Dubai
Abu Dhabi’s Marina Mall has got it all. A coveted location right on the Corniche and where visitors can have their fill of a vast expanse of water as far as the eye can see. Or they could change their view and catch the sheer opulence that is the Emirates Palace Hotel next door.
Given such in-built features, one would have thought topping up this “experience” would be quite a difficult task for the developer. Clearly, the National Investment Corp., which owns the mall, has other ideas. In late October it came up with the blueprint for a Dh3 billion plus expansion that would consolidate its waterfront advantages further.
And, yes, add 300,000 square metres for shopping, leisure and entertainment, including what is to be Abu Dhabi’s first “skate park”.
“The location of Marina Mall as a destination is still a very attractive proposition,” said Rami Chehabeddine, Chief Investment Officer at NIC. “It will become stronger when we complete the expansion.
“Marina Mall will continue to be an experience — and we want to make it a visiting experience for the inhabitants of Abu Dhabi and those coming in as tourists. It will not be just a shopping mall to come to. We are going to create the right mix that will complement each other.”
So, what’s the mix going to be about? As is becoming the status quo in the mall industry, F&B has a leading role to play in the Marina Mall expansion programme, with its own waterfront promenade and even a dedicated “restaurant tower” to house those brands wanting a future piece of Abu Dhabi’s lucrative dining business — fine, casual or fast, as the case may be.
“The (existing) Marina Mall itself is not part of the extension — the south and north extensions add to the mall from both sides. They will be offering the community whatever it is to enhance the experience they already come to associate with the mall.
“We are not new to the logistics of development. We are not going to pound the whole area with massive construction works all at the same time and have it impact our (current) business.”
The enabling works have started on site, and construction is to get into full swing in the second-half of this year. But incremental upgrades to the current mall will start shortly.
The masterplanning for the whole project is done, and the way NIC has planned it, the first phase should be ready in 2021 and the second in 2022 itself, which will include a G+16-storey office tower.
But a most visible attraction will be the promenade, all 546 metres of it. The “Marina Walk”, as it will be known, will string together 19,500 square metres of leasable space, including the skate park. “Waterfront F&B will enhance the experience of the Marina Mall,” said Chehabeddine. “And it means offering more options to the clientele and not replace what we already have in the Mall.
“I disagree that Abu Dhabi already has enough (retail) capacity and that we should have started with the expansion plans earlier. We believe — and we sense it’s the same with our business partners — that our location is different from all the other facilities.
“Our footfall in the past three months has been excellent — we observed an increase of 10 per cent compared to last year. These footfalls are measured scientifically.
“Already, we have had contacts with groups who have expressed interest in leasing (for the new areas). We have discussed some deals, yes.
“As for new anchor stores, I think the Mall is already well-established. Our footfall is there and what we need to do is enhance the experience and create the right mix. Not adding more anchors.”
What the expansion will add up to
The 300,000 square metre extension to Marina Mall is projected to increase footfall up by to 35 per cent.
The extension will begin with the South Block and create space for high-end retail and F&B dining. There will also be residential tower as a part of this phase.
The North Block extension will build on the existing portfolio of entertainment options.
Then there is the Marina Walk of 546 meters and with prime waterfront views. Its 19,500 square metres of gross leasable area will also host a dining precinct and a restaurant tower.
