{"id":791458,"date":"2024-09-18T19:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-09-18T17:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/?p=791458"},"modified":"2024-09-18T16:00:01","modified_gmt":"2024-09-18T14:00:01","slug":"a-look-at-the-new-r15-billion-city-coming-to-south-africa-next-year","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/property\/791458\/a-look-at-the-new-r15-billion-city-coming-to-south-africa-next-year\/","title":{"rendered":"A look at the new R15 billion ‘city’ coming to South Africa next year"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Westown, a mixed-use development in KwaZulu-Natal, will launch its first phase in 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The development aims to be a KwaZulu-Natal’s Midrand by being situated on the N3 between two major economic hubs – Pietermaritzburg and Durban.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The development is currently under construction. The first phase, the Westown Square Mall and the Barn, will open on 27 March 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The development will feature a host of interconnected precincts, spaces and experiences, such as Balwin Properties’ Shongweni Eco Park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fundamentum Property Group is developing the new “City of the West,” which aims to be the new economic hub of Durban’s outer West.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Westown Square <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 50,000 sqm Westown Square is set to bring the Outer West community high-street retail experiences, including shopping, dining, living, and recreation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key features of the mall also include the Town Centre and Town Garden, as well as the amphitheatre and children\u2019s play areas.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n

The Barn <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The developers are confident that the unique shopping environment will make the stores one of the most popular local and tourist destinations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe Barn is designed around the experience of meandering through a high street market, where shoppers can explore what\u2019s on offer, grab something fresh to eat from a local vendor or sit and enjoy a coffee or drink while watching local musicians perform,\u201d said Lana Pattison from Fundamentum Property Group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n

Shongweni Eco-Park Lifestyle Estate<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

JSE-listed Balwin Properties is also bringing the Shongweni Eco-Park lifestyle estate to Westown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This signals the first 3,000 units to be built in the Westown Urban Core, with 20,000 units\u00a0expected to bring a rich residential element to the more excellent Shongweni development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shongweni Eco Park will be part of Balwin\u2019s Classic Collection, which includes one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prices are expected to range between R899,900 and R2,099,900, and sales will launch later in 2024. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The lifestyle estate will also access amenities like a fully equipped Training Science Gym, children\u2019s play area, a swimming pool, running\/walking tracks, and a concierge service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The apartments will be IFC EDGE Advanced certified, and buyers can save over the loan term through Balwin\u2019s Green Bond product. Homeowners additionally save through lower utility charges.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n

Other opportunities <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

As per the mixed-use development, other developments are related to business and commercial hubs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thus, the West Private Hospital\u00a0has 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recent images of the construction of Westown can be found below: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n