New R1.4 billion shopping mall taking shape in South Africa

·23 Oct 2023

Development is progressing on the new 50,000 square metre shopping mall at the heart of a massive new precinct taking shape in KwaZulu Natal.

Westown Square is a R1.4 billion retail centre being built in the Westown Prencint, which will anchor the wider Shongweni Urban Development project, valued at R30 billion.

Westown is a mixed-use precinct within a managed urban environment that has secured and approved development rights of approximately 520,000 square metres of bulk floor area in Shongweni.

The first sod on the development was turned for the construction of the retail high-street experience of Westown Square a year ago, in late September 2022.

“The speed at which the development team is moving is a testament to our unequivocal commitment to the long-term realisation of this ultimate R15 billion investment in eThekwini,” said Carlos Correia, CEO of Fundamentum Property Group.

The mall was designed by MDS Architecture in a joint venture with Boogertman and Partners KZN.

Absa is the primary funder of the project, a catalytic investment.

“Together with the R730 million in roads and other infrastructure currently under construction by the eThekwini Municipality in partnership with Fundamentum, (the investment) has not only enabled Westown to get off the ground but will leverage a further R14 billion in investment across the Westown development over the next decade,” the developers said.

Speaking at the one-year anniversary event, Charles Russon, Chief Executive of Corporate and Investment Banking at Absa noted that the development of Westown Square will have a positive impact on KZN and the local community.

Confirmed anchor tenants for the mall include Checkers Hyper (The Shoprite Group), Pick n Pay, Dischem, Edgars (Retailaibility), Mr Price, and Clicks.

The brands will be launching “premium” stores at the retail centre, many of which will be servicing the area for the first time.

Shoprite will be occupying approximately 10,000 square metres of space between four standalone outlets – Checkers Hyper, Petshop Science, Little Me, and Checkers Outdoor.

The Pick n Pay @ Westown Square will follow the group’s latest revamp model, and Edgars will launch a new look store, the group said.

The development will also feature “The Barn”, which is a market concept that will offer “bespoke experiences, with food, wine, local produce and handmade crafts housed in a textured environment of warmth and greenery”.

More developments to come

As part of the one-year event, JSE-listed Balwin announced that it will develop Shongweni Park, a 1,260-apartment lifestyle estate in Westown.

Shongweni Park will form part of Balwin’s Classic range of lifestyle estates and will comprise 20 phases to be built out over the next four years.