Westown: The R15bn New City Taking Shape West of Durban
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A new urban node west of Durban has already attracted R1.3bn through Westown Square, with nearly R15bn in investment projected and about 20,000 homes planned in the wider Shongweni development.
A new urban hub is taking shape west of Durban, bringing retail, housing, healthcare and billions of rands in investment to the Upper Highway area. Westown, which has been dubbed the "City of the West", has already attracted R1.3 billion through the development of Westown Square.
That could be just the beginning. Nearly R15 billion in investment is projected for the development over the next 10 to 15 years, while the wider Shongweni development has plans for around 20,000 homes, according to a report by The South African.
The development is significant because it is not simply another shopping centre or residential estate. Westown Square is already operating as a retail destination, while construction has begun on a new hospital. The wider development is intended to bring together residential, commercial, retail and other services, creating a more self-contained urban node.
According to Pam Golding Properties area principal for the Upper Highway, Alwina Muggeridge, the Upper Highway is fast becoming a genuine retail hub. Westown Square is joined by Cotswold Square and Watercrest Mall, giving residents access to a growing concentration of retail options. The growth in shopping and commercial activity can also bring more employment and footfall into the area, potentially supporting residential demand.
One of the biggest factors to watch is the scale of planned housing. The first phase of development has broken ground on a wider plan for approximately 20,000 homes in the Shongweni area.