New R2 billion lifestyle estate launching in South Africa next month

Shongweni Eco Park will launch next month, forming part of the wider Westown precinct on the outskirts of Durban.

Balwin Properties’ development will be part of the JSE-listed company’s Classic Collection and will offer one, two, and three-bedroom apartments.

Ground-floor apartments will have private gardens, while spacious balconies are found on the first, second, and third floors.

1,260 apartments are set to be built in the lifestyle estate, comprising 25 phases that will be built over the next few years.

The development will launch on Thursday, 27 March 2025, at the Balwin pod at Westown Square. Balwin is expected to invest R2 billion to create the lifestyle estate.

However, the first phase of development at the lifestyle estate will only be completed in early 2026.

Balwin said that the apartments will be spacious and well-appointed, along with double parking bays. Each apartment will also come with:

• DEFY Electric oven and Hob with extractor
• DEFY Refrigerator
• DEFY Washing machine
• DEFY Dishwasher
• Fibre-ready connection
• Built-in Braai

The 6-star Green Star-rated lifestyle estate will also include access to several other amenities, such as a swimming pool, indoor padel facility, gym cafe, laundromat and children’s play area.

“Shongweni Eco Park, in the new Westown precinct, blends modern convenience with natural beauty,” said Balwin.

“Just minutes from Westown Square, top schools, restaurants, and the popular Shongweni Farmers Market, it also offers easy access to Giba Gorge and Shongweni Dam.”

“Residents can enjoy hiking, bird watching, and nature walks while staying close to essential amenities, all in the heart of KwaZulu-Natal’s Upper Highway Area.”

The launch of the development, alongside the opening of Westown Square, will mark the first phase of the Westown mixed-use development.

The new “City of the West” aims to become KwaZulu-Natal’s Midrand by being a central point between Durban and Pietermaritzburg, akin to Midrand’s position between Joburg and Pretoria.

The new city will be on the N3 and is expected to generate about R15 million in investment over the next decade.

The anchor of the overall development will be Westown Square, a 50,000 sqm mall. Confirmed tenants include Checkers Hyper, Pick n Pay, Dis-Chem, Clicks, Edgars and many more.

The mall will also feature The Barn, which will offer a high-street-esque market experience characterised by artisanal homeware, art, and fashion outlets.

On top of the mall and lifestyle centre, the city will also feature the Farrier Business Park, a warehousing and logistics centre. There will also be Parc Ferme, which is a motor-focused commercial hub.

Private investment is coming from Fudamentum and Absa Commercial and Investment Bank, while the eThekwini Municipality is supporting bulk infrastructure in the area through investment of R600 million.

Recent construction images and renderings of the Westown Precinct and Shongweni Eco Park can be found below: