New R15 billion smart city launches in South Africa

·27 Mar 2025

The Westown smart city development in Shongweni outside Durban is launching its first phase on Thursday (27 March), with the opening of the landmark Westown Square shopping mall.

Westown is a new ‘smart city’ mixed-use development in KwaZulu Natal, which aims to become a new stopgap on the N3 between Pietermaritzburg and Durban.

Developers, Fundamentum Property Group, have dubbed the project the “Midrand of KZN”, hoping to become a new economic hub in West Durban, driving growth and job creation.

The project is expected to generate R15 billion in investment over the next 10 to 15 years and create 23,000 jobs.

The first phase, the roughly 50,000 sqm Westown Square Mall and The Barn, will open on 27 March 2025.

Unlike traditional projects, Westown Square combines diverse spaces, integrating retail, dining, and eventing areas.

The Barn, at the centre of the Square, will offer a high-street market experience, where visitors can explore unique artisanal homeware, art, beauty, and fashion outlets.

The Barn is set to work hand-in-hand with the Westown Square tenant mix, creating a unique shopping environment, which is set to become one of the region’s most popular local and tourist destinations.

On top of the mall, the developers are gearing up to deliver on the next developments at Westown.

This includes JSE-listed Balwin Properties investing R2 billion in value via the residential development Shongweni Eco Park.

The 1,260-apartment Shongweni Eco-Park lifestyle estate will comprise 20 phases, built over the coming years, and will include amenities such as a fully equipped Training Science Gym, children’s play area, swimming pool, and concierge service.

Westown will also host several other sectors, such as logistics, healthcare, warehousing, commercial and tourism opportunities.

This includes the Farrier Business Park, which is set to be a prime warehousing and logistics hotspot, as well as Parc Ferme, a motor-focused commercial hub.

In addition to private investment from Fundamentum and Absa Commercial and Investment Bank, the eThekwini Municipality is investing roughly R600 million to support bulk infrastructure (roads, water, wastewater and electricity).