The next phase (of nine) of the most ambitious mixed-use project developments ever for KwaZulu Natal – the R15 billion (€756 million) 100-hectare Westown development in Shongweni near Durban – is less than a year from completion.
This was announced by Carlos Correia, CEO of Fundamentum Property Group which owns the development rights to Westown which, once completed, will offer a mix of tourism, retail, adventure, residential and logistics facilities.
Fundamentum will be responsible for the planning and urban design, infrastructure delivery, management, and operations of Westown through the construction of its own buildings as well as in partnerships with developers interested in the rights for the 2 800 residential units around the shopping experience.
Addressing guests during a Tourism Kwa-Zulu Natal buyers’ breakfast at Africa’s Travel Indaba in Durban last week, Correia said the first development activity within the greater Westown development, Westown Square, was supported by the mixed-use offerings of residential apartments, a warehouse and logistics precinct, commercial and business activities, and an active green belt.
On March 27, 2025, the 50 000sqm high-street retail experience, Westown Square and The Barn is set to open, bringing together shopping, dining, living and recreation for all ages, with a national tenant mix enhanced by local niche offerings.
Positioned as the spatial heart of Westown Square, The Barn will house an eclectic selection of artisanal homeware, art, beauty, fashion, food and beverage outlets, alongside quality restaurants and niche concept eateries.
Correia explained: “Providing a permanent niche space for local traders, this authentic retail offering reflects the high-street design approach that makes Westown unique. It works hand in hand with the Westown Square tenant mix, creating a first-of-its-kind retail shopping environment that will make this one of the region’s most popular local and tourist destinations.”
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.
Other key developments
Other key tourism developments and attractions to be developed over the next decade will include an amphitheatre with a capacity for 6 000 people, the bespoke Westown Gardens with striking landscaping, wide walkways, and an experience supportive of the Shongweni green belt and the market vibe of ‘meeting and mingling’.
Westown will add to the local offering, becoming the hub from which visitors and locals can access existing attractions like Shongweni Farmers’ Market, Giba Gorge, Durban Shongweni Club, Westown Polo Club, Mushroom Farm, Krantzkloof Nature Reserve, Phezulu Safari Park, The Umgeni Steam Train, Indlondlo Cultural Village, and the Summerveld Jockey Academy.
Adventure, history, culture, and the outdoors define the outer west of Durban – from green hills, waterfalls and nature trails to equestrian sports, local culture, foods and crafts, these family experiences are just a 20-minute drive from Durban.
This shopping, lifestyle, entertainment, and business destination has been designed to reflect the character and personality of the place, with running, cycling, and equestrian trails built around Westown’s urban spaces to create an active green belt. Cycling lanes and pavements ensure people can freely move on all of Westown’s streets.
Infrastructure investments
According to the official Westown website, R600 million (€30m) is being invested by the eThekwini Municipality into supporting bulk infrastructure (roads, water, wastewater and electricity). Fundamentum is overseeing and managing this development work through contractors Stefanutti Stocks and is also investing hundreds of millions into the new bulk and precinct infrastructure.
Infrastructure upgrades include two new bridges and a total make-over of the existing two-lane Kassier Rd across the M13 and N3 into four lanes with a centre median. The M13 bridge is to be totally rebuilt, a new pedestrian bridge is being added over the N3 along with a new loop ramp and bridge over Kassier Road providing direct access into Westown.
