Construction of Westown in Shongweni has begun with the upgrading of Kassier Road.
A mixed-use precinct of urban and green spaces built around the retail high street of Westown Square, Westown is the first development activity within the Shongweni Urban Development, an eThekwini project of over 2 000 hectares.
Strategically located at Shongweni, in the outer-west region of KwaZulu-Natal, Westown is perfectly positioned for an integrated urban environment between Durban and Pietermaritzburg on the country’s main economic arterial, the N3.
The development of Westown is led by Durban-based Fundamentum Property Group. The first phase of construction, to begin in September, includes bulk and internal infrastructure (water, wastewater, electricity, and roads) and the development of Westown Square, a retail high-street offering with open and convenient spaces that connect people to shopping, dining, commercial and recreational amenities.
The Westown catalytic project has the support of all three spheres of government, as well as the leadership from surrounding communities and local businesses and stakeholders such as the Durban Shongweni Club and Polo Club, The Mushroom Farm, Shongweni Farmer’s Market and Denny Mushroom Farm. Other key partners in the actualisation of Westown include eThekwini Municipality and landowners Tongaat Hulett.
“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. Now that the first tender for the upgrade of Kassier Road has been awarded to a stellar local development team, including contractors Stefanutti Stocks and engineering consultants SMEC South Africa, we are eager to get moving“, comments Fundamentum CEO, Carlos Correia.
The development of Westown itself will begin in September with the construction of the R1,3 billion Westown Square, the 45 000m² retail heart of the development. This will be in tandem with the road upgrade and the remaining infrastructural components including water, wastewater, and access roads, all due for completion by September 2024.
Westown will be the new economic hub for Durban’s Outer West, generating some R15 billion in new investment over the next 10 -15 years. Grounded in urban sustainability, and the utilisation of open space and ecological assets, Westown focuses on innovation creating a legacy of multi-disciplinary planning, engineering, architecture and place-making that will unlock the region’s investment potential.
It offers a brand-new destination for living, working, shopping, business and recreational activities within a managed, urban environment with all the associated amenities and facilities. The development of Westown will be led by Fundamentum through the construction of both its own commercial and industrial real estate portfolio as well as through the construction of medium and high-density residential complexes and other commercial, distribution and warehouse construction by developers and investors.
As part of their commitment to local sustainability, participation, and empowerment, Fundamentum is proud to announce the establishment of the Westown Foundation, set up to facilitate and amplify local socio-economic opportunities that the development of Westown will create.
The initial focus, in partnership with contractors Stefanutti Stocks, is the establishment of a new on-site training centre, providing skills development and training in construction and building-related trades.
These skills will be used on-site as the development of Westown unfolds and facilitate opportunities beyond the training centre, ensuring a legacy of skills transfer and local social upliftment and empowerment.
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