The new R15 billion city being built in South Africa
Westown, a new mixed-use development outside Durban, is making progress across its development following the launch of the Westown Square Mall.
Westown has been deemed the New City of the West, and aims to be a new stopgap between Pietermaritzburg and Durban, similar to Midrand in Gauteng.
The first phase of the development was the 50,000 sqm Westown Square, which opened in March and cost R1.5 billion.
Developers, the Fundamentum Property Group, said the development is transforming Durban’s underserved Outer West region into a dynamic urban destination.
The investment, together with the roads and other infrastructure invested in partnership with the eThekwini Municipality, will leverage a further R14 billion in investment across the development over the next decade.
“Like every other regional retail destination, it takes time, two to three years at least, for new places to become established,” said Carlos Correia, CEO of Fundamentum Property Group.
“It requires a change in shopping habits and behaviour, and expectations of a new space like Westown Square are high, especially post-Covid, where people want not only a more open environment, but also an additional element of entertainment, to add to their shopping experience.”
With festive season shopping around the corner, the developers are working hard to ensure that the road infrastructure is improved.
The first new bridge over the N13 is expected to be open to traffic in November, and will be followed by the demolition of the existing bridge and the construction of a second bridge over the N13,to be completed in 2026
The final Kassier Rd upgrades, from Alverstone to Old Main Rd, are slated to commence in the middle of 2026.
“Greenfield developments are very disruptive by nature and for periods of time, it’s hard to imagine how it will turn out in the end,” Correia added.
“Through our funding of Westown, we’re not just building structures, we’re creating vibrant ecosystems where families thrive, businesses flourish, and neighbourhoods connect.
Westown Square
When it comes to the mall, the Westown Trails and Horse Paddock hub are now open to mountain bikers, runners, horse riders, and outdoor enthusiasts.
The Trail hub is expected to grow into a space with trail maps, lockers, a bike wash bay, and water refill stations.
For horse riders, paddocks with water and hay are already in place, and are close to the mall’s food offerings.
Across the stores, the Foschini Group recently joined the mall’s tenants, with the opening of Foschini, Total Sports, Sportscene and Exact stores.
When it comes to food and beverage, shoppers have a host of over 30 casual market inspired stores and outlets, as well as chains like Wimpy, Mugg & Bean and Spur, as well as upmarket eateries.
The first motor dealerships, Omoda and Jaecoo, also take up residence in the centre between October and November on the lower level of the mall.
This comes ahead of a dedicated motor-focused, new commercial scheme, Parc Fermè, in Q4 2027.
Greater area
Balwin Property are currently underway with the earthworks for the fist 200 units of the Shongweni Eco-Park, part of the Classic Balwin Collection.
Completion of the first phase of the lifestyle estate is scheduled for mid 2026, and will include ground floor apartments with private gardens and spacious balconies on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd floors.
Detailed designs have also been completed for the 100-bed West Private Hospital, with construction set to commence in early 2026.
The first fuel station and commercial development have also been formalised, with detailed planning underway.
Fundamentum added that interest in the Farrier Business Park, the new logistics and warehousing park also remains high.
Developer and end-user requirements and proposed activities are currently under review for the business park ahead of commencement, also in early 2026.
Images
Loading ...