Excitement builds as Westown Square, a 100-hectare ‘City of the West’, gears up for its official opening next year, propelled by robust private sector investments.
Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda of eThekwini, along with development partners Fundamentum Property Group (FPG) and Balwin Properties, visited the Westown Square site on Thursday, to witness the rapid progress of this ambitious project. The city has allocated R600 million toward essential infrastructure to support the development, reflecting a significant commitment to fostering growth in the region.
During the visit, Mayor Kaunda observed the signing of a substantial R2 billion agreement between FPG and Balwin Properties for the development of an eco-estate residential complex within Westown Square.
“We have invested close to R600 million towards the bulk infrastructure required to support Westown. This investment will yield huge returns for the City,” said Kaunda, highlighting the anticipated economic impact of the project. Once fully operational, Westown Square is projected to generate around R21 million annually in rates income, which is expected to escalate to over R500 million per annum upon completion of the R15 billion urban development by 2037.
Kaunda outlined the expansive scope of the 15-year Shongweni Urban Development, comprising nine mixed-use precincts. Westown Square, a centerpiece of this initiative, will integrate commercial, residential, logistics, and industrial elements, including a private hospital, aiming to position eThekwini as a premier Smart City.
The project has already delivered substantial socio-economic benefits, with approximately 1,000 locals employed in the construction of bulk infrastructure and Westown Square.
CEO of Balwin Properties, Steve Brookes, emphasized the potential for job creation, estimating that around 8,000 jobs will be generated during the construction phase of the Shongweni Eco Park, with 500 permanent positions expected upon completion.
Carlos Correia, CEO of Fundamentum, hailed Westown as a landmark infrastructure investment by the Municipality, catalysing significant socio-economic progress in the Outer West region.
Infrastructure enhancements include the construction of two new bridges and an extensive upgrade of Kassier Road, transforming it from a two-lane road into a four-lane thoroughfare with a central median. Additionally, a new pedestrian bridge over the N3 and a loop ramp will provide direct access to Westown, further enhancing connectivity.
Correia underscored the private sector’s confidence in the project, citing R1.4 billion in investment triggered by Fundamentum’s initiatives. Absa Commercial and Investment Bank’s backing of the 50,000m² Westown Square retail space underscores this support.
“The launch of Balwin’s 1,260-apartment lifestyle estate within Westown Square represents a major milestone, with construction expected to commence later this year,” added Correia.
Article written by:
Thabile Duma
Journalist at Radio Al Ansaar
