For decades, the rapid expansion of the North Coast has dominated the development narrative in KwaZulu-Natal. Meanwhile, the Shongweni region in the Outer West has maintained its status as a quiet but prestigious enclave. Today, Westown Square highlights this appeal by showcasing a luxurious country lifestyle and attracting those who value smallholdings, eco-friendly housing, and the equine industry.
However, the narrative has shifted. Shongweni is now transforming from a niche equestrian hub into a significant commercial and logistics node. Its strategic location on the N3 highway provides vital access to the Durban Port, positioning the area for significant economic growth. At the heart of this evolution is the new mixed-use Westown Precinct.
A Region Ripe for Investment
Before the arrival of heavy commercial infrastructure, Shongweni was already established as Durban’s “equestrian region”. It is home to Summerveld – South Africa’s largest equine training centre – and the South African Jockey Academy. It has also long served as a hub for outdoor enthusiasts, offering rock climbing, trail running, and fishing at the Shongweni Dam and Nature Reserve.
The Westown development does not seek to replace this heritage but to anchor it. By unlocking the Shongweni corridor, the precinct bridges the gap between the logistics hubs of the interior and the coast, while offering the existing and new residential community – spanning duplexes to country estates – the retail and commercial amenities they previously lacked.
Westown Square- Catalysing Growth
Just over six months since its official opening, Westown Square is proving the pivotal catalyst in this broader picture. As the trigger development for the “New City of the West”, the Square anchors a catalytic investment that, together with strategic road and infrastructure upgrades undertaken in partnership with the eThekwini Municipality, is set to leverage a further R14 billion in investment across the precinct over the next decade.
Navigating the New Landscape
“Like every other regional retail destination, it takes time – two to three years at least – for new spaces to become established,” says Carlos Correia, CEO of Fundamentum Property Group. “It requires a shift in shopping habits and behaviour. Expectations for a new space like Westown Square are high, especially post-Covid, where people value open environments and integrated entertainment alongside retail”.
“Greenfield developments are, by nature, disruptive, and for a time it’s hard to picture the finished result,” Correia adds. “We’re deeply grateful to our business partners and neighbours who share our vision and continue to walk this journey with us”.
With the centre trading successfully and the festive season approaching, the focus turns to ensuring that surrounding infrastructure continues to enhance access. The first new bridge over the N13 is scheduled to open to traffic in November, followed by the demolition of the existing bridge and construction of a second bridge, due for completion in 2026. The final Kassier Road upgrades are slated to begin mid-2026.
Precinct Momentum: Integrating with the Lifestyle
Residential: Shongweni Eco-Park
Leading the charge is the Shongweni Eco-Park by Balwin Properties. With ground already broken, this massive 1,260-apartment development is seeing exceptional demand, with early phases already nearing sell-out status. Scheduled for first occupation in 2026, the development offers modern 1, 2, and 3-bedroom apartments that blend country tranquility with city convenience.
Designed as a self-contained lifestyle sanctuary, the estate features cutting-edge amenities including an indoor padel facility, gym, café, swimming pool, and children’s play areas. Each unit comes lifestyle-ready with Defy appliances and fibre connectivity. Strategically positioned minutes from Westown Square and the Shongweni Farmers Market, the development offers effortless access to outdoor assets like Giba Gorge and Shongweni Dam, truly redefining sustainable living in the Upper Highway area.
Momentum across the greater Westown Precinct continues to build, specifically designed to align with Shongweni’s existing outdoor culture.
At Westown Square, the Westown Trails and Horse Paddock Hub serves as a gateway to the historic Shongweni trail network. It is now open to mountain bikers, runners, and horse riders through partnerships with EMBA and local sporting associations. Facilities are expanding to include trail maps, lockers, and a bike wash bay. The horse paddocks offer water and hay. All of this is within walking distance of the retail and dining offerings. This connectivity ensures that the precinct complements local staples like the Shongweni Farmers & Craft Market.
Retail and Dining Updates
Within the 47,000 m² GLA of the mall itself, the tenant mix has strengthened. The Foschini Group recently joined the line-up with new Foschini, Totalsports, Sportscene, and Exact stores. In home and décor, Home Tech Sleep Store (Pepkor Group) complements anchors such as Mr Price Home, House & Home, Incredible Connection, and Pep Home.
The food and beverage offering continues to expand – from The Barn on The Square’s 30+ artisanal outlets to well-known family brands like Wimpy, Milky Lane, Mugg & Bean, and Spur. Premium dining destinations include Elephant & Co, Joops, Joitas, Kalamata, Tiger’s Milk, Robsons, The Burgundy Bar, and the soon-to-open Andreas Italian Restaurant.
On the automotive front, the first dealerships – Omoda and Jaecoo – open between October and November, paving the way for Parc Fermè, a dedicated motor-focused commercial scheme launching in 2027.
Future Phases: Residential, Health, and Logistics
Beyond the retail core, the precinct has approved development rights of approximately 520,000m² of bulk floor area and is expanding rapidly:
- Residential: Balwin Properties has commenced earthworks for the first 200 units of Shongweni Eco-Park, part of the Classic Balwin Collection. Completion of Phase 1 is expected mid-2026.
- Healthcare: Detailed designs are complete for the 100-bed West Private Hospital, with construction set to begin early 2026.
- Commercial: The first fuel station and commercial development have been formalised, with planning in progress.
- Logistics: Reflecting the area’s status as a key logistics corridor, interest in Farrier Business Park remains strong, with developer and end-user discussions advancing ahead of an early-2026 start.
Sustainability and Design
Westown Square’s design integrates sustainability at every level. Rooftop solar panels supplement energy. Rainwater harvesting supports irrigation. The landscape design naturally moderates temperature. Open walkways reduce reliance on artificial lighting and cooling. The development also prioritises universal access with tactile paving and braille signage.
The rehabilitation of former sugarcane land into an indigenous greenbelt enhances biodiversity. Cultural enrichment is also embedding through the Westown Square Art Programme, curated with the KwaZulu-Natal Society of Arts (KZNSA).
Purpose-Led Investment
According to Vumiso Nyamazana, Regional Head of Commercial Property Finance KZN at Absa CIB, the project exemplifies purpose-led investment.
“Through our funding of Westown, we’re not just building structures; we’re creating ecosystems where families thrive, businesses flourish and neighbourhoods connect,” says Nyamazana. “This partnership underscores Absa’s commitment to inclusive growth across Africa”.
Westown Square stands out as the only regional shopping and entertainment destination of its scale to open in South Africa this year. It has already earned two significant honours: Best New Retail Development at the 2025 Africa Property Investment Awards, and a BRICS Urban Innovation Award for Climate Action.
Contact Details
General information:
[email protected] | +27 (031) 002 7979
Retail Leasing: Lana Pattison
[email protected] | +27 (0) 83 511 4433
Development Enquiries: Rory Wilkinson
[email protected] | +27 (0) 83 278 4299
