The New City of the West is under construction with the 50 000m² retail experience of Westown Square opening in early 2025.
Westown Square moves away from the traditional enclosed, multi-level ‘mall concept’, and brings together shopping, dining and recreation in a setting that reflects the character of Shongweni. The focus is on celebrating the outdoors with densely-planted walkways, pergola-covered seating, and key features like the Town Gardens and Town Square, the amphitheatre, a maze and children’s play areas.
Westown Square and, Westown as a whole, reflects the lifestyle approach that has become so important post-covid. “Our insight into the local market and years of experience with long-term trends have allowed us to pull together a global standard in destination-based retail design that speaks to the local market,” explains Carlos Correia CEO of Fundamentum.
Confirming the first stellar line-up of anchor tenants Correia says he is thrilled to open with the commitment from groups and brands including Checkers Hyper, Pick n Pay, Dischem, Edgars, The Mr Price Group, and Clicks, each bringing a premium offering to the Outer West.
The Premium Brand of Checkers Hyper
The Shoprite Group will be occupying approximately 10 000m² of retail space with their premium brand of Checkers Hyper, Checker Liquor, Petshop Science, Little Me, Checkers Outdoor, and Uniq Clothing.
“Westown Square is the perfect location for a new Checkers Hyper (8 500m²), that will offer a world-class shopping experience in an environment that pays homage to the incredible Shongweni green belt. Checkers is synonymous with quality, convenience and freshness and we are excited to serve this growing community with our extensive range of products and services,” says Riaz Cotwal, KwaZulu-Natal Divisional Manager of The Shoprite Group.
The Pick n Pay Blue Model
The Pick n Pay @ Westown Square follows the group’s latest Blue Model and reflects both the architecture of Westown Square and the personality of the Shongweni area. Boasting a new coffee bar offering, curated product displays and spacious aisles the new space aims to fulfil customer aspirations for an exceptional in-store experience. This will be supported by PnP Groceries on the Mr.D app, meaning customers in the Shongweni area can shop the new and improved range from the comfort of their home for delivery within 60 minutes.
Pick ‘n Pay’s spokesperson Tamra Veley says “Our investment in staff training will ensure our customer service levels match our improved and modern store experience.
New Look Edgars
Retailability will be launching a NEW LOOK Edgars store in Westown Square. This will include an assortment of local brands like Keedo, Tread + Miller, Aca Joe, Urban, Sissyboy and Hilton Weiner. “We are privileged to be part of a great development that combines the best of retail with the charm of the Outer West with the aim of serving this fast-growing residential market,” said Norman Drieselmann CEO of Retailability.
Mr Price Brands
One of South Africa’s leading retailers The Mr Price Group will be bringing their home and fashion brands to Westown and convenience and quality to the growing Outer West community. “We look forward to opening stores that will delight our customers with the combination of a global shopping experience and competitive prices. The Mr Price Group is proud to be part of Westown Square and we are thrilled to bring our brands to this part of Durban,” said the group’s spokesperson.
According to Lana Pattison head of leasing at Fundamentum Property Group, the close work with anchor and national retail partners have given Westown Square a solid foundation.
“Our work has just begun. We are concluding agreements with other super regional tenants and working with local brands and niche retailers to bring an aspirational tenant mix and distinct shopping experience to the Outer West.”
Part Of The Whole
Westown Square is designed by retail specialists MDS Architecture in a joint venture with Boogertman and Partners as a high street environment that prioritises the movement of people, social spaces and lifestyle. “The design is open, permeable and accessible which encourages connection and interaction as part of the retail experience,” says Donald McGillivray, MDS Architecture partner.
It is supported by a number of interconnected precincts that together create the 100ha Westown Urban Core which is set to generate some R15 billion in new investment over the next 10-15 years. These include:
- The West Private Hospital
- Residential apartments
- Commercial and business activities
- A warehousing and logistics precinct
- Farrier Crossing
Planned as a managed urban environment, Westown will integrate with existing outdoor and lifestyle activities and facilities in the area and enhance them with the rehabilitation of sugar cane into an indigenous active green belt.