A brand-new urban heartbeat is coming to Shongweni, and the countdown has begun! Westown, the highly anticipated mixed-use development, is set to unveil its first phase on 27 March 2025, transforming the Outer West of eThekwini into a vibrant hub of retail, lifestyle, business, and leisure.
Leading this transformative project is Westown Square, a dynamic 50,000m² retail and lifestyle precinct that seamlessly blends urban energy with Shongweni’s natural beauty.
Designed by MDS Architecture in partnership with Boogertman and Partners KZN, Westown Square prioritises open spaces, social engagement, and an immersive lifestyle experience.
Unlike traditional shopping centres, Westown Square will offer an open-air experience, where bustling retail spaces meet inviting green walkways, creating a unique environment for shopping, dining, and entertainment. The Town Centre, Town Gardens, amphitheatre, and children’s play areas will provide vibrant and welcoming spaces for families and visitors alike. Whether grabbing a morning coffee at a trendy café, unwinding in a landscaped
park, or enjoying an evening out, Westown Square will offer something for everyone.
The precinct will feature a central market hub known as The Barn. This curated space will showcase local artisans, farmers, and boutique traders, fostering a sense of community and authenticity. “The Barn is designed around the experience of meandering through a high street market, where shoppers can explore what’s on offer, grab something fresh to eat from a local vendor or sit and enjoy a coffee or drink while watching local musicians perform in
the central atrium,” says Lana Pattison divisional director of retail leasing for Westown developers, Fundamentum Property Group.
From national brands to bespoke local offerings, Westown promises a diverse shopping experience catering to a broad audience. Among the tenants are:
Checkers Hyper, Edgars, Pick n Pay, Clicks, Dis-Chem Health, MTN, Telkom, Incredible
Connection, The IV Bar, Zende Handmade Creations, Total Ninja, Sorbet Group, Mr
Price Home, Flowers & Leaves and Spec-Savers.
The diverse restaurants and cafés include Spur Steak Ranches, Noble Coffee, Robsons Real Beer, Elephant and Co., Joita’s, and Dukkah Restaurant & Bar.
Westown isn’t just about retail—it’s about a new way of living, working, and experiencing the Outer West. Conveniently located just off the N3 highway, this development is set to be the region’s new central hub, linking Hillcrest, Kloof, and surrounding areas with a vibrant, modern urban core.
This vibrant precinct will pave the way for further developments, including residential communities, business parks, and healthcare facilities. Already, The West Private Hospital, Farrier Business Park, and the highly anticipated Shongweni Eco-Park by Balwin are in the pipeline, promising a truly integrated and forward-thinking urban space.
Government and private sector collaboration fuels growth
The R15 billion development has been hailed as a model of successful public-private collaboration. Minister of Public Works & Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson, who visited the site in January alongside KwaZulu-Natal Public Works & Infrastructure MEC
Martin Meyer and eThekwini Deputy Mayor Zandile Myeni, emphasised the project’s
transformative potential.
“When I was appointed as Minister of Public Works & Infrastructure in July last year, I stated that my goal over the next five years would be to turn
South Africa into a construction site. This can only be realised through partnerships with the private sector to unlock further investment, as demonstrated by the Westown development,” said Macpherson. “The R15 billion project is a prime example of how this can be achieved.”
Since construction began in October 2022, nearly 75% of Phase 1 has been completed, including road upgrades, bulk infrastructure installations, and extensive landscaping and parking areas within Westown Square.
“The collaboration between Fundamentum and the City of eThekwini highlights the importance of public-private partnerships in unlocking
infrastructure investment,” Macpherson added. “The public sector alone cannot finance or construct large- scale infrastructure projects. This is why agencies such as Infrastructure South Africa (ISA) play a crucial role in driving investment nationwide.”
To date, the City of eThekwini has committed R594 million
to bulk infrastructure for the project, reinforcing the belief that developments like Westown can serve as blueprints for economic growth across South Africa.
A catalyst for growth and innovation
The launch of Westown Square marks the beginning of an ambitious decade-long vision for Shongweni. According to Fundamentum CEO Carlos Correia, the investment and collaboration behind Westown have unlocked significant opportunities for Durban and KwaZulu-Natal.
“Without the City’s
facilitative investment, the land Westown occupies would still be sugarcane fields, offering no financial, social, or environmental returns,” said Correia. “We are incredibly optimistic about Durban and KZN as premier investment destinations and proud to be leading this wave of tangible opportunity and growth.” As Macpherson noted, the development has already created 1,000 construction jobs over the past 18 months, with another 8,500 permanent jobs
expected upon completion. This represents a significant boost for the local economy and an improved quality of life for many households in Durban’s Outer West.
Whether you’re a shopper, a business owner, a nature lover, or someone simply looking
for a fresh, modern space to explore, Westown is set to be your new go-to destination. So, get ready for something truly special because come 27 March 2025, Westown is officially open for business, open for life, and open for the future!
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