Westown Square, the anchor development project of the greater Westown Precinct, is a major new investment in the 1000 Hills which opened to great fanfare recently.
New Destination
Westown is touted as “a brand-new destination for living, working, shopping, business and recreational activities within a managed, urban environment.” The project provides services and economic opportunities in the region and focuses on integrating with existing outdoor and lifestyle activities that define the 1000 Hills and Shongweni sub-region – horse riding, trail running, mountain biking,
walking and birding.
Westown Square is positioned between Durban and Pietermaritzburg on the N3 highway, and is a 48 500m² shopping, dining, and lifestyle destination for Durban’s Outer West. Some high-profile brands have been selected for the three level retail development, the heart of which is the Town Square which in turn flows into The Barn where an eclectic selection of artisanal homeware, art, beauty, fashion, food and beverage outlets, sit alongside quality restaurants and niche concept eateries. The Barn offers a regular weekly line up of music and performances.
On the upper level, the shop and restaurants overlook the architectural landscaped Town Gardens, the children’s play areas, and The Bowl – an open-air amphitheatre and stage area. With Westown Square now open, the roll-out of Balwin’s Shongweni Eco-Park, Farrier Business Park; Parc Ferme and the 100-bed West Private Hospital, as well as other business, commercial and retail activities, has been put in motion.
Mixed Use Development
Durban-based Fundamentum Dev Co, whose significant experience in property development, property leasing and property management has led to the development of Westown. Their vision is creating a mixed-use development by championing a sustainability agenda that is inclusive, environmentally sustainable, high-energy, safe and secure.
“Westown is a place – the new City of the West. A ground-breaking, locally-driven initiative that connects people with spaces and experiences, bringing new opportunities to live, work and thrive,” says Fundamentum CEO, Carlos Correia.
Universal Access is a key component of both Westown Square and Westown Precinct, with features like tactile paving being included to make it easier for the visually impaired to navigate public space and cycling lanes and pavements.
In a final nod to the local character of Shongweni, The Paddock on Saddle Row, is an area adjacent to Westown Square for mountain bikers and horse riders to “park” their respective modes of transport in a safe environment.
Landscaped Gardens
The landscaping has been conceptualised and brought to life by Lucas Uys and Ignes de Beer from Uys & White Landscape Architects. This area is known for its old-country charm and equestrian elegance, and the landscape design honours those deep-rooted connections.
The landscaping is both indigenous and exotic, which is reflective of the old country character of Shongweni.
Art Programme
The Westown Square Art Programme has started with installations in Westown Square, the intention is that it will encompass Westown as a whole, harnessing all arts disciplines. “We’re so excited to introduce our first pieces of work and the artists behind the work at the opening of Westown Square, says Cara Reilly, Marking & Communications Executive for Westown.
“We’re thrilled to be working with The KwaZulu-Natal Society of Arts (KZNSA) on the art programme and have the expertise of the Gallery’s Director, Angela Shaw leading the curation of the project. Artists involved in this Phase 1 of the Art Program include: Xavier Clarisse, Sthenjwa Luthuli and Iain ‘EWOK’ Robinson.
A poem The Vision of Life , by South Africa’s first poet laureate, Mazisi Kunene, is brought to life in isiZulu and English on the upper wall at entrance 5 in the Checkers forecourt.
On 27 March Westown’s first residential development Shongweni Eco Park launched Balwin Properties Sales in Westown Square, the first phase of which will be completed in early 2026 and will include ground floor apartments with private gardens and spacious balconies on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd floors.
Also on the cards are Farrier Business Park, which consists of logistics and warehousing, will offer
three development models; and Parc Ferme which will cater to those with a lov for cars and an active lifestyle. It offers convenient access to various showrooms, retail stores and an office component.
Good to Know:
- General information: info@westown.co.za
- Phone: +27 (0)31 566 1716
- Westown Square opens: 09:00 daily