Westown’s vision as a new urban and economic centre in Durban’s western sub-region is taking shape, with a series of developments already underway or due to commence in the coming months.
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As the 100-hectare mixed-use precinct evolves, its next phases extend beyond retail and lifestyle into business, residential, healthcare and everyday amenities – building a connected place to live, work, invest and thrive.
The recent sod-turning of Farrier Business Park, Westown’s new 80 000m² business and logistics platform, marks an important milestone, signalling the emergence of the precinct’s commercial node. With Westown Square established, infrastructure in place, and residential developments progressing, the broader vision is coming together.
“Westown has always been about creating more than a retail destination. It is about developing a new urban centre that brings together the places where people live, work, do business and spend time,” says Carlos Correia, CEO of Fundamentum Development Company. “Farrier Business Park is an important next step in that journey.”
Building the foundations
Significant infrastructure is already in place within Westown – roads, walkways, landscaping, potable water, treated wastewater, energy and a solar plant. Funding has been committed for the next three years of regional roadworks, including the bridge over the M13 and the Alverstone to Old Main Road connection, with construction starting in early 2027. Together with SANRAL’s next N3 upgrade phase, this will strengthen Westown’s position along the Durban–Pietermaritzburg corridor.
A new residential community
Residential living is bringing permanent residents into the precinct. Balwin Properties’ Shongweni Eco-Estate is underway, with its first 108 units occupied by January 2027. Westown’s second offering, Kaleido, breaks ground before year-end, with 139 units already on the market and completion expected mid-2028. Kaleido reflects the “15-minute neighbourhood” concept – homes within walking distance of retail, dining and the Shongweni Trails network.
Amenities and healthcare
The next two years will bring a petrol station and workshop, a convenience store and fast-food outlets. A major healthcare addition, the 100-bed West Private Hospital, is expected to break ground in early 2027, adding a new dimension to the precinct’s mixed-use offering.
Farrier Business Park: The next piece
The 80 000m² secure warehousing and logistics development sits 1.5km from the N3 via the Shongweni Interchange and 30km from the Port of Durban. The offering includes serviced platformed land, sectional-title buildings, rental premises and joint-venture opportunities, with the full serviced platform planned for completion by Q1 2027 and first buildings ready for occupation in early 2028.
Westown is the first phase of the 2 000-hectare Shongweni Urban Development, integrating urban growth with a rehabilitated indigenous green belt. With infrastructure, residential and commercial elements now converging, the vision is moving from planning into reality.
The Westown ball is in motion, and with each new development, the New City of the West is taking shape before our eyes.
