The R375-million contract was a fast-track undertaking that saw the new shopping centre completed in 17 months. Grinaker-LTA Building East managing director Rob Bremner notes that the tight programme was a challenge, combined with the current shortage of skilled labour and sub-contractors in a busy market. However, the contractor is proud to have handed over a quality development that’s set to be a new retail landmark in Durban, he states.

Westwood Mall is a multi-level structure consisting of a loading level, a banking mall with additional parking, and two levels of retail. The development also includes an adjacent multi-level car park with a further 1 600 parking bays.

The malls themselves are spacious, yet simplistic and classic in design, Bremner explains. “This places the emphasis on the shops and their merchandise as opposed to the building itself.

“Westwood will meet the growing demand for retail facilities in Westville and Durban’s Berea, where existing malls like The Pavilion are well patronised,” he adds.  It is also designed to serve the proposed new residential development on the adjacent site. Access to Westwood Mall is from the M13 highway.