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The province of KwaZulu-Natal is excited to get its retail therapy on as the luxury Westown Square shopping mall starts construction this year.

With 520,000 square metres of bulk floor area, the elite shopping centre forms part of a R30 billion mixed-use precinct sectioned off for development between Durban and Pietermaritzburg.

The developers behind the new shopping experience, MDS Architecture and Boogertman and Partners, explained that they are aiming for that snazzy London “high street” vibe.

As a sceptical South African, it’s hard not to question the role another mall will play in our economy, as many locals struggle to even pay rent. Will pretending to be in a UK haute couture district make sense?

eThekwini mayor Mxolisi Kaunda did try to relieve some of the scepticism in 2022 when he explained that the retail project forms part of a much bigger opportunity for the SA.

Westown Mall forms part of the Shongweni Urban Development project, which is what they are calling the cordoned-off mixed-use zone. Kaunda is adament that:

“It will further catalyse investment in the city and stimulate job creation and investment.”

Judgements aside, the footage of where the Shongweni Urban Development is being built is a reminder that South Africa really does have the best backdrop for any kind of new project. Rolling hills, red rocks and an open African sky – a developer’s dream.

One of the most exciting features promised for the Westown Mall is a concept mysteriously titled “The Barn”. While the title leaves a lot to be desired, the actual idea behind it is a dream come true for locals:

“Bespoke experiences, with food, wine, local produce and handmade crafts housed in a textured environment of warmth and greenery.”

Count me in!

Now let’s hold our breath and see how long it’ll take to complete.

[source:businesstech]