The four-phase upgrade of Oman Avenues Mall is on track according to Oman-based Al Taher Group. The redevelopment of the retail and leisure destination includes large-scale infrastructure enhancements such as the introduction of a dedicated flyover extension, bridges and the expansion of adjacent roads, which will connect the property to major population-centric areas, said the project developer.
Al Taher Group said the upgrade of the road behind the mall (to a four-lane road) will be completed in a few days, while work is in full swing on the two bridges connecting the feeder road to either side of Sultan Qaboos Street. The extension of the flyover connection to the mall is expected to be completed later in the year, however, the new street-level connection from Sultan Qaboos Street to the lower ground parking will be ready soon.
The plans to expand the road network around the mall will contribute to enhancing the shopping experience, the developer said.
“Al Taher Group is pleased that the expansion works of Oman Avenues Mall are on schedule. This project is a landmark development in Muscat that is advantageously situated to meet local demand in a burgeoning catchment area with a youthful demography and positioned to serve Oman’s flourishing business and leisure visitor numbers,” said Development Director Engineer Saud Mohammed Al Khalili.
He noted that in preparation for a projected increase in footfall, new parking spaces are being created, which include 550 bays on the roof and lower ground levels. This will integrate the parking area to the second level and directly to the cinemas, food court and family entertainment centre. In the same vein, an extension to the lower ground level parking will also connect another 500 spots to the mall, which will link to the open parking on the mall’s north wing.
The group noted that the retail and leisure destination is gearing up to host a large Ikea store.
Gogi George, General Manager, Development and Leasing, Lulu Group International concluded, “Since its inception, Oman Avenues Mall has become Oman’s leading retail and leisure destination. Our mall’s transformational plan is in anticipation of changing customer expectations and in line with global retail trends. The expansion project would deliver a fresh and diverse offering that would enrich the consumer experience. This makeover is ideally aligned with the sultanate’s strategic vision to strengthen the capital’s standing as a desirable business, tourism, and lifestyle destination.”