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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The project is expected to generate R15 billion in investment over the next 10 to 15 years and create 23,000 jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The first phase, the roughly 50,000 sqm Westown Square Mall and The Barn, will open on 27 March 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Unlike traditional projects, Westown Square combines diverse spaces, integrating retail, dining, and eventing areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u2019s most popular local and tourist destinations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On top of the mall, the developers are gearing up to deliver on the next developments at Westown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This includes JSE-listed Balwin Properties investing R2 billion in value via the residential development Shongweni Eco Park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u2019s play area, swimming pool, and concierge service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Westown will also host several other sectors, such as logistics, healthcare, warehousing, commercial and tourism opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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).<\/p>\n\n\n\n