IN just 12 months, the new Shongweni retail experience has welcomed more than five million visitors and established itself as a vibrant new destination on Durban’s western edge for shopping, dining, entertainment, and community events.

Westown Square opened its doors on March 27 last year.

Carlos Correia, CEO of Fundamentum Property Group, said they are incredibly grateful to the people of KZN, especially their neighbours in the outer west, for their support over the past year.

“It’s been a whirlwind of activity, and not without its challenges, with road improvements and other construction underway. But the changes have already made a tangible difference to the area, and the community has really embraced what Westown Square offers.”

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The centre’s retail mix combines national brands with local offerings, delivering a versatile and accessible shopping experience for every visitor.

Foot traffic is growing steadily, supported by a calendar of events, family-friendly activations, markets, live entertainment, and community-focused initiatives, turning Westown Square into more than just a shopping destination, but a vibrant lifestyle space.

With 130 tenants across 11 categories, the high street retail mix focuses on Fashion, Home & Décor, Health & Beauty and Dining.

“One year in, we’re proud of what has been achieved and excited about what lies ahead. Westown Square has laid a strong foundation, and we look forward to building on this momentum as the precinct continues to evolve,” said Correia.

Residential Progress

In addition Balwin Properties has started construction on the first 200 units of Shongweni Eco-Park, part of the Classic Balwin Collection. Phase 1, expected to complete in late-2026, features ground-floor apartments with private gardens and upper-floor balconies.

Kaleido, Westown’s newest residential offering, forms part of the broader Westown mixed-use smart city ecosystem.

Designed to blend modern convenience, sustainability, and community connectivity, residents will enjoy retail stores, restaurants, cafés, services, and public spaces all within walking distance. This aligns with the global “15-minute neighbourhood” planning concept.

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“We’ve curated this to allow residents to enjoy daily activities within a five-minute walk. The shift towards integrated, walkable environments is apparent with Phase 1 of Kaleido selling over 52% on its launch day. Construction begins in the second half of 2026,” said Jan Jansen van Vuuren, development manager for Westown and Kaleido.

Over the next five years, Balwin and Fundamentum together plan to construct close to 2 000 residential units at Westown.

Other development progress:

– Detailed designs are complete for West Private Hospital, a 100-bed specialist surgical hospital adjacent to Westown Square, with construction expected in the second half of 2026.
– Farrier Business Park will start earthworks in Q3 2026, providing 40 000 m² of bespoke logistics and warehousing space for new tenants.
– Westown’s first fuel station is planned for 2027, following regulatory approvals.
– The first motor dealerships, Omoda and Jaecoo, have paved the way for Parc Fermè, a dedicated motor-focused commercial scheme launching in 2027.

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