THE Westown Square in Shongweni will be opened today (Thursday), with excitement surrounding the potential impact it will have in terms of employment opportunities within the eThekwini Municipality.
Westown, a mixed-use property and lifestyle development situated along the N3 between Pietermaritzburg and Durban, is set to bring a new economic and other dimensions to the region.
The first phase of the development, which includes The Barn, will be open to the public today, offering a glimpse into what’s to come.
At the centre of Westown lies Westown Square, an area designed with a range of interconnected precincts and experiences.
These include Baldwin’s residential development and Shongweni Eco Park, which together make up the 100-hectare Westown Urban Core.
Dubbed the "City of the West," Westown is poised to become the new economic hub for Durban’s Outer West.
The Barn, with its iconic barn-shaped design, serves as the spatial centerpiece of Westown Square. Inside, visitors will find a curated mix of artisanal homeware, art, fashion, beauty, food and beverage outlets, as well as quality restaurants and niche concept eateries.
eThekwini Municipality spokesperson Gugu Sisilana said the city invested R600 million in infrastructure development and upgrades.
“This is just the first phase of a larger mixed-use development that will include a residential estate, hospital, commercial parks, and more,” Sisilana said. “Westown is expected to generate around R15 billion in investment over the next 10 to 15 years, creating 15,000 construction jobs and 8,500 permanent jobs.”
The development has received strong support from various organisations, including the eThekwini Municipality, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, and the National Government.
On the subject of community involvement and employment opportunities, Simphiwe Ngema, a resident of Shongweni Village, was optimistic about the opportunities the development would bring.
“Everything is positive. Many young people have found job opportunities, and we believe this mall will greatly benefit both the community and the surrounding areas.”
1000 Hills Tourism South Africa also voiced their excitement, welcoming the new shopping and lifestyle destination to the Valley of 1000 Hills. “We extend a warm 1000 Hills welcome to Westown. They’re set to lead the way in retail experiences, with a world-class shopping environment that blends indoor and outdoor spaces, reflecting the natural beauty of the Shongweni green belt,” they said.
With its blend of innovative design and economic promise, Westown is ready to make a significant impact on both the local community and the broader region. Additional reporting Daily News.
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