This January 2024 aerial video, captures the progress on the Westown development site as well as the Kassier Rd upgrade extending from the M13 to the MR559.
🔗 View the🎥 Aerial Video on the Westown YouTube Channel.
Westown is a mixed-use precinct, within a managed, urban environment with secured and approved development rights of approximately 520 000m² of bulk floor area. The activation of these rights began when the first sod was turned in August 2022. This also signalled the construction of the Westown Square, the first development activity within the greater 100ha Westown development.
Westown Square is a 50 000m² high-street retail experience that completely moves away from the ‘mall concept’. It brings together shopping, dining, living and recreation for all ages, with a national tenant mix enhanced by local niche offerings. Critically, this is all set within a public space design that reflects the unique character and energy of Shongweni.
Investment
Absa Investment Bank (Absa) is the primary funder of the R1,4Bn Westown Square investment. This catalytic investment, with the R730 million in roads and other infrastructure currently under construction by the eThekwini Municipality in partnership with developer Fundamentum Property Group, has enabled Westown to get off the ground. What’s more, is that it will leverage a further R14Bn investment over the next decade.
Infrastructure
Supporting the progress on the Westown Square construction site is the much-needed and critical first phase of the Kassier Road upgrade. This has begun with the building of traffic by-pass roads to reduce traffic impacts and inconvenience. The upgrade plan includes:
- two new bridges
- a total make-over of the existing two-lane Kassier Rd across the M13 and N3 into four lane
- a new loop ramp and bridge over Kassier Road providing direct access into Westown.
30% of this project is complete, with Phase 1A, covering the 3km section from Alverstone Road to Milky Way (MR559) due for completion in March 2024.
The next phase of infrastructure construction includes arterial access roads, bulk water and wastewater infrastructure and is due to commence in the coming months.
In addition to the January 2024 Aerial Video, our YouTube channel contains a number of videos from the start of construction in August 2022.