Commercial Property News South Africa

Nairobi's newest blossom soon to open

The first phase of East Africa's largest mall, Garden City, will open on 28 May and consists of 33,000 square metres of retail space including 120 local and international brands spread across three levels. The first floor anchor is the Game store and is the flagship store in Kenya for this retail giant, which is part of the Walmart Group, alongside Nakumatt supermarket, Tile & Carpet, and Victoria Courts.
Nairobi's newest blossom soon to open

The mall is the first development of its kind in East Africa, incorporating retail, residential and office space into one integrated design. Phase one of the project includes 76 sold out two and three bedroom apartments and duplexes, soon to welcome the first wave of tenants and owners into their new homes.

Shoppers will access the Garden City Mall through the overpass at the Garden Estate interchange at Exit 7, while those coming from Thika will use Exit 8 and then branch left into the new service road, which cuts through Willmary Estate, adjacent to the mall.

With its state-of-the-art design making maximum use of natural light and fresh air, and boasting the largest solar panelled carport in East Africa, the new mall promises to bring many 'firsts' to the Kenyan retail market.

Outside seating on the dining terraces, another new feature for Nairobi shoppers overlooks the landscaped park at its centre. The park is designed for the whole family to enjoy, including play fountains and children's playground, specially commissioned art installations by local artist Peterson Kamwathi, and an open-air amphitheatre, hosting an extensive programme of events and shows throughout the year.

"Phase one of the mall is almost fully leased and we're expecting more than 50% of our retail tenants to be ready to open with us on the 28th May, including our anchor tenants, Game and Nakumatt. We are very excited to be able to open our doors and invite everyone inside to start shopping, and to begin growing our Garden City community," said Michael Turner, Director of Actis, Nairobi.

Development of the second phase of the project includes additional residential and retail space (transforming it into a 50,000 square metre Mall), a business hotel, and more than 25,000 square metres of office space.

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