Shopping mall: $300m development to house 200 stores

BEIRUT City Centre, Majid Al Futtaim Properties’ first shopping mall in Lebanon, is on schedule for opening in early 2013.

The $300 million project is located in Beirut’s Hazmieh district on the Damascus-Beirut road, and will redefine the retail landscape by introducing more than 40 unique brands and an integrated leisure concept.

With a total of 200 stores - or 60,000 sq m of retail space spread over three levels, parking for 1,800 cars and a unique open-air rooftop concept, Beirut City Centre is set to be one of Lebanon’s largest modern shopping, leisure and entertainment destinations.

The complex will invigorate the local economy by creating more than 2,500 jobs during the construction phase and a further 1,200 permanent retail positions once open. The mall has already passed a key construction milestone with the completion of the roof and external structure.

Anchoring this new retail destination is the first Carrefour hypermarket in Lebanon, occupying 13,000 sq m, a state-of-the-art VOX Cinemas multiplex, featuring the latest cinematic innovations and the first Magic Planet family entertainment centre in Lebanon.

Complementing the leisure and entertainment offer, Beirut City Centre will feature an open-air, rooftop dining experience with over 12 destination restaurants offering a global range of cuisine.

Complementing these anchors is a collection of brand-leading fashion and accessories retailers and a broad offer of 40 international food and beverage outlets including a 16-outlet food court.

The mall’s contemporary design reflects the international standard of excellence across all of Majid Al Futtaim Properties’ shopping malls, with a dedicated emphasis on incorporating environmentally sustainable features into the overall design such as an expansive skylight, enhancing the natural light within the mall.

Beirut City Centre is currently aiming for a Leed (Leadership in Energy and Environment Design) Silver rating.

Construction of Beirut City Centre commenced September 2009, and is the first retail development in Lebanon by Majid Al Futtaim Properties.