News
New Westville mall close to completion
Durban's R650 million Westwood Mall in Westville is set to open in September. The developers celebrated a milestone yesterday at a roof-wetting ceremony as construction of the new regional shopping centre reached the roof. The mall - bordering the N2 and M13 freeways - is set to boast 150 retail, restaurant and other outlets. It is being developed by Cape Town-based Retail Africa on the southern edge of the burgeoning Westwood Estate - a development initiated by Durban-based Lance Gore Developments. "In total, the Westwood Mall and Westwood Estate development represents an investment of more than R1.3 billion in the eThekwini region," said Retail Africa chairman Angus Mackay at the ceremony.
"A development of this magnitude has a very positive effect on the whole community, injecting much needed funds into the local economy. When the mall opens in September an estimated 1 200 permanent jobs would have been created," he said. Mackay said Westwood Mall would offer "an indulgent retail experience designed to satisfy the discerning shopper's desire for a convenient, friendly and upmarket meeting place". "We have succeeded in not only building a beautiful 35 000m² centre, but one with ample parking on three levels as well as easy access via major road networks. We have spent R12 million on upgrading the M13, Lincoln Terrace and Grace Avenue. We have also invested R2 million in electricity infrastructure and a further R2 million on Telkom infrastructure". The mall will feature the entry of major international retailers to the KZN market. They include Promod, one of France's biggest boutique fashion chains, and London-based sports department chain store Lillywhites. The centre will be anchored by Woolworths and Edgars on the upper level and Pick 'n Pay and Dis-Chem on the lower level.
Other major retailers will include Truworths, Foschini, Ackermans and Mr Price. The centre will also have a large food court with fine dining and fast food outlets. "Westwood is one of the most pleasing and contemporary centres in the country small and convenient enough to be considered your local, yet large enough to offer 150 exciting stores and restaurants, some of which are altogether new to KZN," said centre general manager Ronica Inarman.
