Baywest Mall all set to open with a bang

Introducing her new team of 23 dedicated staff members, Baywest Mall general manager Sonja de Necker last week said 96% of the 90000m² mall had been let, of which between 80% to 85% of tenants would be operational when the centre opens next month.

"The investment of the major high-end brands shows confidence in the region. We are finalising a few more international brands coming to the centre," De Necker said.

The mall would celebrate opening season with weeks of festivities. The celebrations would last at least three months after the official opening, De Necker said.

Announcing some of the 250 retail brands to operate over two floors, Baywest marketing manager Samantha Hewitson said it would include US baked goods retailer Cinnabon and popular global outlet The Bubble Tea Company.

Hewitson said other firsts for the region included a Champagne and Sushi Bar, headed by Port Elizabeth restaurateur Mark Oosthuizen, owner of Fushin Sushi Bar in Stanley Street and at the Sunridge Village.

Famous Brands would also unveil new-look stores and menus at its Baywest Mall eateries, including Fishaways, Steers and Debonairs.

Other leisure activities making the centre a destination shopping centre like Canal Walk in Cape Town include a Fun Factory entertainment zone, the biggest drawcard being an ice rink where ice hockey teams and figure skating champions would be able to practice along with novices.

An enormous screen would be in the mall's food court.

"The Fun Factory also has a state-of-the-art games arcade featuring games and entertainment attractions from the US," De Necker said.

It incorporates a bowling alley and a wing of Ster-Kinekor cinemas. The cinemas will include an Imax cinema and Ster-Kinekor's luxury Cine Prestige.

For the fashion-conscious, Hewitson said British high street fashion brand River Island, London footwear and accessory brand Dune, Canadian lingerie label La Senza and British fashion brand Topshop would all be tenants at the mall.

Source: Herald via I-Net Bridge