New ‘city’ taking shape in South Africa – coming with a R2 billion lifestyle estate

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26-04-2024
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Business Tech
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The 100-hectare Westown Precinct in KwaZulu-Natal is making progress, with less than a year to the launch of the precinct’s 50,000 sqm mall.

Touted as the “New City of the West,” Westown is positioned off the N3 between Pietermaritzburg and Durban and is set to be akin to Midrand in Gauteng.

The precinct forms part of the wider R30 billion Shongweni Urban Development project.

Westown Square, the first phase of development, is set to launch on 27 March 2025.

“Westown is the single biggest infrastructure investment by the municipality since the Soccer World Cup in 2010,” said Carlos Correia, CEO of Fundamentum Property Group,

“And brings significant socio-economic value to the Outer West region of eThekweni, which has been under-served for so many years.”

The eThekwini Municipality is investing roughly R600 million to support bulk infrastructure (roads, water, wastewater and electricity).

Westown is set to generate an estimated R15 billion in investment over the next 10 to 15 years, with over R3.5 billion already committed and being invested.

Fundamentum is overseeing the development work via contractors Stefanutti Stocks and is also investing millions into bulk and precinct infrastructure.

“R1,4 billion of private sector investment has been triggered through the investment by Fundamentum with Absa Commercial and Investment Bank’s (Absa) backing in the 50,000 sqm Westown Square retail experience,” said Correia.

JSE-listed Balwin Properties is also investing a further R2 billion in value with the residential development Shongweni Eco Park.

The 1,260-apartment Shongweni Eco-Park lifestyle estate will comprise 20 phases, built over the next few years, and include amenities such as a fully equipped Training Science Gym, children’s play area, swimming pool, and concierge service.

A range of garden apartments are set to be on offer, with prices ranging between R899,900 and R2,099,900, with the new development set to launch on the market later this year.

On top of the mall and lifestyle estate, Westown will also host several other sectors, such as logistics, healthcare, warehousing, commercial and tourism opportunities.

Since the start of development in November 2022, the initial phase of 60% of the initial phase of development, including Westown Square and the upgrade of the roadworks around the precinct, have already been completed.

Landscaping and construction of the parking areas within Westown Square, as well as the bulk water man and treatment works, are currently underway.