WESTOWN Square is under construction, with the opening of this retail experience set for early 2025. The 50 000 sqm Westown Square marks the activation of the first project within the development of Westown – the ‘New City of the West’.
Designed by retail specialists MDS Architecture in a joint venture with Boogertman and Partners KZN for developers Fundamentum Property Group (Fundamentum), Westown Square has been created 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 MDS Architecture partner, Donald McGillivray.
Set within an active green belt, 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.
With densely-planted walkways, pergola-covered seating, large trees and planter boxes, the focus is on celebrating the outdoors and setting the tone for Westown as a whole, through key features like the Town Gardens and Town Square, the amphitheatre, maze and children’s play areas.
Westown Square and indeed Westown as a whole reflects the lifestyle approach that has become so apparent 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,” explains CEO of Fundamentum, Carlos Correia.
Westown Square is an aspirational retail offering for all ages, that will reach the Outer West community and beyond with its super-regional tenant mix complimented by local niche offerings. This is across the range of fashion, health and beauty, food, entertainment and lifestyle brands.
Anchor tenants
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 (The Shoprite Group), Pick n Pay, Dischem, Edgars (The Retailaibility Group), The Mr Price Group, and Clicks, each bringing a premium offering to the Outer West.
The Shoprite Group will be occupying approximately 10 000 sqm of retail space with its 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 (8 500 sqm), where we 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 KwaZulu- Natal divisional manager of The Shoprite Group, Riaz Cotwal.
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, an abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables, 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 an online offering, with the PnP Groceries on Mr D 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.”
Edgars will be launching a ‘New Look’ store in Westown Square, with 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 CEO of Retailability, Norman Drieselmann.
One of South Africa’s leading retailers The Mr Price Group will be bringing its 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.
In collaboration with our anchor and national retail partnerships, a solid foundation for Westown Square has been formed. “Our work has just begun,” said head of leasing at Fundamentum Property Group, Lana Pattison. “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.”
