Westville, a suburb of Durban, is located less than 20 kilometres from the CBD but at a slightly higher elevation, enjoying somewhat cooler temperatures. It is known for its predominantly high-end, freehold residential properties, restful tree-lined streets as well as beautiful views due to the hilly nature of the area. Many of the residential streets are gated for added security. “The suburb boasts a strong retail presence in addition to commercial office space,” says Leon Breytenbach, National Manager of the Rawson Property Group’s commercial division
Location and access
Westville lies between the suburbs of Pinetown and Sherwood. “Only 15 minutes from Durban CBD or 11 kilometres from Pinetown, the suburb is conveniently situated to access the industrial centres in these areas,” explains Breytenbach. Pietermaritzburg lies 69 kilometres to the north via the N3 freeway while Umhlanga on the North Coast, lies 27 kilometres away via the N2. The M10 and M19 run through Westville, along with the N3, offering easy access to all areas of the hinterland or coast. King Shaka International Airport, 40 kilometres away at La Mercy, serves the area. Minibus taxis are always readily available.
Commercial Property
Although mainly residential in nature, Westville has developed a vibrant business sector offering commercial office space in addition to plenty of retail opportunities. Shopping centres in the suburb include the Pavilion Shopping Centre, Westwood Mall, Westville Mall, besides the smaller, centrally situated Westville Junction. “These centres offer the consumer every facet of shopping convenience, removing the need to venture further afield,” suggests Breytenbach. There are top notch restaurants, intimate little bistros, family eateries or take-away outlets and coffee shops to satisfy every taste or budget.
Westville boasts modern, up-to-date office parks, in particular Westway Office Park or Derby Downs. These are home to many national or international businesses, while several firms such as John Dory’s, Boxer Superstores, Pick n Pay KZN, Epol and Pentravel have their head offices in the area. Doctors, dentists, accountants, attorneys along with many other professional practitioners are also located here.
The SAPOA Office Vacancy Report for the second quarter of 2017 shows that Westville possesses a total of 201 776 square metres of office space, comprising of 65 221 square metres of A grade space, while the remaining 136 555 square metres of space is B grade. Of this, 10 572 square metres of A grade besides 12 644 square metres of B grade space are currently available for renting. The vacancy percentage has risen in the past year from 7.5% nine months ago to 11.5% at the time of the report. The average rental cost for A grade office space is R130 per square metre while B grade will cost R109 per square metre. There is a new 4 000 square metre development in the pipe-line, but it appears to be fully pre-let.
Amenities
Besides its wide variety of retail outlets, Westville offers cinemas, a skating park, tenpin bowling, an amusement park or a gym to entertain the whole family. Westview Country Club is a popular venue, while tourists or locals alike enjoy the Bergtheil Local History Museum. “If an escape to the great outdoors is required, Palmiet Nature Reserve in the Westville Valley offers 15 kilometres of hiking trails, bird watching or the chance to spot small mammals, in several different biomes,” says Breytenbach.
All levels of education are available at a number of excellent schools including Westville Boys’ High School, Westville Girls’ High School, Atholl Heights Primary School, Pitlochry Primary School, Westview Hindu Combined School, Westville Senior Primary, Noor Pre-primary, in addition to the Deutche Schule Durban. The University of KZN is located in Westview, as well as the Varsity College Westville Campus, the Christina Martin School of Food and Wine, The International Hotel School, to name a few. Life Westville Hospital is centrally located beside the Pavilion Shopping Centre.
Westview has it all; an up-market lifestyle, a wide selection of commercial investment or office accommodation possibilities, access to Durban, the many beaches, the Drakensberg, Northern KZN game parks or the Midlands, all within a few hours’ drive. “Added to its great location, the cooler climate, in addition to a country lifestyle makes Westville a great place for establishing a new business or investing in some great commercial property,” suggests Breytenbach.
