LEROY Merlin announced its first KwaZulu-Natal store at a sod-turning ceremony on the site of the global home-improvement retailer’s first expansion outside of Gauteng. Set to open on 1 November 2026, Leroy Merlin Cornubia represents a R220 million new-build investment in Durban’s northern development corridor, signalling renewed investor confidence in the region.

“This flagship in Cornubia is the first step in a broader plan for future development and expansion in KwaZulu-Natal,” says Patrycja Pelkowska, development leader Leroy Merlin South Africa. “The store will not only create local employment opportunities but will also bring accessible, innovative home improvement solutions closer to the communities of KZN.”

The milestone development is being delivered in partnership with the eThekwini Municipality and local property investment company Fundamentum Property Group (Fundamentum).

Chair of eThekwini Municipality’s Economic Development and Planning Committee, Cllr Thembo Ntuli, , said, “This development will inject R300 million in initial private capital with bulk earthworks already underway. It is expected to create 2,500 construction jobs and 1,200 permanent jobs within ward 102, stimulate new local logistics, supply chain and commercial activity in the precinct and anchor future investments which are expected to exceed R3 billion, generating an estimated R120 million in municipal rates revenue annually.”

He continued, “This sod-turning is more than the start of construction. It is the rebirth of the Cornubia Town Centre Precinct, a once-dormant area that will soon flourish into a vibrant, modern urban centre. It symbolises confidence in our region, confidence in our people, and confidence in the future of the eThekwini economy.”

Ntuli committed, “We will continue working with our partners in the private sector, the community, and all spheres of government to ensure that Cornubia becomes a beacon of inclusive growth and long-term prosperity for the North Region and for our municipality.”

Fundamentum has played a pivotal role in securing Leroy Merlin’s entry into the KZN market. With landmark developments that have brought new retail and service infrastructure into historically underserved areas, Fundamentum continues to invest in long-term economic growth, urban regeneration, and community upliftment across the municipality.

“Bringing an international brand of this calibre to Durban underscores our commitment to unlocking new opportunities for the city and its people,” says Carlos Correia, CEO of Fundamentum.

“As a large-format, international retailer with a global footprint, Leroy Merlin’s entry sends a strong positive signal about Durban and the region’s competitiveness, the strength of its consumer base, and the attractiveness of its long-term development pipeline,” Correia adds.

A sentiment endorsed by Julia Taylor regional head, Investec Private Bank, KwaZulu-Natal, “Leroy Merlin’s arrival in Durban is a significant milestone for our city and province, and a strong endorsement of KwaZulu-Natal’s retail and consumer market. It reflects private sector confidence and highlights the value of meaningful partnerships in driving sustainable economic impact. Investec is proud to play a key role, alongside Fundamentum Property Group, in the development of this commercial property through our Structured Property Finance team.”

The new store is expected to serve as a catalyst for further investments into KwaZulu-Natal by Leroy Merlin’s parent company, Adeo Group, the third-largest home-improvement group globally.

Strategically located

Leroy Merlin Cornubia is located within the Cornubia Business Park, being developed by Fundamentum Property Group, between the N2 freeway and M41, close to the existing Cornubia Mall. The development will unlock a strategically positioned precinct that had remained dormant since 2019, despite core infrastructure already being installed.

The 10,000 sqm store becomes the first anchor investment enabling the rollout of the broader Cornubia Business Park precinct – an initiative expected to spark over R2.5 billion in new top-structure development value once the full node is built out. Infrastructure costs to activate the land are estimated at R270 million
This transformation of long-idle land into a productive commercial hub represents a substantial gain in rates rand utilities revenue and job creation for the city.

In line with the City’s mandate to attract investment, create jobs, build resilience, and stimulate township and community-linked economies, this combination of public and private investment will unlock economic activity for surrounding communities while enhancing accessibility and mobility across the northern corridor.

As a large-format ‘one-stop’ home-improvement destination, Leroy Merlin stores typically drive meaningful employment and training opportunities. With a business model built on own-brand product lines, local sourcing and local manufacturing partnerships will also form part of the long-term regional strategy.

Leroy Merlin Cornubia will include: