With just six months to go before the official opening of Westown Square at the Westown development in Shongweni, the landscaping and growing programme for the 100ha site has been established.
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From green hills, waterfalls and nature trails to equestrian sports, local culture, food and crafts, adventure, history and the outdoors define the Outer West of Durban. On 27 March, 2025, Westown will come to life with the opening of Westown Square and The Barn, bringing to the region high-street shopping with dining, leisure and recreation designed to reflect the character and personality of this place.
Key to realising this design is Westown Square’s landscaping programme.
“Equestrian and agricultural in nature and situated in a magnificent green belt, along with the history of the Shongweni area, was top of mind in our choice of flora,” says Ignes de Beer from Uys & White Landscape Artists. “Equally for our planning, are the local weather conditions and seasonal changes so particular to the area.”
Indigenous, exotic trees
With this in mind, the 286 trees to be planted at Westown Square were brought to the site nursery, allowing them to climatise and be cared for under the watchful eyes of horticulturalists Samukelo Sibaya and Chris Stonier.
“Because the trees have been sourced specifically throughout South Africa, it is important to have them on site at least one season ahead of being planted in their final position giving them a chance to and establish in their new environment,” said Sibaya, the Westown Square horticulturist from landscaping service provider FSG.
While much of the planting will be indigenous, exotic trees introduced to the area many years ago are now an integral part of what makes Shongweni, what it is. “To mimic the autumnal shades of existing varietals, we are planting statement trees like the London Plain and Pin Oak,” de Beer says.
Citrus orchards and vineyards
Lending themselves to the colder winters and cooler spring /summers, and because citrus and grapes are already being successfully cultivated in the region, citrus orchards and vineyards (table-grape varietals) are being introduced at Westown Square. All 143 citrus trees have been nurtured by the team of landscapers, at the onsite nursery.
Pedestrian friendly
Westown Square, has been designed to enhance the visitor experience at every level, with pedestrians taking priority. Starting from the entrance, down Westown Boulevard, an avenue of Feather Duster trees and Citrus orchards, provide a welcome to shoppers, while mobile planters on rollers, with citrus trees and planted Chinese Maples, will add a splash of colour to the Town Square at the centre of the precinct. All outdoor parking and walkways are under pergolas of vines and colourful creepers.
“We are using landscaping as a statement piece for the main entrance, with a striking 8m creeper-covered arch that leads into a boulevard of London Plain and (edible) Olive Trees,” de Beer explained.
Amphitheatre, children’s area
The Amphitheatre and Children’s play area are key features of Westown Square, and here London Plains, Feather Duster trees and creeping roses of a variety of colours will bring life to the space and accommodate winter sun and summer shade. “The Rose Arbor sits alongside a play area for children 3 years and up, making it a perfect venue for children’s parties,” explained de Beer.
Barn on The Square
The Barn on The Square is the ‘spatial heart’ of Westown Square and seeks to reinstate the essence of the community market experience as an exciting and authentically local retail space where people can gather to connect, meet, relax and enjoy themselves. A key feature of The Barn is the central atrium which will include half-wine barrels planted with citrus trees, creating the look of an orchard.
The open, people-centric character of Westown extends beyond the shopping environment of Westown Square, with cycling lanes and pavements ensuring people can freely move on all Westown’s streets.
The Horse Paddock
And in a final nod to the local character of Shongweni, Westown includes The Horse Paddock, a designated paddock area opposite Westown Square where local riders and residents tie up their horses, in a safe and managed space and go about their business and pleasure in Westown Square.
For more information visit www.westown.co.za
For leasing enquiries at The Barn & Westown Square, contact Lana 083 511 4433.
