K3bn LL shopping mall to be completed by 2010

Source: Daily Times

Construction of an upmarket shopping mall in Lilongwe, estimated to cost US$21 million (about K3 billion), will be ready by 2010, according to owners, Nico Holdings.

Nico Holdings Financial Director Vizenge Kumwenda confirmed in an interview recently that the mall, which would be situated close to another Nico property, Nico Centre, would be called Lilongwe City Shopping Mall.

The new shopping mall will be situated on land, which was formerly a Shire Buslines Ltd depot and workshop.

According to Nico Holdings, the property sits on 14,000 square metres, of which 4,500 square metres has been signed to Game Stores.

Broll Malawi Portfolio Executive Anton Bieber said with its experience in Blantyre, instead of going to other countries, Game Stores decided to increase its penetration in Malawi to lure shoppers from neighbouring countries like Zambia and Mozambique.

Broll Malawi, who are also leasing agents, have already signed a contract with food chain Spar, which is expected to open two flagship stores in Lilongwe and Blantyre before diversifying to small shops where there will be need.

Household textile chain, Sheet Street , which sells beddings and house decorations, will also have a shop at the mall allowing shoppers to purchase all inclusive textiles.

Broll Malawi has also signed fashion chain Mr Price and textile shop Woolworths, but will also sign 20 other shops such as pharmacies, boutiques, opticians and cafes as construction of the mall proceeds.



So far, according to Bieber, surveys have been undertaken on the site and plans have been submitted to Lilongwe City Assembly, but letting will only start next year.

Bieber said each of the disciplines which will be working on the construction of the mall would have local partners but architects are from Cape Town, South Africa and they have experience with construction of Game and Spar supermarket there.

“Yes, the schedule is tight because of planning of big shops like Game and Spar. Building time is estimated at 14 months and it will not be complicated, but sophisticated,” Bieber said.

The new mall has been designed in such a way that access to Nico Centre, Shoprite and banks is easy.

“The new mall will have lots of packing space and shoppers will be able to leave their vehicles, walk to the banks while doing shopping before coming to sit down to a cup of coffee before heading home,” Bieber said.

He said the new retail shops like Sheet Street , Woolworths, Mr Price and Spar will complement local franchises, but also give Malawian shoppers, who have become sophisticated, a wide range of choices and better quality.