Carlos Correia
Fundamentum Property Group
CEO
It’s just over six months since the official opening of WESTOWN SQUARE at Shongweni just outside of Durban. The trigger development of WESTOWN, the New City of the West, is transforming Durban’s underserved Outer West region, into a dynamic urban destination. This catalytic investment, together with the roads and other infrastructure that is being invested in partnership with the eThekwini Municipality, will leverage a further R14Bn in investment across the Westown development over the next decade.
“Like every other regional retail destination, it takes time, two to three years at least, for new places to become established,” notes Carlos Correia, CEO of Fundamentum Property Group. “It requires a change in shopping habits and behaviour, and expectations of a new space like Westown Square are high, especially post-Covid, where people want not only a more open enviromment, but also an additional element of entertainment, to add to their shopping experience.”
With Westown Square now open and trading and the festive holiday season almost here, the pressure is on to ensure that the road infrastructure surrounding the development, is constantly improving the lives of shoppers and residents alike as well as benefitting existing businesses. The first new bridge over the N13 is expected to be open to traffic in November; to be followed by the demolition of the existing bridge and the contruction of a second bridge over the N13,to be completed in 2026. The final Kassier Rd upgrades, from Alverstone to Old Main Rd, are slated to commence in mid 2026.
“Greenfield devlopments are very disruptive by nature and for periods of time, it’s hard to imagine how it will turn out in the end,” Correia continues. “We are incredibly grateful to all our business partners and neighbours who understand our vision and are walking this journey with us,”
“Through our funding of Westown, we’re not just building structures, we’re creating vibrant ecosystems where families thrive, businesses flourish, and neighbourhoods connect. This partnership underscores Absa’s unwavering commitment to driving inclusive growth across Africa, ensuring every investment delivers lasting impact by putting communities at the heart of the development,” emphasises Vumiso Nyamazana, Regional Head, Commercial Property Finance KZN, Absa CIB.
“We are also incredibly proud that Westown Square is the only regional shopping and entertainment destination of its size, that opened in South Africa this year,” enthuses Correia, “and to top it all, Westown Square scooped two prestigious awards in 2025 – for the Best New Retail Development (Large Mall /Convenience Centre) at the 2025 Africa Property Investment Awards and a BRICS Urban Innovation Award for Climate Action.
In the meantime, the greater WESTOWN PRECINCT is gaining momentum, with significant progress across a variety of sectors .
At Westown Square –
– The Westown Trails and Horse Paddock hub, designed as the gateway into the historical Shongweni trail network, is now open to mountain bikers, runners, horse riders, and outdoor enthusiasts of all disciplines; this in conjunction with EMBA and local cycling, running and equestrisn entities. The Trail Hub is expected to grow into a space with trail maps, lockers, a bike wash bay, and water refill stations.
For horse riders, paddocks with water and hay are already in place, making the hub a convenient and welcoming stop for equestrian users – all this just steps away from the restaurants and shops at Westown Square.
– Of the total GLA of 47 000m2, The Foschini Group recently joined the existing fashion brand line-up with the opening of Foschini, Total Sports, Sportscene and Exact stores.
* In the home and décor category the Home Tech Sleep Store (Pepkor Group), joins Mr Price Home, House & Home, Incredible Connection and Pep Home.
* On the food and beverage front, Westown Square diners are spoilt for choice. From The Barn on The Square, with over 30 casual market inspired stores and outlets, to child-friendly chains such as Wimpy, Milky Lane, Mugg & Bean and Spur, as well as a selection of upmarket eateries including Elephant and Co, Joops, Joitas, Kalamata, Tiger’s Milk, Robsons, The Burgundy Bar and soon to open, Andreas Italian Restaurant.
* The first motor dealerships, Omoda and Jaecoo, ‘take up residence’ between October and November on the lower level of Westown Square, in anticipation of a dedicated motor-focused, new commercial scheme, Parc Fermè, in the first quarter of 2027.
The greater Westown Precinct –
– Balwin are well underway with their earthworks for the first 200 units of Shongweni Eco-Park, part of the Classic Balwin Collection. Completion of the 1st phase of this lifestyle estate is scheduled for mid 2026, and will include ground floor apartments with private gardens and spacious balconies on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd floors.
– Detailed designs have been completed for the 100-bed The West Private Hospital with construction set to commence in early 2026.
-The first fuel station and commercial development has been formalised, with detailed planning underway.
– Interest in Farrier Business Park, the new logistics and warehousing park, remains high. Developer and end-user requirements and proposed activities are currently under review ahead of commencement, also in early 2026.
Notable Features –
Sustainability
Westown Square integrates sustainability throughout: rooftop solar panels supplement energy, rainwater harvesting supports irrigation and toilet flushing, and thoughtful landscaping cools the building naturally. Open walkways reduce need for artificial lighting and air-conditioning, while night lighting is timed and the open parking areas use solar lights. Universal access includes tactile paving and braille signage. Walking and biking trails connect seamlessly with surrounding areas, supporting reduced car dependence. Rehabilitation of former sugarcane land creates an indigenous green belt with equestrian, cycling and running trails. The project demonstrates a strong commitment to environmental stewardship, community well-being, and reduced operational carbon footprint, aligning urban design with long-term social and environmental resilience.
Art Programme
Cultural richness is embedded through the Westown Square Art Programme, curated in partnership with the KwaZulu-Natal Society of Arts (KZNSA), and a diverse weekly and monthly event and activity calendar, transforms the space into a lifestyle and tourism destination for locals and visitors from beyond our borders.