together with over R1 billion in roads and other infrastructure currently under construction by the eThekwini Municipality in partnership with Fundamentum, has not only enabled Westown to get off the ground but will leverage a further R14bn in investment across the Westown development over the next decade.
The project started in 2016 with the purchase of land from Tongaat Hulett – similar in size to the Umhlanga Ridge new town centre on the North Coast.
Breaking the mould of typical malls The design is fundamentally about creating an open, permeable, and accessible environment that encourages connection and interaction. This philosophy is immediately evident in the radical design departure from the enclosed, multi-level shopping centres that have dominated retail landscapes for decades.
Westown Square embraces what McGillivray calls a high-street design approach, where the boundaries between shopping, socialising, and outdoor experience blur seamlessly. The 48,000m 2 retail core is characterised by densely planted walkways, pergola-covered seating areas, and an intentional celebration of the surrounding Shongweni green belt.
The spatial heart of the design is a central town square inspired by the way in which traditional farm buildings wrap around a courtyard. In addition to the‘ high street’ interface, various side streets and lanes converge on the square to create a vibrant gathering space.
“ The somewhat irregular layout echoes the organic growth of town centres with varied forms and spaces,” says Richards.
The architectural language of Westown Square is deeply rooted in its context. Timber and steel structures are softened by extensive landscaping,
84 Westown Square