceived, both internally and externally.
“I think that all round the business has stepped up a level in terms of our professionalism. The old adage goes, ‘when you look good, you feel good’ and I think the same rings true for business sentiment amongst staff and business partners. When we look professional in a professional environment, it shows.”
Considering a Move?
Relocating a business is never a decision taken lightly. As Build it notes, every organisation will have its own priorities when considering a move.
“Relocating a business is always daunting. There are a number of critical elements which determine whether it’s the right move for your business or not, and these are different in most instances.”
Their advice to other businesses considering a new space is simple.
“Do your research and evaluate what your top priorities are, then visit the area and see for yourself whether those boxes are ticked.”
For Build it, Umhlanga Arch ticked those boxes, offering connectivity, convenience, and a professional environment that supports both growth and collaboration.
And as the brand continues its journey, the Arch now forms part of the next chapter in its story.