BEIRUT: Beirut City Centre, Majid Al Futtaim Properties' first shopping mall development in Lebanon, is on-schedule for opening in early 2013 as planned. The USD 300 million project is located in Beirut's Hazmieh district, 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 sqm 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. Beirut City Centre will be a new landmark destination for Great Beirut, and 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. Directly accessible by local road network from the city center and major neighboring districts, Beirut City Centre is conveniently located on the Damascus-Beirut Road. “Beirut City Centre will foster growth within the local economy and specifically the retail sector, offering a compelling new shopping, leisure and social experience for residents in the surrounding community,” said Waddah El Solh, Country Head – Levant for Majid Al Futtaim Properties. “For Majid Al Futtaim Properties' first mall development in Lebanon, we have strategically chosen the mall's location, design, retail mix and leisure and entertainment offering to reflect the lifestyle, culture and discerning tastes of our key audiences. Beirut City Centre, when open in early 2013, will deliver a world-class standard mall that will redefine the shopping and leisure experience in Lebanon.” Anchoring this new retail destination is the first Carrefour hypermarket in Lebanon, occupying 13,000 sqm, a state-of-the-art VOX Cinemas multiplex, featuring the latest cinematic innovations and the first Magic Planet family entertainment center 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 Beirut City Centre'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 silver rating, an industry-recognized system measuring the environmental friendliness of buildings. In addition, the mall's easy-to-navigate aisles, bright and expansive interiors and generous car parking facilities, will make Beirut City Centre a shopper-friendly and welcoming environment. Construction on Beirut City Centre commenced September 2009, and is the first retail development in Lebanon by Majid Al Futtaim Properties, a leading developer of shopping malls together with hotels and mixed-use community projects in the MENA region. BM ShortURL: http://goo.gl/mJ3i7 Tags: Beirut, City Centre, Mall, Shopping Section: Business, Lebanon
