Westown, known as the “New City of the West,” is a visionary and catalytic greenfields project located in Shongweni, KwaZulu-Natal. Strategically nestled between Durban and Pietermaritzburg, the development is geared to transform the once-rural expanse into a thriving, modern mixed-use urban precinct. Owned and developed by Fundamentum Property Group, Westown is the first major activity within the broader 2,000-hectare Shongweni Urban Development, an initiative supported by eThekwini Municipality, the KZN Department of Economic Development, and national government.
With an estimated investment of R15 billion over the next 10–15 years, Westown is more than a construction project—it is a long-term, lifestyle-centric commitment to community upliftment, green integration, and economic stimulation. The project’s lead phase, Westown Square, officially opened in March 2025, establishing a retail, dining, and cultural anchor for the wider precinct. Subsequent phases, such as Shongweni Eco Park by Balwin Properties, has since broken ground, advancing a holistic live-work-play model.
PHASE 1:
WESTOWN SQUARE AND THE BARN CONSTRUCTION INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
Innovation is a cornerstone of Westown’s success. From structural engineering to surface finishes, the development incorporates cutting-edge construction materials, technologies, and methods to ensure durability, efficiency, and adaptability.
Engineering and Infrastructure
The development team includes:
- Fundamentum Property Group – Developer
- ORION – Project Management
- Stefanutti Stocks Coastal – Main Contractor
- Bosch Projects (Westown), L&S Engineers (Westown Square), and SMEC SA (Kassier Rd) – Civil & Structural Engineering Consultants
- MLC – Quantity Surveyors
- Boogertman & Partners and MDS – Architects
Bulk Earthworks – Dynamic Compaction Construction Technique
KEY TECHNOLOGIES AND MATERIALS
The dynamic compaction construction technique was used to compact the soil on the shopping centre site in preparation for the bulk earthworks. A three-sided impact roller was also used to compact the soil. A CFA piling rig was used to drill the piled foundations.
The second-level concrete slab of the retail centre was constructed using the coffer slab construction technique to help carry the load of the concrete slab and add strength. The first two concrete slabs, requiring 519m³ and 600m³ of concrete, respectively, were poured in September 2023. Another concrete pour of 730m³ was completed in November 2023.
Saint-Gobain, through a.b.e.® and other business units, supplied a suite of high-performance products to the main contractor and subcontractors, including:
1. a.b.e.® Structural & Surface Solutions:
• durarep FC – High-strength, cementitious fairing compound to smooth concrete surface imperfections and blowholes.
• duragrout® – High-strength, shrinkage-compensated precision grout.
• duragrout® GP – Shrinkage-compensated grout for general-purpose applications like grouting steel columns or footings.
• abe® chemical anchor MAXX – A vinylester, styrene-free bonded anchoring system for solid, dry or wet substrates.
• epidermix® 314 – High early-strength, epoxy repair putty for structural reinstatement to vertical, overhead concrete defects, which cures in damp conditions.
• epidermix® 345 – High-performance structural epoxy adhesive with exceptional adhesion for wet-to-dry concrete, offering a longer 8-hour open time.
2. a.b.e.® Waterproofing systems:
• malthoid 2PLY & 3PLY – Asphaltic waterproofing membranes with fibre felt carriers for superior long-term protection.
• flexothane 27 & G – Polyurethane construction sealants, including G-grade for biodegradation resistance and elastomeric properties.
• brixeal – 24,000 L bitumen emulsion waterproof barrier between concrete beams or pillars and brickwork.
• super laykold tape – Self-adhesive waterproofing tape to seal joints, laps and flashing detailing.
3. Other Saint-Gobain Business Units Flooring and Finishes:
• TECHNICAL FINISHES’ Marblecrete system – Over 1,000 sqm of decorative and durable flooring.
• ISOVER insulation and GYPROC partitioning, ceilings and plasters – Fire-resistant, energy-efficient wall and ceiling systems.
Additionally, abe® manhole sealant strips and bituprime were used from the early earthworks phase, demonstrating continuity in quality across development stages.
Kassier Road Upgrade – Infrastructure-First Approach
CORPORATE SOCIAL INVESTMENT (CSI)
Westown’s commitment to CSI is robust and measurable. It transcends compliance by embedding community development into the core of the project’s DNA.
Launched in April 2023, the Westown Training Centre, in collaboration with Stefanutti Stocks and the Westown Foundation, serves as a beacon of empowerment for the Shongweni community.
Achievements: 150 local graduates received training in Basic concrete work, Plumbing, Bricklaying, and Heavy machinery operation. These learners form the largest graduate cohort in the region’s development sector to date.
The programme provides employment pathways within Westown and the broader construction industry. Stefanutti Stocks employs the services of local SMMEs for their projects as part of their enterprise development programme and their commitment to mentor local contractors.
By investing in people, the development ensures long-term, sustainable growth rooted in local participation.
Development Internal Road Network
DESIGN INNOVATION
Westown’s master plan is driven by a commitment to sustainable placemaking, balancing urban vibrancy with ecological integration.
Phase 1: Westown Square
A R1.3 billion investment, this 50,000 m² mixed-use retail and lifestyle precinct highlights key features:
- High-street style architecture design blending indoor and outdoor spaces: The centre is intentionally designed as an open, permeable environment with lush gardens, wide walkways, and greenery reflecting the Shongweni green belt. Crafted by MDS Architecture in collaboration with Boogertman and Partners KZN.
- Well landscaped, sustainable and accessible elements: The site emphasises inclusivity and green design, with cycling paths, tactile paving for universal access, and active integration with the area’s natural landscapes.
- Garden pockets and outdoor lifestyle nooks offer family-friendly and experiential amenities: Westown Square features a Town Gardens, a maze, an amphitheatre, and children’s play areas, offering a recreational and interactive environment.
- “The Barn” iconic barn-shaped structure: a multipurpose, two-level artisan hub for markets, concept eateries, creative events, and community gatherings of 5000 m2, started in April 2024.
Phase 2: Shongweni Eco Park
Breaking ground in May 2025, this Balwin Properties development reflects modern green urban living for 1, 2, and 3-bedroom apartments with a 6-Star Green Star-rated Lifestyle Centre.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT CONSIDERATION
Sustainability is a foundational pillar of the Westown vision; therefore, Stefanutti Stocks operates within their defined key areas, including carbon emissions, energy, materials, waste, water and credible information to mitigate environmental risk and guide the implementation of preventive measures and controls to reduce environmental harm.
Land Rehabilitation and Green Focused Integration
- The precinct replaces degraded sugar cane fields with a structured green belt. Nearly 30% of the precinct is dedicated to green zones, with almost 300 trees planted within Westown Square alone. An onsite nursery and climatic acclimatisation were established at the site to acclimate 286 trees, both indigenous and selected, before planting, ensuring stronger establishment.
Trails, parks, and nature buffers are preserved and enhanced to encourage outdoor activity and ecological balance. Designed by Uys & White Landscape Architects, the grounds reflect Shongweni’s equestrian and “old-country charm,” with citrus orchards, vineyards, pergola-covered walkways, and flowering trees that offer both beauty and shade.
Green Building Practices
- Use of flexothane G ensures long-term sealant performance without biodegradation.
- ISOVER insulation and GYPROC fireboard contribute to energy efficiency and fire resistance.
- High-volume use of bitumen emulsion (brixeal) and asphaltic membranes (malthoid) reduces water ingress and maintenance frequency.
Low VOC, Non-Toxic Systems - Anchoring systems like abe® chemical anchor MAXX are styrene-free.
- DOWSIL 813C (pure silicone), used for joint sealing, enhances indoor air quality and worker safety.
The Barn Multipurpose Artisan Hub
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Health and safety have been meticulously managed due to the high-risk activities during the construction of the project through:
- Rigorous site protocols are enforced by Stefanutti Stocks according to their OHS policy statement.
- High-visibility signage, PPE compliance, and structured access control.
- On-site training on materials and equipment.
- Use of non-toxic and low-emission materials reduces occupational health risks.
- These systems reduce accidents, promote wellness, and support a culture of proactive care.
Decorative and Durable Marblecrete Flooring
QUANTIFIABLE TIME, COST, AND QUALITY METRICS
Timeline
- Civil Works Commenced for the Development internal road network: September 2023
- Westown Square and the Barn development: Start end 2023 and open in March 2025
- Eco Park Groundbreaking: May 2025
Financial Investment
- Total Development Budget: R15 billion
- Roads and Services infrastructure, including Kassier Road Upgrade: R733 million
Quality Control
- Oversight by ORION Project Management and MLC Quantity Surveyors.
- Use of certified materials and approved construction methods by Stefanutti.
- Stefanutti Stocks management and construction teams are focused on ‘Excellence in Execution’. Their commitment to achieving this statement and their flawless execution is a key pillar of maintaining their reputation for delivering quality on every contract – “do it right the first time”.
RISK MANAGEMENT
The project incorporates proactive and adaptive risk strategies:
Infrastructure-First Approach
- Upgrades to Kassier Road by Stefanutti Stocks involved widening the road to a double carriageway in both directions of 6.2 km. New bridges, including the construction of a pedestrian bridge over the N3, replacement of the bridge over the M13 and a bridge to facilitate the Kassier Road overpass. A total makeover of the two-lane road across the M13 and N3 into four lanes with a centre median and intersection signalisation points, water, wastewater, and electrical systems was executed upfront to de-risk the future phases.
Strategic Partnerships
- Alignment with eThekwini’s Shongweni Urban Development Framework ensures policy and funding stability.
- Collaboration with national and provincial government support zoning, regulatory, and service delivery goals.
Phased Rollout
Each project phase (retail, residential, infrastructure) is sequential, allowing:
- Performance evaluation
- Risk buffering
- Financial staging
MOTIVATIONAL FACTS AND IMPACT
Westown is a flagship of transformation, not just for Shongweni, but for KwaZulu-Natal’s entire Outer West corridor.
Job Creation Opportunities
- ~15,000 construction jobs
- ~8,500 permanent roles across retail, residential, services, and facilities.
Skills Empowerment
- Westown Training Centre graduates feed directly into the job market.
- Pioneering CSI approach addresses the skills gap in construction and built environments.
Catalytic Development
- First major investment in the 2,000-hectare Shongweni Urban Development Zone.
- Lays the foundation for a hospital, business parks, schools, and transport hubs.
Model for Urban Living
- Demonstrates how rural-to-urban transformation can be responsibly managed.
- Sets precedent for future mixed-use nodes in South Africa.
- Delivering upgraded public infrastructure for socio-economic upliftment.
CONCLUSION
Westown is not simply a development—it is a movement. A movement towards:
- Sustainable living
- Inclusive economic growth
- Community empowerment
- Smart city design
With collaborative efforts between Stefanutti Stocks and the team, they could deliver a successful Phase 1 of the project, shaping the future of KwaZulu-Natal—one building, one job, at a time – doing it right the first time.