Go West if you want some great shopping

Westwood Mall, the 35 000m² shopping centre that is rapidly taking shape in Westville, Durban, has already had a significant economic impact on the eThekweni region and will continue to do so into the future. At the mall's roof wetting held last week, Angus Mackay, chairperson of Retail Africa, a developer of shopping centres in South Africa, who conceptualised, designed and leases the mall, said: "A development of this magnitude has a very positive effect on the whole community, injecting much needed funds into the local economy". Developers commissioned at least 12 studies including wetlands, environmental, economic impact and geotechnical to arrive at an informed decision to develop the land in the most sustainable and economically viable manner.

The new mall, due to open to the public on September 25 2008, is the retail component adjacent to the residential development - Westwood Estate. The two components are situated on a 36ha site previously known as Gardenpark with the R650 million shopping centre taking up 6ha while the lifestyle estate covers the remaining 3Oha and l2ha has been left as a green belt.

With more than 2 000 employees on site, the economic benefits have already been felt in the area of employment. When the mall opens in September an estimated 1 200 permanent, sustainable employment opportunities would have been created. Earthworks started in November 2006. Since then, developers invested about R12 million on upgrading the M13, Lincoln Terrace and Grace Avenue, with a further combined investment of R4 million in electricity and telecommunication infrastructure.

Derek Naidoo, Deputy City Manager: Procurement and Infrastructure, confirmed that the municipality is proud to be associated with the Westwood development. "The development accords with council's vision of promoting the mixed use approach, creating jobs and alleviating poverty and densification," he said.

One of the most pleasing aspects of this development is the fact that economic progress has not been accomplished at the expense of the environment. Mackay explained that l2ha had been retained as a green belt. "Alien vegetation has been removed and the area is being rehabilitated at a cost of about R1 million," he said.

The total investment in the eThekweni region, including the retail and the residential components, will stand at R1.3 billion by the time the project is completed.