Grove Mall roof goes up

The mammoth shopping complex on the outskirts of Olympia in Windhoek, the Grove Mall is nearing completion.
Responding to questions on the progress of the Grove Mall of Namibia, Mr Stoffel van Beek of Atterbury, the Project Manager responsible, spoke to the Economist and gave an overview of the mall as it is edging closer to completion.
“We have reached the stage where roofs have been constructed to a large portion of the upper level of the Grove Mall of Namibia, and a large portion of the structured parking has been completed. We are busy with the completion of the concrete superstructure installation and the installation of services such as electrical distribution, air-conditioning and water distribution,” said Mr. van Beek and added that he was confident the mall would make the completion deadline set. He said that no major challenges were encountered so far during the construction.

Asked whether tenants had been secured to fill the remaining gross lettable area, Mr van Beek remarked “We have more tenants available and ready for sign-up than what we require and will select the remaining tenants based on their suitability to the final tenant mix and demand from the consumers.”
With the risk of rain almost surely a given, Mr. van Beek felt that much progress has been made saying, “The structure will hopefully not be affected by the rains as most of the remaining work is required to be constructed indoors. The rainy season may pose some challenges to the completion of the external road upgrading being undertaken.”
The rationale behind the Grove Mall of Namibia stems in part out of a growing need to not only service Windhoek residents but people in surrounding areas. At a staggering 54000 square metres, the Grove Mall will have to square off against established complexes such as Maerua Mall and Wernhill Park, both hosts to established supermarkets and retail chains.