RETAILWATCH
PROPOSED , CURRENT AND FUTURE RETAIL PROJECTS FROM SOUTH AFRICA AND ABROAD
WESTOWN SQUARE , WESTOWN
Westown is the new city of the west - a mixed-use precinct of urban and green spaces and a brand-new destination for living , working , shopping , business , and recreational activities all within a managed , urban environment .
Located between Durban and Pietermaritzburg on the N3 highway , it is anticipated that this 100ha trigger development will generate some R15 billion in investment in the Outer West over the next 10 to 15 years .
Westown is part of the Shongweni Urban Development , a 2,000-hectare eThekwini catalytic project and the first development activity within this project is Westown Square , a 50 000m ² high-street retail environment .
Designed by retail specialists MDS Architecture in a joint venture with Boogertman and Partners KZN for developers Fundamentum Property Group , Westown Square prioritises the movement of people , social spaces and lifestyle as part of the retail experience . “ The high street design is open , permeable and accessible which encourages connection and interaction ,” said Donald McGillivray , MDS Architecture partner .
Structured around the town centre ’ s landscaped gardens and town square that also features an amphitheatre and maze , along with children ’ s play areas , the human scale of the design creates a place to experience the environment around you .
Westown Square is an aspirational offering of entertainment , recreation , lifestyle , and leisure for all ages , that will reach the
Outer West community and beyond . Anchor tenants Checkers Hyper , Pick n Pay Corporate , Woolworths , H & M , Truworths , Mr Price , Edgars , Dis-Chem and Clicks bring together the core of national food , fashion , health and beauty , and lifestyle brands which will be complemented by local niche offerings .
The Barn is a market concept housed in a voluminous structure flooded with natural light that opens onto the town square over two levels . It embraces the trend of bespoke experiences , with food , wine , local produce and handmade crafts housed in a textured environment of warmth and greenery .
Landscaping is a prominent feature of Westown Square that serves to soften the contemporary , clean lines of the timber and steel structures . “ Densely planted shopping high streets ; pergola-covered walkways ; the open parking lots softened with vines and green screening , and large entrance trees all reflect the characteristics of the surrounding Shongweni green belt ,” says McGillivray .
Planned to begin trading at the end of 2024 , Westown Square is supported by a number of interconnected precincts , spaces , and experiences that together form the 520,000m 2 Westown Urban Core . These include :
• The West Private Hospital
• Residential apartments
• A warehousing & logistics precinct
• Farrier Crossing
16 Retail Watch