# Westown, Shongweni

Westown, branded as Westown, Shongweni, is a new mixed-use development situated in Shongweni, south-west of Hillcrest, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

## Overview

Westown is the first development activity within the wider 2,000-hectare Shongweni Urban Development, a R30 billion catalytic project by the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality. The first phase of the greater Westown Urban Core encompasses the R1.3 billion Westown Square shopping centre and The Barn lifestyle centre.
Other precincts within Westown will include, Shongweni Eco Park (a residential development by Balwin Properties), Farrier Business Park (warehousing & logistics), Parc Ferme (motor-focused commercial hub), Westown Mixed-Use, The West Private Hospital (100 medical & surgical-bed hospital and Westown Apartments.
Expected to attract R15 billion in investment over 10 to 15 years, Westown is envisioned as the “New City of the West” and a key economic hub for Durban’s Outer West. To date, eThekwini has invested over R594 million in bulk infrastructure, including the widening of Kassier Road.

## Location

Westown is located south of the N3 freeway (to Durban and Pietermaritzburg) and along Kassier Road (to Assagay and Hillcrest) and JB McIntosh Drive (to Shongweni Farmer’s Market and Mpumalanga). It is situated approximately 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) south-west of Hillcrest, 12 kilometres (7.5 mi) west of Pinetown and 30 kilometres (18.6 mi) north-west of Durban.

## Development model

Westown is being developed on former Tongaat Hulett sugarcane land under a 99-year leasehold model similar to that of Waterfall City in Midrand, Gauteng. Instead of selling the land, Tongaat Hulett Developments (THD) retains ownership and receives annuity income from residential, commercial, and mixed-use properties. On the other hand, Durban-based Fundamentum Property Group holds the development rights under a renewable 99-year lease and is responsible for the overall vision and framework of the Shongweni Urban Development, ensuring alignment with public sector policies and plans.

## Retail
### Overview

Westown Square Shopping Centre, which plans to serve Westown and Outer West Durban as a region is set to open on 27 March 2025. Designed by retail specialists MDS Architecture in a joint venture with Boogertman and Partners KZN, Westown Square has been designed as a high street environment incorporating indoor and outdoor elements, and allowing for it to be open, permeable and accessible which encourages connection and interaction that the shopping centre aims to achieve.

### Tenants

Confirmed tenants in the shopping centre include:

#### Cosmetics

* Yethonga Organic

#### Eyewear & Optometry

* Spec-Savers

#### Fashion

* Ackermans
* The Fifth Fashion Boutique
* Mr Price Sport

#### Flowers & Plants

* Flowers & Leaves

#### Homeware

* Mr Price Home

#### Restaurants

* Dukkah Restaurant & Bar
* Kalamata Kouzina
* Mugg & Bean
* The Neopolitan Pizzeria

#### Services

* 3@1 Business Centre

#### Speciality

* The Crazy Store

### The Barn

A standout feature of Westown Square is The Barn, an iconic barn-shaped hub designed for the community. It will offer a permanent space for local traders, showcasing artisanal homeware, art, beauty, fashion, food, and beverages, alongside quality restaurants and unique concept eateries.

### Other amenities

Westown Square will also feature a Town Centre, Town Gardens, an amphitheatre, and dedicated children’s play areas, creating a dynamic and family-friendly destination.

## Access

Once the roadworks around Westown are completed, the precinct will be accessed via Inkosi Shozi Drive (the new loop road and bridge over Kassier Road) and Westown Boulevard.