Mall of Namibia taking shape fast

The construction of what will be the largest shopping mall in Namibia, is on schedule. The developer claims it will influence existing and future retail patterns not only in its primary catchment area but also in the wider region.
Grove Mall developer, Safland had received criticism about the construction of business complexes across the country from the Government Institutions Pensions Fund (GIPF). The GIPF was particularly worried about the Gwashamba Centre in Ondangwa. The government pension fund’s main concern is that a number of business complexes have sprung up in recent years and that supply is now far outstripping demand in the town. A probe into the affairs of Frontier Property Trust, which is managed by Safland Properties was conducted by the GIPF to check if there was any misconduct by the property group.

In Windhoek, The Grove Mall has the backing of anchor tenants such as Checkers and Game who plan to open its second outlet in the capital. Between 1200 and 1500 jobs are expected to be created by the retailers who will occupy the mall.
The Grove Mall will include a Health and Fitness Centre, office units ranging from 100 to 600 square metres as well as residential units in two to four bedroom configuration, as well as a cinema and bowling alley, amongst other businesses. Contractors Murray and Roberts are in charge of the construction which is slated to increase the capital’s retail space by 55,000 square metres and serve as top family entertainment destination and venue for open air events.
The N$920 million mall is expected to be ready for business by September.