A look at the new R15 billion ‘city’ coming to South Africa next year
Westown, a mixed-use development in KwaZulu-Natal, will launch its first phase in 2025.
The development aims to be a KwaZulu-Natal’s Midrand by being situated on the N3 between two major economic hubs – Pietermaritzburg and Durban.
The development is currently under construction. The first phase, the Westown Square Mall and the Barn, will open on 27 March 2025.
The development will feature a host of interconnected precincts, spaces and experiences, such as Balwin Properties’ Shongweni Eco Park.
Fundamentum Property Group is developing the new “City of the West,” which aims to be the new economic hub of Durban’s outer West.
It is also set to generate close to R15 billion in investment over the next 10 to 15 years, with R1.3 billion already triggered through the Westown Square retail experience.
Westown Square
The 50,000 sqm Westown Square is set to bring the Outer West community high-street retail experiences, including shopping, dining, living, and recreation.
Leasing at the mall has already exceeded expectations, with over 80% of the space already taken by some of the nation’s most prominent retail heavyweights and well-known national and international fashion retailers.
Confirmed tenants include Checkers Hyper (The Shoprite Group), Pick n Pay, Dischem, Edgars (Retailaibility), Mr Price, and Clicks, each bringing premium stores to the underserved Outer West for the first time. W
Key features of the mall also include the Town Centre and Town Garden, as well as the amphitheatre and children’s play areas.
The Barn
The Barn is positioned to be the heart of Westown Square. The barn-shaped structure will house an eclectic selection of artisanal homeware, art, beauty, fashion, food, and beverage outlets alongside quality restaurants and niche concept eateries.
The developers are confident that the unique shopping environment will make the stores one of the most popular local and tourist destinations.
“The Barn is designed around the experience of meandering through a high street market, where shoppers can explore what’s on offer, grab something fresh to eat from a local vendor or sit and enjoy a coffee or drink while watching local musicians perform,” said Lana Pattison from Fundamentum Property Group.
Shongweni Eco-Park Lifestyle Estate
JSE-listed Balwin Properties is also bringing the Shongweni Eco-Park lifestyle estate to Westown.
The estate will consist of 1,260 apartments, built in 25 phases over the next few years, with the first phase set to be completed in 2025.
This signals the first 3,000 units to be built in the Westown Urban Core, with 20,000 units expected to bring a rich residential element to the more excellent Shongweni development.
Shongweni Eco Park will be part of Balwin’s Classic Collection, which includes one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments.
Prices are expected to range between R899,900 and R2,099,900, and sales will launch later in 2024.
The lifestyle estate will also access amenities like a fully equipped Training Science Gym, children’s play area, a swimming pool, running/walking tracks, and a concierge service.
The apartments will be IFC EDGE Advanced certified, and buyers can save over the loan term through Balwin’s Green Bond product. Homeowners additionally save through lower utility charges.
Other opportunities
As per the mixed-use development, other developments are related to business and commercial hubs.
The Farrier Business Park, just 1.5 km from the N3, will be available for occupation in early 2025. Opportunities include 80,000 sqm of platform area available in tailored offerings.
Westown’s business and commercial hub also offers development opportunities with floors between 7,000 and 22,000 sqm and platforms between 8,000 and 18,000 sqm.
The new 3,000 new residential units planned for development over the next five to ten years mean that medical services are also an essential.
Thus, the West Private Hospital has been awarded a 100-bed license for the following medical services and amenities. Opportunities related to co-development, ownership, and operations are currently being negotiated.
Recent images of the construction of Westown can be found below:
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