After enduring persistent rain showers, progress on Westown Square has surged ahead, marking a significant milestone in the construction of the New City of the West. As the skies clear, the initial phase of this ambitious development project is swiftly materializing, promising to redefine the landscape and vitality of the region.
Westown Square, a retail center valued at R1.4 billion, is currently under construction within the Westown Precinct. This precinct constitutes a pivotal segment of the expansive R30 billion Shongweni Urban Development project.
The 50 000m² high-street retail experience, Westown Square brings together shopping, dining, living and recreation for all ages, with a national tenant mix enhanced by local niche offerings; all within a setting that reflects the unique character and energy of Shongweni.
Designed by retail specialists MDS Architecture in a joint venture with Boogertman and Partners KZN, the high street design is open, permeable and accessible which encourages connection and interaction.
Confirmed anchor tenants include Checkers Hyper (The Shoprite Group), Pick n Pay, Dischem, Edgars (Retailaibility), Mr Price, and Clicks, each bringing their latest generation, premium stores to the underserved Outer West for the first time
Absa Corporate and Investment Banking is the primary funder of Westown Square.
This catalytic investment, together with the R730 million in roads and other infrastructure that is currently under construction by the eThekwini Municipality in partnership with Fundamentum, has not only enabled Westown to get off the ground but will leverage a further R14 billion investment over the next decade.
The first development activity within the greater 100ha Westown development, Westown Square is supported by the mixed-use offerings of residential apartments, a warehouse and logistics precinct, commercial and business activities, and an active green belt.
Westown Square will open in March 2025 and forms part of the approved development rights of approximately 520 000m² of bulk floor area within Westown’s Urban Core. This retail hub will be supported by a number of interconnected precincts and experiences including:
- Residential apartments – Shongweni Park and others
- A warehousing and logistics precinct
- Commercial and business activities
- The West Private Hospital
Westown is perfectly positioned between Durban and Pietermaritzburg on the main arterial N3 highway, 30km from Durban Port, 50km from PMB and 56km from King Shaka airport.
Developed by the Fundamentum Property Group, Westown is supported by one of the biggest infrastructural investments from the eThekwini Municipality in Durban since the Soccer World Cup in 2010. This new City of the West is set to generate some R15 billion in investment over the next 10 -15 years.
JSE listed Balwin has concluded agreements to develop Shongweni Park, a 1 260-apartment lifestyle estate at the iconic Westown development, close to Hillcrest in outer west Durban.
Shongweni Park will form part of Balwin’s Classic range of lifestyle estates and will comprise 20 phases to be built out over the next four years.
One-, two- and three-bedroom garden apartments will be on offer, with large appliances such as a fridge, gas stove, washing machine/dryer and dishwasher included in the sales price.
In line with Balwin’s Classic range of apartments, Shongweni Park will offer a unique, 6-Star Greenstar rated lifestyle centre, with access to amenities such as a fully equipped Training Science Gym, children’s play area, swimming pool, running/walking tracks as well as a concierge included in the monthly levy.
In addition, residents will have the convenience of a spa, laundromat and restaurant as part of the lifestyle offering.
The name Shongweni means “column of smoke” in iTshongweni, named after the spray at the Ugede waterfall close to Hillcrest.
The development will form part of the greater Westown mixed-use development which comprises the development of a new town precinct including residential, retail, offices, a private hospital, school and green belt area.
Shongweni Park is set to break ground mid-2024. Prices on the various apartment offerings are expected to range from R899 900 to R2 099 900.
